Harry B. Welliver sound recording collection, 1948-1949 and 1965

Summary

Creator:

Welliver, Harry B., collector

Abstract:

The collection is comprised of sound recordings made by Harry B. Welliver of Michigan Upper Peninsula folk songs and stories, mainly relating to the state's lumbering history. Data sheets detailing each recording session are also present within the collection.

Extent:

1.3 linear feet (in 3 boxes)
6.42 GB (online)

Language:

English

Call Number:

95107 Aa 2

Authors:

Finding aid created by Alexa Hagen, in June 2016

Background

Scope and Content:

The Harry B. Welliver sound recording collection includes sound tape reels and sound discs and has been organized by these formats. The recordings capture folk songs and stories from the Michigan Upper Peninsula recorded by Welliver and Alan Lomax between 1948 and 1949. They provide insight into the culture and prominent lumbering industry of northern Michigan. Supplemental materials include data sheets about the recording sessions as well as one cassette tape. Many, but not all, data sheets correspond to recordings within the collection. A selection of the audio materials has been digitized and can be accessed within the Bentley Historical Library reading room by following the links in this finding aid.

Biographical / Historical:

Harry B. Welliver, 1910-2005, received his bachelors and masters degrees in music from Oberlin College in 1932 and 1933 respectively. In 1935, he began teaching music and directing the radio program, Radio Music Classroom at the State Teachers College, in Minot, North Dakota. In the late 1940s, he worked with Alan Lomax collecting recordings of folk songs in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for the Library of Congress with a grant from the Rackham Graduate School at the University of Michigan. He acted as Dean of the School of Music at Milliken University from 1956 until 1960, when he was appointed Music Director of the Radio Broadcasting Service at the University of Michigan. He retired in 1975. He was an organist and wrote various articles on the history of the organ and teaching music.

Acquisition Information:

Donated by Harry B. Welliver (donor no. 5669 ), in multiple accessions between 1975 and 1983.

Processing information:

The Library has undertaken the digitization of a number of sound recordings within this collection. The resulting audio files are available for playback only in the Bentley Library Reading Room. Links to item images and additional information are available within this finding aid. Original sound recordings are only available for staff use.

In preparing digital material for long-term preservation and access, the Bentley Historical Library adheres to professional best practices and standards to ensure that content will retain its authenticity and integrity. For more information on procedures for the ingest and processing of digital materials, please see Bentley Historical Library Digital Processing Note. Access to digital material may be provided either as a direct link to an individual file or as a downloadable package of files bundled in a zip file.

Accruals:

Periodic additions to the records expected.

Rules or Conventions:

Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Subjects

Click on terms below to find any related finding aids on this site.

Subjects:

Folk songs, English -- Michigan -- Upper Peninsula.
Lumbering -- Songs and music.

Formats:

Digital file formats.
Sound recordings.

Names:

Welliver, Harry B.

Places:

Michigan -- Songs and music.