Guide to the A Cappella Choir Collection, 1928-1945

Overview of the Collection

Repository: 
Special Collections & Archives
McIntyre Library
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
P.O. Box 4004
105 Garfield Ave.
Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004
(715)-836-2739
http://www.uwec.edu/Library/archives/info.htm

Reference Code: USGZE AS245

Accession Number: Unknown

Collection Number: Archives Series 245

Creator: Eau Claire State Teachers College--A Cappella Choir

Title: A Cappella Choir Collection

Dates: 1928-1945

Quantity: 1.6 linear feet (1 oversize box)

Location of Collection: A3/2c

Languages: Collection materials are in English.

Summary: This collection consists of pictures, membership lists, newspaper articles, show programs, and other materials related to the A Cappella Choir during its biggest period of success under the direction of music teacher Clara Mae Ward.

Biographical/Historical Note

Clara Mae Ward came to UW-Eau Claire as the music teacher in 1923. Immediately upon her arrival at the school, she started several music groups and revitalized the already existing ones at the school. She would continue to organize new music groups in her first few years as music director. In 1928, she started the A Cappella Choir made up of the best singers from the girls’ and boys’ glee clubs. The A Cappella Choir quickly became one of the most successful music groups on campus, performing at several conferences and contests within its first few years. The Choir saw some of its greatest success during the 1930s: performing several programs on various radio stations and touring around the country. Perhaps their most notable performances came during a 1939 East Coast tour where they performed at the World’s Fair in New York and at the White House. During World War Two, the choir performed at several military camps and hospitals, as well as war rallies and fundraisers. They were awarded a certificate by the Music War Council of America.

Content Description

The majority of the collection consists of two scrapbooks filled with pictures, newspaper articles, membership lists, and performance programs from the A Cappella choir. Also included are other show programs and pictures not secured in the scrapbooks, correspondence, and materials related to the choir’s performances to help in the war effort during World War II and their subsequent recognition by the Music War Council of America for their contributions.

Administrative Information

Acquisition Information: Donated to the Special Collections & Archives, University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire prior to 2007.

Access Restrictions: Collection is open to the public.

Use Restrictions: Researchers are responsible for using in accordance with 17 U.S.C. Copyright owned by the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire.

Processing Note: Processed by Stephanie Much in February 2022.

Arrangement: Flat arrangement.

OCLC #: 1304515849

Subjects

Personal Names: Ward, Clara Mae

Corporate Names: Eau Claire State Teachers College
Wisconsin State College at Eau Claire

Subject Terms: Choruses
Choruses, Unaccompanied

Geographical Terms:
Eau Claire, Wis.--History

Detailed List of Contents

Container

Contents

Dates 

Box/Folder

1/1

Correspondence and Miscellaneous Member Lists and Regulations

1933-1945

Box/Folder

1/2

Programs and Miscellaneous Pictures

1934-1945

Box/Folder

1/3

Correspondence, Newspaper Articles, and Other Materials Related to the Choir’s Efforts/Awards During WWII

1944-1945

Box/Folder

1/4

Black Scrap Book with Pictures, Members Lists, Newspaper Articles, and Show Programs

1928-1940

Box/Folder

1/5

Brown Scrap Book with Pictures, Newspaper articles, and Member Lists

1939-1943