Forte!
Hamline's Music History		 Movements in Music

1854-1872

H
amline University opened in Red Wing, MN in 1854 and no instrumental or vocal music was taught. Hamline University did have the distinction of owning the first piano in the Minnesota Territory, which was donated by Mrs. H.B. Wilson, the wife of one of Hamline's instructors. In 1855, Mrs. Francis L. Dunning was an instructor of music and ornamental work. Unfortunately, no clear definition of what type of music was taught exists. Courses in music were $14.00 per semester, and "Music on Piano, Melodeon, or Guitar " cources were offered. Mrs. Dunning taught only for one year, and in 1856 Miss Eliza Isbell replaced her.
M
iss Margaret S. Densmore arrived at Hamline University in 1857 and remained until the spring of 1859. She taught in the Department of Music (the first reference to a music department at Hamline) and her niece was an expert on Minnesota Native American music. Miss Densmore was also a resident of Red Wing. Professor E.E. Edwards wrote a song sung by 32 girls in July of 1858. One girl would sing the first verse , representing the state of Minnesota and the other 31 girls, representing the other 31 states, would sing the second verse. All 32 girls sang the final verse. The lyrics were:


E. E. Edwards
From the far sunset land greeting I come;
Sisters that smiling stand.
Room - give me room:
Room in your noble band;
Heart with heart, - hand in hand, -
Side by side let us stand.
Room, sisters, room.
Welcome from sunset land,
Fairest and best:
In our true loving band join East and West:
Heart with heart, hand in hand,
Widen our loving band
Room for the sunset land,
Room for the West.

Light glows in every eye,
Joy in each breast;
As a heaven gleams on high to the oppressed:
O'er the earth its gladness breaks;
From the East its glory wakes,
From the prairies and the lakes of the happy West"

J
ohn Seebich replaced Miss Densmore in the fall of 1859. He remained at Hamline for two years. His teaching duties included music and German. Music remained $14.00 per term. Under Seebich's instruction the college choir sang at religious services.


"The first piano brought into the Territory of Minnesota used by Hamline University at Red Wing, Minnesota, in 1854. Presented to the Territorial Pioneers Association by Mrs. H. B. Wilson, wife of Professor Wilson of Hamline University." The sign held by Russell Harris.
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o records of instruction are available for the 1861-1862 school year. This was the year the American Civil War broke out, making it probable there were not enough students at Hamline to support a music program. In 1862, A.J. Meacham took over as instructor. His choir gave a concert on June 13, 1863, and performed twenty-four selections, including such patriotic titles as "President Lincoln's Emancipation March," "Yankee Doodle," "Rally' Round the Flag," and "Battle Cry of Freedom." A review was written on June 19, 1863, in which the Red Wing Republican: "Some of the music was very fine, and the whole entertainment reflected great credit to those who participated in it." This was the first documented concert Hamline University sponsored.
I
n 1863 the cost of taking a music course at Hamline dropped from $14.00 to $10.00 per semester, probably because of the Civil War. Although not required, members of the senior class could pursue a more extended course in the "ornamental" branches. Unfortunately, no information exists stating who the instructor of music was during the years 1863-1866. Music was still an important part of Hamline University as all students were required to attend religious services that included singing.
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ettie Williams came to Hamline University in 1866 and taught for two years. Music courses remained $10.00 per term and Hamline University closed at its Red Wing location in 1869. During the final year at Red Wing, Miss Mary E. Smith filled the position as the instrumental music instructor.

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