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University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library

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1150 Beal Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2113, USA
bentley.ref@umich.edu

Marian Otto McCallum photograph collection, 1883-1917

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Summary

Creator:
McCallum, Marian Otto.
Abstract:
Otto's Band was a popular Ann Arbor, Mich. band composed primarily of German-born or American-born musicians with German ancestry. The Otto band is known as the first band to play the University of Michigan's fight song, "The Victors". Consists of photographs (copy prints) of the band.
Extent:
1 envelope
Language:
English
Call Number:
92519 UAs
Authors:
Finding aid created by Steven Gentry, May 2020.

Background

Scope and Content:

The collection consists of photographs (copy prints) of an Ann Arbor, Michigan, band that was composed mostly of German Americans.

Biographical / Historical:

Otto's band—also known as the Ann Arbor City Band, Washtenaw Times Band, and the Otto's Knights Templar Band—was founded by Henry Otto, Sr. He had immigrated to New Hamburg, Ont. during the American Civil War. Otto settled in Ann Arbor, Mich. in 1875 and founded Otto's Band that same year. The band consisted of approximately 20 players who were German-born or had German ancestry and its members included Henry Otto, Jr., Louis Otto, Jonas Otto, and George Otto—all of whom were Henry's children. Otto's band was known to provide music for numerous events, including summer concerts on the Washtenaw County Courthouse lawn, weddings, and University of Michigan football games. Otto's band was known as the first to play the University of Michigan's fight song, "The Victors".

Henry led the band until 1895, at which point Louis Otto (died in 1924) took over leadership. Louis later renamed the band The Washtenaw Times Band and, in 1901, Otto's Knights Templar Band. In 1914, Ann Arbor musicians organized a local branch of the American Federation of Musicians (Local 625)—Louis's band become the branch's first member and Louis served as the branch's first president. The band had ceased operations by the 1920s.

Marian Otto McCallum (1907-2006) was Henry Otto, Sr.'s granddaughter.

Acquisition Information:
Donated by George P. McCallum (donor no. 4849 ).
Rules or Conventions:
gihc

Contents

Using These Materials

Info for Visitors

How to Request

Ordering Reproductions

Download PDF Finding Aid
RESTRICTIONS:

The collection is open without restriction.

USE & PERMISSIONS:

Copyright status is unknown. Patrons are responsible for determining the appropriate use or reuse of materials.

PREFERRED CITATION:

[item], folder, Marian Otto McCallum photograph collection, Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan.

[item], [URL], Marian Otto McCallum photograph collection, Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan.

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Collection

Marian Otto McCallum photograph collection, 1883-1917
Call Number 92519 UAs
Total components 1
Last indexed 2023-12-08