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 |