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- Description:
- This slightly yellowed paper envelope contained a 10-page letter that was written by Francis L. York who was the organist for Christ Church. The front of the envelope has a handwritten title, "History and Prophecy of Music in Detroit" and is signed "Francis L. York." His return address is printed in black text in the upper left corner. The back flap of the envelope is sealed with two irregularly-shaped drops of dark green wax.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- Four page unbound booklet of sheet music for the piano, composed by T. F. Rinehart, and published by Auburn Publishing Company of Auburn, Indiana. "Musical Supplement to the 'Charlotte Prohibitionist.' Charlotte, Mich., Friday, November 20th, 1885." The piece is in 6/8 time.
- Date Issued:
- 1885-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- General History
- Description:
- 45 RPM Record. Contains "Song of the Teamsters Union" on side one, and the "Pledge of Allegiance" on side two. The record was released by Amron Records with copyright by Abe Olman Music, Inc., New York 19, N. Y. The record label is printed in blue text on a yellow background. The record is stored in a 7" x 7" white paper sleeve that is printed in blue, green, yellow, and black. The cover depicts a truck driver glancing to another trucker in his side view mirror, and contains monochromatic photo inserts of James R. Hoffa and John F. English. The words of the Song of the Teamsters Union are printed on the back.
- Date Issued:
- 1961-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Industrial History
- Description:
- This writing paper was from the personal stationery of Francis L. York who was the organist at Christ Church in Detroit. The paper has a watermark that shows a monogram emblem (unreadable) and the word, "Ledger." It is slightly yellowed and the sender's address, "235 Hancock Avenue West," is printed in black text at the top. The 10-page letter was handwritten in black ink and the text has been transcribed as follows: "Detroit Dec 30 1900 Hon. Wm. C. Maybury. Mayor of Detroit. Dear Sir. Your communication asking for an article on the present conditions of musical matters in Detroit, at hand. I regret that I have only twenty-four hours in which to prepare the article, but will do my best. - The history of music in D. during the earlier part of the century was similar to that of most towns. There were two players and fewer instruments. The "singing school" teacher was in evidence and taught the girls and boys to read the "buckwheat" notes. Isolated attempts at choral work were made and in the Catholic churches some attention was paid to the musical service. Later on as more interest was taken in all kinds of art concerts given by singers and players began to be heard. Beethoven was then writing his greatest works Schumann Chopin Mendelssohn and Liszt either were too young to write or their works were unknown. It is only within fifty years that music can be said to have a history in D. or it is only within that time that music and professional musicians have had any recognized standing. The churches have perhaps had more to do with fostering a love for music than any other influence. With the advent of the pipe organ the better class of music began to be hear Mozart's and Hayden's music and later those of more modern writers were given in the churches. The old Detroit Musical Society under various names did excellent pioneer work giving concerts and producing ovations etc. Mr. Abel Mr. Zelmisky and others directors. Mr. Meakin of the Fort St. Presbyterian church and Mr. Abel of Christ Church were the most prominent organist[s] of, say, thirty-five years ago. The past twenty-five years during which I have been more or less acquainted with musical matters in D., have witnessed a wonderful transformation and growth in all departments of music and in the appreciation and taste for music all over the country, but our advancement in D. has far outstripped that of most places. Music has grown more rapidly than any other department of human interest in the world of art and letters. Twenty five years ago a Sonata by Beethoven would hardly be listened to by a Detroit audience - a Fantasia on some operatic air, full of "runs" and musical fire-works was what appealed to the average taste. And as for Bach! he was caviar to mostly all - unhappily so to too many yet. Twenty-five years ago we had but one organist of any standing. Today we have at least three who are not only known throughout the country but to some extent in Europe. We have a pianist, Mr. Jonas, who, though not in the first rank is at least the equal on many in the second rank. We have Mr. Wm. Yunck one of the finest violinists in the country and an excellent all-armed musician. The coming to D. of Messrs J.C. Batchelder and J.H. Hahn fresh from study with the best teachers of Europe (Richter, Haupt, Plaidy, Loeschhorn etc) is really the starting point of the remarkable progress that has been made during the past twenty-five years. It was due very largely to these two men that music has attained its present position. Both these gentlemen, men of large ideas well equipped and aiming at the highest ideals, have worked and are still working most successfully for the good of music. Where there are so many musicians where work is excellent it is difficult to choose names for mention. Tastes differ and others doubtless would select a different lists. But in addition to those already mentioned I must give a few names of those whose work has had a determining influence on music. Mr. Hofmann the cellist, Mr. Luyler pianist, Mr. N.J. Corey, and I hope the present writer, organists, Mr. Norton Soprano and voice teacher, Mr. Freytag organist Mr. Brueckner violinist, Mr. Marshall Pearl and Mr. J.D. Mechan (now of Pittsburg Pa) are some of those whose work has not only reputation and success to themselves, but has had an immense educational value in diffusing knowledge of music and an appreciation for the best in music. There is no city in the union of the size of Detroit that possesses so many well-known and unusually capable musicians as D. Detroit is well supplied with music schools - perhaps too well for it is a question whether the multiplication of small schools is an advantage. The Detroit Conservatory is one of the strongest and best known in the country and under the direction of Mr. J.H. Hahn has wielded a powerful influence for good. Recently it gave its one thousandth recital. The Michigan Conservatory established this year under Mr. Jonas is a worthy rival of the older institutions and has a strong corps of teachers. Many others such as the Detroit Institute (Miss Jacobs) and the Detroit School of Music (Mr. F. Apel) might be mentioned with approval. In the matter of Church Choir, Detroit stands above any city of its size with which I am acquainted. The work of the bested choirs in at least two instances is admirable, comparing favorably with some of the best in England. As yet there are no choir schools and no church requires the daily attendance of the choir. It is hoped something may be done in this direction. The denominational churches are served for the most part by quartettes though chorus work is also heard. The best singers of the city usually have choir positions and such singers as Harold Jarvis and Mr. Frazer Tiners such basses as Sam. Slade, J. Krolik, C.A. Cottors and Dr. Spalding and a long list of excellent sopranos and altos are to be heard each Sunday in the churches. In the matter of church organs there has been great advancement. Where as a few years ago the best organ was a moderate sized two manual, we now have a number of very complete three manual instruments. The best of those are the Roosevelt organ in the Jefferson Ave Presbyterian church and the Johnson organ in the Cass Ave Methodist. There are also several by Farrand and Votey formerly of this city. So in church organs D. is well supplied, but a larger concert organ is greatly needed. An organ if say, four manual with one hundred steps in a large hall, played weekly by a competent organist after the manner of the organ concert, in St Georges Hall Liverpool, would have a most helpful influence in giving the masses an opportunity to hear good music either gratis or at very small expense. D. possesses two large admirably equipped music houses, that of Schwankovsky identified with the Knabe piano, and Grinnell Bros the Steinway agents. The Steinway is the favorite piano but on account of its high price is frequently displaced by other makers. Recently piano playing attachments have been introduced. To what extent they will take the place of individual players and just what position they will occupy in the musical world we leave to the new century to decide. To us it seems that they are likely to occupy a position of their own analogous to that of music boxes and orchestrions etc. The favorite piano composer at present in Chopin whose music has largely come into prominence within the last twenty years. Wagner is the favorite in grand opera though Gounod's Faust is more frequently heard. Comic opera is represented by De Koven's Robin Hood and such operas as the "Geisha" and the Gilbert and Sullivan opera. Among American composers for piano and orchestra Ed. MacDowell is regarded as the best. The better class of music is constantly displaced the cheap popular stuff that was formerly the rule. The "Gospel Hymns" have had their day in the churches though they are still heard. The present rage for "Coon Songs" is doubtless ephemeral. The great need of Detroit numerically is a large music hall, a concert organ, a permanent endowed orchestra and a more efficient chorus. In these very important matters we are deficient. The present writer hopes that whoever may open this in 2001 may see Detroit at the head of all American cities musically. He dreams of a noble hall dedicated to music which is being given a concert, - in which are heard an immense organ much more perfect than those we now have, no doubt with many true colors now unknown, an orchestra of scores of pieces containing instruments of form and effectiveness far beyond our knowledge, a grand chorus of hundreds of voices - all joining in giving the works of composers now unborn. He greets you wish you a Happy New Year, and if at any time it is given to the spirits of the departed to return to earth to be sure it would be such an occasion as just described that would call him back. Nos morituri te salutamus. Francis L. York Organist Christ Church 1896 Teacher of piano and organ and composition Detroit Conservatory of Music and Ypsilanti State Normal College"
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- Interview recorded 24 February 1995 in Lagos, Nigeria between Glendora Review and Nigerian musician Bsade Ologunde, about his life and music, Nigerian jazz, reggae, fuji and other musical style, performance, and other Nigerian musicians such as Fela Kuti.
- Date Issued:
- 1995-06-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Michigan State University. Libraries
- Collection:
- Glendora Review
- Description:
- Review of: Kofi Agawu. African rhythm: a Northern Ewe perspective. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1995, Michael Veal. Fela: the life & times of an African musical icon. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 2000
- Date Issued:
- 2001-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Michigan State University. Libraries
- Collection:
- Glendora Books Supplement
- Description:
- Richard Smith, African American musician, is interviewed by Tai Ade Fato about his life, music, and his visit to Nigeria.
- Date Issued:
- 1995-06-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Michigan State University. Libraries
- Collection:
- Glendora Review
- Notes:
- These Russian prisoners of war were members of the YMCA Band in a German prison which included brass, woodwind, and percussion sections. They are sitting on the stage of a theater where they performed during theatricals. An unidentified Red Triangle secretary sits behind the big bass drum in civilian attire.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Russian sergeants and corporals enjoyed a higher standard of living in relation to the rank and file depicted in this drawing of a Russian non-commissioned officer's room in Muensingen. Not only does the non-commissioned officer have a single bed, wall cabinet, and desk, he has a number of musical instruments (a mandolin, balalaika, and accordion) and fans decorate the walls.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- An international orchestra composed of Allied prisoners performs under the direction of a German director in the prison camp at Wahn. The orchestra includes stringed, reed, and percussion instruments and the music stands appear to have been made in the camp. Musical performances helped improve camp morale and many musicians were internationally-renowned before the war.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- E.C.W. Sandes, a British officer incarcerated in the prison camp at Yozgad, posed for this photograph as "Don Sandesco," the Bandmaster of the POW band.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- The French orchestra performs an afternoon concert for recuperating sick and wounded prisoners of war in a garden outside of the hospital ward at Goettingen. The civilian standing to the extreme left, talking to the wounded Russian soldier is probably Archibald C. Harte.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Russian prisoners stand bare-headed in the prison compound at Purgstall during a Christmas celebration during the dedication of the new Association hall in January 1917. A group of Austrian officers stand to the left, next to the POW choir. The YMCA hall is decorated with garland and a large Christmas tree. On the platform by the door stands a WPA secretary, Edgar MacNaughten, and the camp commandant.
- Date Created:
- 1917-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- The stringed orchestra performs during the Christmas service in the YMCA building in Braunau-am-Inn in 1916. Note the extensive decorations in the building which include garland, paper chains, pine boughs, and a large, decorated Christmas tree behind the stage. There are Christmas presents on the floor to the right of the stage, near a phonograph. Association secretaries went to great lengths to provide POW's with Christmas cheer at a time when many prisoners suffered from depression and home sickness.
- Date Created:
- 1916-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- The prisoner band at Danzig is about to perform for sick and wounded POW's under the direction of a German officer. War prisoners often enjoyed afternoon performances by camp bands.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A group of British prisoners stand in front of their barrack displaying some of their belongings at Schneidemuehl. The prisoners enjoy a gramophone, several musical instruments (including drums, a mandolin, and harmonicas), and what appears to be a set of Indian clubs for exercise.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A French band of stringed instruments (three violins, one cello, a guitar, a mandolin, and a banjo) plays a tune near the compound fence at Koenigsbrueck. At least three of the instruments were self-made by the prisoners in the camp. Skilled carpenters could produce musical instruments to provide entertainment for the war prisoners.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Scottish, Irish, and Canadian prisoners were not the only soldiers who carried bagpipes into battle. These two Serbian prisoners of war stand outside of their one-story wooden barracks at Koenigsbrueck with the bagpipes in hand. Note the identification badges on their field caps and the right breasts of their tunics.
- Date Created:
- 1917-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Members of a Russian choir perform a hymn in front of the altar at the prison chapel at Worms. While there is a Greek Orthodox cross on top of the altar, a Roman cross is stiched on the altar cloth which suggests that his chapel was also used by Catholic and Protestant prisoners as well. Note the arm bands on the upper left arms of the POW's to designate their prisoner status.
- Date Created:
- 1916-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Members of a Russian band stand in the snow with their musical instruments and the contents of a WPA recreation chest displayed on the ground. An unidentified YMCA secretary in civilian clothing stands on the right hand side. The Association made every effort to provide Allied prisoners with materials they needed in prison camps.
- Date Created:
- 1917-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Ruhleben was a segregated prison camp and imperial prisoners from Africa and the West Indies lived in separate barracks. Several of these men have musical instruments (guitars and an accordion), while the man seated at the right is enjoying his lunch. A German guard stands at the back of the room.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Musical performances lifted spirits within prison camps and this photo shows a Russian POW balalaika orchestra at Muensingen.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- The Russian prisoners in Reichenberg display the contents of the recreation chest they just received from the YMCA War Prisoners' Aid organization in Vienna. Each chest held games (Tambola, dominoes, chess, checkers, and Mensch aergere dich nicht), musical instruments (accordions and harmonicas), books, and Russian Orthodox crosses. An unidentified Association secretary, in the civilian clothing and wearing the C.V.J.M. armband), poses with the Russian prisoners. The YMCA committee in the prison camp then sent these recreation chests to POW's working outside of the camp in Arbeitskommandos (labor detachments).
- Date Created:
- 1917-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A lovely "actress" is flanked by Oriental harem guard chorus in this theatrical pantomine produced in the theater at Ruhleben. Prisoners could produce elaborate shows in the facility for the benefit of the internees.
- Date Created:
- 1917-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- This mimeographed musical program is dated 13 February 1916 for a concert at the prison camp at Giessen. The Prisoner of War Military Band provided a Sunday afternoon performance for the entertainment of the POW's in the camp.
- Date Created:
- 1916-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- This was the YMCA program for Holy Week activities in the prison camp at Ruhleben in March 1918. In addition to Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, and Easter Sunday divine services, the Association promoted a theatrical production, "Mary Magdalen," music, and the Ruhleben Horticultural Society's Spring Flower Show.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Russian prisoners of war in an unidentified German prison camp perform in a prison compound. These men are members of the YMCA Orchestra. The Red Triangle provided their musical instruments and their music. By providing instruments, the Association was able to support entertainment programs, often featuring talented musicians.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- This pen and ink sketch depicts the interior of the church in Rennbahn (Muenster II), featuring the altar, the pulpit, the communion rail, and the organ. If there was no chaplain among the POW's, German authorities made arrangements for local clergy to conduct religious services in the camps.
- Date Created:
- 1917-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Prisoners of war at Friedrichsfeld display their handicraft work at an exposition. Their work includes drawings, paintings, model airplanes and ships, the Eifel Tower, toys, chests, a violin, and a wide range of other projects. Prisoners often made some money by selling their handicrafts when these expositions traveled to neutral countries.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- This sketch of a group of Russian officers at Torgau, enjoying the evening by drinking hot tea and caramel beer while singing hymns in the prison camp canteen. Officers had a lot of time on their hands, especially since they were not expected to work by the German authorities.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Russian prisoners enjoy themselves outdoors wrestling for a group of spectators, which includes an Austrian officer at Josefstadt. A Russian band plays for the amusement of the men.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A Russian prisoner of war orchestra at the prison camp at Deutsch-Gabel poses with Austrian officers (standing to the left) in the prison compound in front of a decorated Christmas tree. There is a YMCA secretary in the center of the photograph (the civilian wearing the bowler hat). The Association provided POW's with musical instruments to form bands and orchestras to provide entertainment and support religious services in prison camps.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- These Russian prisoners of war formed a singing society and performed concerts for their fellow POW's. They are standing in the prison compound of an unidentified prison camp, outside one of the barracks.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- This program marked the official opening of the YMCA hall in the Ruhleben prison camp on 24 December 1915. The Association dedicated the new facility at a particularly depressing time of the year for interned civilians. They were far from their families during the Yuletide season and the YMCA sought to inject some holiday spirit into their weary lives. The program featured a divine service and music to celebrate the holiday.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Description:
- Letter to Mr. Klink from Howard Root
- Notes:
- Source: Donated by Dr. George Ellenbogen
- Date Issued:
- 1914-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Arab American National Museum
- Collection:
- Evelyn Shakir Collection
- Notes:
- A French prisoner plays his self-made cello in the theater at Grafenwoehr. Prisoners often exhibited their ingenuity and talents by making their own instruments or by utilizing other inmates with wood carving skills to construct needed musical equipment.
- Date Created:
- 1916-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- The YMCA provided most of the musical instruments and music for this Serbian boys' band in an unidentified Austrian prison camp. The boys learned to play instruments and provided the general prison population with musical entertainment.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Official Inauguration program of the YMCA hut at the prison camp at Goettingen, in French, p. 1. It identifies the official speakers and musical performances.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Photograph of a Serbian stringed orchestra, which included a brass, woodwind, and percussion section, during a performance in the camp compound in an unidentified Austrian prison camp. The YMCA provided prisoners with musical instruments to support religious services and provide entertainment to the general prison population.
- Date Created:
- 1917-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- The American YMCA arranged expositions of prisoner handicrafts and sold these projects to provide POW's with a modest income. The prisoners at Cottbus made these handicrafts, which included baskets, wicker furniture, a violin, a balalaika, hats, spoons, pictures, and other goods that were in demand in prison camps.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Official inauguration program of the YMCA hut at the prison camp at Goettingen, in English, p. 2. The program identifies the official speakers and music presented at the ceremony.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- The stringed orchestra at Bautzen, composed of French and Russian musicians, performs outdoors for the prisoners. German soldiers are among the audience circling the orchestra. Note the white identification badge on the front of many of the prisoners' caps.
- Date Created:
- 1916-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- After the YMCA building inauguration and Christmas service at Purgstall, the Austrian officers and visitors stop for a photograph. The visitors included Austrian Baron von Haitin, the Swedish minister to Austria-Hungary; His Excellency Berks-Fries, Charge d'Affairs; Leche; Pastor Neander (a YMCA secretary); and Edgar MacNaughten, the Senior WPA Secretary for Austria-Hungary, who stand on the front porch of the building. Russian prisoners look on the scene from the background.
- Date Created:
- 1917-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- British prisoners, musicians in the Freigefangenenburger Orchestra (Free Prisoner Citizen Orchestra), pose on stage in front of a woods scene at the prison camp at Frankfurt-am-Main. The orchestra is well equipped with stringed instruments, woodwinds, and percussion and is conducted by Herr Johak Shawski (an assumed name). Most of the musicians are identified with comical names in the caption.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A Russian band plays music for a group of dancing prisoners at Josefstadt. A crowd of Russian POW's look on, enjoying the opportunity for some outdoor entertainment.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- An unidentified Association secretary, sitting in the center, poses with a Russian balaklava band in an unknown Austrian prison camp. The instruments range from small mandolins to the massive bass balalakas in the background (and one prisoner has a pair of cymbals). The YMCA helped provide musical instruments to prisoners to encourage musical performances in prison camps.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- This is an example of a French concert program from the prison camp at Zossen. The two-part program lists the music and identifies the performers that sing with the camp choir. The choir was supported by an orchestra and organ. This program appeared in the German magazine "Der Krieg" and gave the German people an idea of what prisoners did for entertainment in prison camps.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- The Russian prisoners in this prison camp display the contents of the recreation chest they just received from the YMCA's War Prisoners' Aid organization in Vienna. Each chest held games (Tambola, dominoes, chess, checkers, and Mensch aergere dich nicht), musical instruments (accordions and harmonicas), books, and Russian Orthodox crosses. An unidentified Association secretary, in the civilian clothing and wearing the C.V.J.M. armband), poses with the Russian prisoners. The YMCA committee in the prison camps then sent these recreation chests to POW's working outside the camp in Arbeitskommandos (labor detachments).
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Prisoners perform an outdoor concert and theatrical performance for sick and wounded prisoners in the courtyard of the hospital at Grafenwoehr. These performances helped lift the spirits of men recovering from illnesses or wounds.
- Date Created:
- 1916-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- The monotony of prison camp life had a deep psychological impact on a large number of prisoners of war. This French prisoner orchestra is giving an outdoor concert for the inmates of an unknown German prison camp. This orchestra includes a string section, brass, and even a piano. Musical entertainment helped to break the monotony of everyday camp life.
- Date Created:
- 1916-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- The War Prisoners' Aid Headquarters in Vienna sent these traveling recreation chests to labor detachments to make sure that prisoners detached from their parent camps still benefited from the Red Triangle social program. Each wooden box contained reading material (books, magazines, spiritual tracts, and hymnals), musical instruments (accordions and harmonicas), games (dominoes and Mensch aergere dich nicht), and stationery. Each chest was secured with a lock and chain to prevent the loss of materials.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- This photograph shows the interior of the Roman Catholic chapel at Muenster III, including the altar, organ, communion rail, and confession box. Access to a priest and church services provided the prisoners with considerable spiritual comfort during their prison ordeal.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A French stringed orchestra, with many of the instruments made by the prisoners themselves, performs on stage outdoors at Stuttgart. A group of French POW's stand to the right. Musical performances played a critical role in terms of improving morale in prison camps.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A French clown sings a tragic song accompanied by the camp orchestra during a variety show in the theater at Dyrotz. Theatrical performances were a critical part of social life in prison camps, both for the actors and the audience, especially for the latter since they gained the opportunity to escape from their confinement for an hour or two through theatrical entertainment.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A British prisoner of war is buried in the cemetery at Limburg with full military honors, which included a German band and a Landsturm honor guard. While his comrades lower the casket into the grave, German officers stand at attention to the right. Civilians from Limburg, to the left, also attended the burial service.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- The audience in the theater at Dyrotz enjoys a French production. In the front row, behind the prison orchestra, sits a visiting delegation--the German officers sitting to the left appears to be having a particularly good time at the show.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- The dining hall at Werl is set for lunch. The tables are covered with table cloths, cutlery, and dishes and there are decanters for liquid refreshment. The room is decorated with pictures on the wall and the prisoners have access to a piano to the left.
- Date Created:
- 1916-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A Russian Orthodox priest leads a burial service for a Russian prisoner at Spratzern in the prison cemetery. Secretary Hertig, a Danish YMCA secretary, stands next to the priest in civilian clothing. Behind the coffin on the hand truck is an Orthodox cross and the prison camp band, as well as Russian POW's paying their respects. Note the white identification badges on the prisoners' caps.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- The prison camp orchestra, composed of British, French, and Russian musicians, pose for a group photograph with their musical instruments at the prison camp at Goettingen. The orchestra performed at the dedication of the new YMCA hall in 1915.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- The Russian prisoners of war at Goettingen formed a balalaika orchestra. Their musical instruments ranged from small mandolins to the large bass balalaika.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Russian prisoners assemble in the snow in the prison compound at Wieselburg for Christmas celebrations in January 1918. Secretary John Klanmann, a Swedish YMCA worker, addresses the prisoners from the platform in front of a decorated Christmas tree. Prisoners carry a cross and religious banners and the POW band stands to the left of the platform.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- The YMCA Band performs an outdoor concert for the general prison population at Rastatt. The American YMCA provided all of the instruments for the band.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Serbian and Russian prisoners assemble in the prison compound at Nagymegyer on their day off. A band, standing to the right at the front of the assembled men, prepares to play. Hungarian officers and NCO's stand in the foreground and one can see the one-story wooden barracks in the background.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A Roman Catholic priest stands in front of the altar inside of the chapel in the prison camp at Heidelberg. A choir of French officers stand to the left of the organ, while a statue of the Virgin Mary holding the Christ child stands on a small table to the right.
- Date Created:
- 1916-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- This marks the official inauguration of the YMCA building in the prison camp in Wieselburg in 1916. Austrian officers and a visiting delegation stand in the center of the prison compound and Russian POW's stand at attention along the perimeter. The prison band is assembled on the perimeter to the left side of the photo. Wieselburg had over 5,000 permanently disabled prisoners in its ranks.
- Date Created:
- 1916-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A Muslim military band performs outdoors in the prison compound in Zossen-Wuensdorf. The prisoners stand behind the band with a German guard, enjoying the entertainment.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A Polish band performs in the prison compound at Plan. These Russian prisoners received their musical instruments from the American Red Triangle secretary. Austrian officials supported the establishment of nationalist organizations among the subject peoples of the Russian Empire in support of the Dual Monarchy's post-war goals of a Polish kingdom under Austro-German control.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- The prison orchestra at Goettingen rehearses a work in the camp theater. This prison enjoyed a large orchestra and the YMCA provided many of the musical instruments. The orchestra provided concerts, supported theatrical productions, and played at religious services. The signs near the ceiling warn the prisoners not to smoke in English and French (a necessary precaution in a crowded prison) and not to climb in the rafters.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- The opening of the Tea Room of the Association hut is well attended by Russian prisoners at Groedig. While POW's purchase their tea at the window on the left, a prisoner band serenades the patrons in the rear of the room to the right. The tea room is also equipped with a gramophone to provide entertainment when the band is not playing.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Six British officers occupied this room at the officers' prison camp at Friedberg. In comparison to the enlisted men, officers enjoyed a much higher standard of living. They had access to furniture, standing closets, and desks in addition to a large common table. They could also decorate their room with pictures and maps and a guitar hangs in the corner.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Seven Russian officers shared this room in the prison camp at Friedberg. They enjoyed individual beds, several chairs and tables (one with a table cloth), standing closets, and individual cupboards, a far better standard of living in relation to enlisted prisoners. The inhabitants decorated the walls with maps, publications, and pictures and a guitar on the wall in the corner.
- Date Created:
- 1916-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- This photograph shows the front and back of a banjo made by a British prisoner of war during his incarceration in a Turkish prison camp. The back of the banjo features a picture of a mosque and minaret and has crescent moon and star decorations. Musical instruments were a critical source of entertainment for POW's.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Several Christmas trees stand on a platforms in the prison compound at Theresienstadt, probably outside of the YMCA building. The prisoners have decorated the trees with paper chains and ornaments. On the right hand side of the platform sits an accordion, which will bring music into the camp.
- Date Created:
- 1916-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- British interrnees could participate in a full orchestra in the prison camp at Ruhleben. Among the prisoners there were a number of accomplished musicians and composers. Concerts provided by the orchestra provided the camp population with a diversion from their problems and homesickness.
- Date Created:
- 1917-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Russian prisoners enjoy the YMCA Reading Room at Braunau-am-Inn, which featured a wide selection of books, journals, and newspapers. Two prisoners are engaged in a game of dominoes on the front table and a gramophone stands in the back of the room. The prisoners decorated the room with garlands along the rafters.
- Date Created:
- 1916-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- The YMCA provided musical instruments which allowed French POW's to form bands and orchestras in prison. Access to instruments gave skilled musicians the opportunity to continue practicing for post-war performances and concerts improved the morale of the general camp population. The band at Muenster is performing an afternoon concert in the prison compound. Note the laundry drying outdoors outside of the barracks.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Serbian fiddlers strike up a tune in the prison compound at Nagymegyer to provide entertainment for the prisoners on their day off from work.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- French and Belgian officers pose with their instruments for this photograph from Halle-am-Saal. The prisoners have formed a string orchestra consisting of violins, cellos, and an organ and their music sits on metal music stands. There are cartoons pinned to the wall in preparation for a future production.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- French prisoners sing a song outdoors in the prison compound in Zossen under the direction of a choir director. German NCO's and officers stand in the background next to the barrack. The choir leader has set up his stand on top of a narrow gauge railway line. Due to the size of the camp, the Germans used a small railway line system to transport supplies to the camp.
- Date Created:
- 1916-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Official inauguration program of the YMCA hut at the prison camp at Goettingen, in French, p. 3. The verses to the songs sung at the ceremony are printed for the benefit of the POW's and the official guests.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- This was the interior of an enlisted men's barrack for French prisoners of war in the prison camp at Goettingen. While the prisoners did have some belongings, which are stacked on the shelves behind the POW's, the conditions were very cramped in this barrack. There is room, however, for a piano against the back wall which one of the soldiers is playing.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Russian prisoners play mandolins and violins while two POW's dance in the compound in Czersk. German non-commissioned officers watch the entertainment. These performances provided a great deal of entertainment for war prisoners.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A music class at Goettingen is packed with French prisoners of war as an instructor explains a point on the chalkboard. Many prisoners took advantage of the opportunity to learn how to read and write or explore topics that they had no time to study before their incarceration.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- The prison orchestra at Doeberitz, composed of British prisoners, is about to give an outdoor concert in front of a barrack. Prisoners are equipped with a wide range of musical instruments and have wooden music stands, most likely produced in the prison carpentry shop. Note the camp bulletin board on the wall behind the orchestra which announced news and orders.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- This French program describes a variety show offered to prisoners on the afternoon of March 21, 1915 in the Stuttgart II prison camp. The program featured acrobats, comedy acts, and musical performances in a two-part matinee.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Nine members of the stringed orchestra at Ohrdruf pose for this photograph. The American YMCA shipped musical instruments to prison camps as part of the Association's social program. Access to instruments permitted musicians the opportunity to maintain their talent in preparation for post-war employment and the music performed by the orchestras and bands in prison concerts helped boost the morale of the prison population in general.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Prisoners assemble outside of a YMCA hall in an Austrian prison camp in preparation for their Christmas celebration. Dignitaries are standing on the steps of the building by the front door.
- Date Created:
- 1917-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Actors perform a scene from a play in the French theater at Celle. The theater includes a piano to the left and a stage with scenes. The audience is accommodated by a large number of benches. Theater performances were important for the mental health of POW's incarcerated in prison camps since plays provided mental diversions from their captivity.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- To celebrate the Christmas season, the French prisoners organized a special concert for December 1917. This program highlights the music performed at Muensingen (the Christmas celebration for Russian and Serbian prisoners would follow in January 1918 due to the Orthodox calendar).
- Date Created:
- 1917-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A Russian prisoner of war performs a song on his mandolin in the prison camp at Goettingen. Music was an important source of entertainment, especially for Russian POW's.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- The holidays were often a very difficult time for prisoners far from home. In response, POW's often organized special concerts and other festivities during this time of year. This is the New Year's Day concert program for French prisoners of war at Muensingen on 1 January 1918.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- The YMCA Band at Rastatt poses for a group photograph. The Association provided the musical instruments for the American prisoners to form a band to entertain imprisoned war prisoners and internees.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Official inauguration program of the YMCA hut at the prison camp at Goettingen, in French and English, p. 4.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A British prisoner of war made this cello during his incarceration in a Turkish prison camp. Through the prisoners' ingenuity and skill, craftsmen in the camps could make musical instruments for bands and orchestras and musicians could then offer the POW's entertainment.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- This Russian choir is singing inside the YMCA Hall of a German prison camp. Choirs were very popular in military prisons; they could be used in theatricals, perform at special events and festivals, and support religious services.
- Date Created:
- 1916-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries