Collections : [Rare Book & Manuscript Library]

This collection contains manuscripts, notes, musical scores, photocopies, student papers, microfilms, glass plate images, and other related materials about diverse musical subjects.

Music manuscripts, letters, and related items collected by Hunt. Most of the items are of American origin, and reflect Hunt's wide-ranging interests in sacred and secular music. The music manuscripts include sheet music for vocal and instrumental scores, part-books, bound orchestral scores, and miscellaneous music volumes. The collection is particularly strong in hymn scores, verses, and studies. Also, a box of material relating to Stephen Foster.

Printed music from the 18th-20th centuries, primarily 19th century American. Almost half the items are popular editions of European composers' instrumental music. The collection contains a large quantity of patriotic music such as the 1798 "Adams and Liberty" and the first and third editions (both 1798) of "Hail Columbia" and a comprehensive collection of music from the Civil War. There are also early printings of "The Star Spangled Banner," first and later editions of Stephen Foster's music, and a large collection of Benjamin Carr materials. Collection of 16th-20th century rare music books was cataloged individually. Primarily collected by Arthur Billings Hunt, 1890-1971, baritone, musical director and broadcaster. Most of the items are of American origin, and reflect Hunt's wide-ranging interests in sacred and secular music.

Manuscripts of musical scores, memorabilia and photograph. Folder 1 of the collection includes a general index (d. March 1945), photograph, awards, 5 citations, and a biographical sketch. His musical compositions (folders 2-26) are divided in three major categories: sacred and non-sacred vocal music, and musical compositions for instruments. His sacred choruses for mixed voices has been highly praised. His non-sacred vocal music seems to deal with children, nature, and poetic topics; also included are arrangements of Stephen Foster's songs for choruses. Among his musical compositions for instruments are some with Caribbean or West Indian themes

Correspondence, manuscripts, lectures, notes, diaries, notebooks, reports, financial records, blueprints, photographs, and printed materials of Y.C. James Yen and the IIRR concerned with the development, sharing, and financing innovative methods of teaching, improving agriculture, health and family planning, and education in impoverished villages. Among the cataloged correspondents are: Pearl Buck, William O. Douglas, Nelson Rockefeller, and DeWitt Clinton.