History Through Music: The Impact of Stephen Collins Foster and Others

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"Old Songs! New Songs! Ev'ry kind of song. I noted them down as I read them along." 

Stephen Collins Foster – well-known for songs such as "Beautiful Dreamer," "Camptown Races," and "Oh! Susanna" – published over 200 songs from the 1840s-1860s that would be hits of the day. Foster, born on July 4, 1826, is often called the "father of American music," but sadly, his life is still shrouded in a bit of mystery as there are conflicting reports about his lifestyle. 

Foster spent his early life in and around Pittsburgh, PA, and was considered a "problem child" by his family. There are gaps in what we know about different periods of his life. It is known that he had financial problems but no specifics as to why. 

He became famous by the 1860s, as his songs were very popular, both in the United States and abroad. While living in 1864 New York, he died, supposedly penniless, before the end of the American Civil War (an event that provided material for some of his songs). Even today, controversy follows Foster and his minstrel songs. There are numerous legends and stories shared about him. 

Whatever is said of Foster – whether he was a loving, kind soul or possibly an alcoholic – his impact on popular and folk music is very important. Foster is a key part of American musical culture. You may not know the original arrangements of his songs as time has brought changes to them. 

"I come from Alabama wid a banjo on my knee...."

From one of his songs – "The Song of All Songs" – published in 1863, we are introduced to a compilation of titles and phrases from popular songs of the day. This novelty song is very interesting to read through and gives a starting point to learn more about additional works of the day.

Let's look at several songs mentioned in "The Song of All Songs."

"Abraham's Daughter"

The music and words of this popular minstrel song were written by Septimus Winner. They provide the basis for a song about joining up to fight in the American Civil War. Winner was probably influenced by the colorful Zouave uniforms of the 114th PA regiment volunteers.

Winner was a loyal Unionist and supporter of General George McClellan. He even wrote a controversial song after President Lincoln removed McClellan from his position – "Give Us Back Our Old Commander: Little Mac, the People's Pride." He was a professional songwriter, and at least one of his songs is still known and sung today—"Der Deitcher's Dog" or "Where, Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone?" 

"Abraham's Daughter" was popular on the minstrel stage. There were printed versions which included dialects attributed to the southern slave states. There were many parodies of the song throughout the country. 

"Weeping Sad and Lonely"

A sentimental song with words written by Charles C. Sawyer and music by Henry Tucker is mentioned using the chorus line of "When this cruel war is over" in "The Song of Songs." The song was popular in both the North and the South during the American Civil War, as peace was something everyone sought. The Cleveland Leader stated the "words touch the popular heart" of the people.

In reality, this song could be sung during any wartime. Many a young man knelt before his loved one before he left for training or to join the men on the battlefield. Homeschoolers could list all the wars in which the United States was involved. Compare the start and end dates and discuss how long it would take for the cruel war to end.   

Although "Weeping Sad and Lonely" was very popular, critics did not understand why. However, if you have a family member who went to war, you may understand why it was so popular. 

"We Are Coming Father Abra'am"

"We leave our plows and workshops, our wives and children dear"

Another song about joining up to fight in the American Civil War says "We are coming, Father Abraham, six hundred thousand more!" The poem of James Sloan Gibbons – a response to Lincoln's call for additional troops – was set to the music. Gibbons was a well-known abolitionist, an associate of Garrison, the Grimke Sisters, and others. His poem was set to music by the Hutchison Family Singers, Stephen Foster, and Luther Orlando Emerson.


This "song of songs" is five stanzas with a short chorus. It contains the names of over fifty songs and phrases from songs to study in order to learn more about the music of the time. Will you find a song that speaks to you? 

References and Resources

Library of Congress: Stephen Collins Foster Biography

Library of Congress: Collection of audio files and sheet music of Stephen Foster

Favorite Christian Christmas Songs

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'Tis the season to start playing Christmas music. There is a great variety of Christmas music available to purchase and many places from which you can stream your favorite Carolers. We use a variety of digital methods to listen to our favorite Christmas songs – both Christian and holiday-themed – as well as the less traditional way of listening using CDs and – gasp – even cassette tapes on the rare occasion. Over the years, my Grandmom had collected a great variety of Christmas cassette tapes and then CDs, all of which I inherited. My husband also has a large collection of Christmas music, so there are many favorites among our collection. 

O Come All Ye Faithful 

I have enjoyed this song for many years. It was the first song sung by the senior choir at my high school as we entered the auditorium holding light-up candles. We would sing the first verse in Latin as we walked down the aisles, continue on to sing the first verse again in English, before moving onto the second verse. By then, we were all on the stage and ready to sing the next song. We never really sang many traditional Christmas songs – religious or secular – beyond a few. Our choir director always picked obscure songs from the Middle Ages or the Renaissance for us to sing. So, this one was a particular favorite of mine. 

What Child Is This? 

This was a favorite song of my mom's. Knowing this, I learned how to play it on the electric organ that my Grandmom had at her house. It was one of those instruments for which the books had the keys numbered and not actually listed by the real notes. So, all my practice learning how to play it did not translate to anything else. 

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear 

Can I share a secret? I love singing this song, too. There is something about the way the music swells that stirs my heart. Whether I am listening to Frank Sinatra sing about the angels singing or I am enjoying Ella Fitzgerald sing about peace on the earth, I enjoy the melody and message behind this beautiful Christmas song.

The First Noel 

I particularly love the way in which this song captures the story of Christmas. Whether Jesus was actually born on a cold winter night or not, the imagery of the birth of the King of Israel is stunning. As I write this post, I am listening to Pat Boone, Frank Sinatra, and Andy Williams all sing their own versions of this classic Christmas song. Do you have a favorite artist who sings The First Noel? 

Silent Night 

Lastly, I want to include Silent Night on my list of favorite Christian Christmas songs. I would love to think that the night of Jesus' birth was silent and calm. As a mom, it is wonderful to recall those first hours after the birth of my own children. Even though there was so much going on, there was a special calm. I love that heavenly hosts helped to announce the birth of Christ the Savior.  I am so thankful that Jesus was born. 

Wishing You a Merry Christmas 

I hope that no matter what your favorite Christmas songs may be – whether you prefer traditional artists, classical versions, instrumental versions, or maybe modernized, rock versions of Christmas Carols – that you have a very joyous holiday season as you listen to your favorite songs. As we approach the New Year, I hope that you have a wonderful time with your family. 

Favorite Holiday Christmas Songs

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In addition to the beautiful music written specifically to glorify the birth of Jesus, there is also a great collection of music that relates to secular reasons that people celebrate during the same period. I must admit that my Christmas music lists often have a mixture of both types of songs, as I love it all. Yes, there are some songs that I will not listen to, but in general, I like to have a mixture of songs by a mixture of artists. 

White Christmas by Bing Crosby 

I love to listen to songs sung by Bing Crosby. Some of my favorites include: 

• Don't Fence Me In 
• Something's Gotta Give
• Dream a Little Dream of Me
• Well Did You Evah? 

Christmas songs I also enjoy by Bing Crosby: 

• A Marshmallow World 
• Twelve Days of Christmas (with The Andrew Sisters) 
• Do You Hear What I Hear? 

My favorite Christmas song by Bing Crosby has to be White Christmas. Combine that with the movie, and I have a perfect afternoon spent with my family. I love the fact that the movie also stars Danny Kaye – another favorite singer of mine. I do wonder what the movie would have been like if Fred Astaire had not dropped out, though.

A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra 

So, this is not one song in particular. I have only recently begun to appreciate songs by Frank Sinatra. I am quite pleased by the wide selection of Christmas songs that I can add to my playlists performed by this talented singer. I really enjoy The Christmas Song, I'll be Home for Christmas, and Jingle Bells. The album was originally released in 1957, but I have been listening to the remastered 50th anniversary edition. I love reading that it was reissued on vinyl in 2010. We still have quite a few records, and I think it is wonderful that they are making a resurgence.

Sleigh Ride 

For several years, I was in the choir at my high school and the band always played Sleigh Ride. This song was my Great Uncle's favorite that they played. Now when I hear the song, I am reminded of him and my aunt coming to my concerts every year.

There are many different versions of the song. I have versions from Tex Beneke, Ray Eberle, & The Modernaires, Andy Williams, and Ella Fitzgerald on my one Christmas Playlist. I am not really sure whose take I enjoy the most. They are all equally good, as are the others that I have heard on the radio and on other compilations of Holiday music.

  

Frosty the Snowman 

I think the reason why I really like this song is that it reminds me of watching the 1969 cartoon by Rankin and Bass. So many of the Rankin and Bass productions were part of my childhood that I love hearing songs or stories that remind me of their tales. Whenever I hear the song, I can't help it; seeing Frosty first waking up and saying, "Happy Birthday!" brings a smile to my face.

Blue Christmas by Elvis Presley 

This song is another one that reminds me of a favorite Christmas cartoon. In the Year Without a Santa Claus, the children are sad – they will have a Blue Christmas – because Santa is staying home. This is my all-time favorite Christmas special from Rankin and Bass. I even have the Frost Miser and Heat Miser Christmas ornaments and figures from the cartoon to decorate for the holidays. Of all the versions of the song, I really enjoy Elvis Presley's the most. 

What Is Your Favorite Holiday Christmas Song? 

Do you have a favorite holiday Christmas song? Maybe it is one that makes you smile every time you hear it. Or perhaps there is one that you just have to sing along to, no matter where you are. Do we share any similar favorites?

Ten Things You May Not Know about the Mom of 'A Mom's Quest to Teach'

Gypsy - Boer Goat

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Reptiles, Birds of Prey, and Goats, Oh, My! 

I have mentioned before that I worked at a zoo. During my tenure at the zoo, I volunteered with the Development Department, Marketing Department, and Education Department. I also was on the staff for many years as an education substitute and then full time as a classroom educator. For a few short months I had the pleasure of helping to take care of the Children Zoo's goats and sheep (and I loved every minute of it!).

Sunshine - West African Pygmy Goat

While working in the education department, I helped take care of our reptiles and amphibians. This meant everything from daily care (cleaning cages/terrariums) to feeding (which might be only bi-monthly for some of the larger reptiles). I also helped write and design lesson plans and curriculum with some of the best people.

Sunshine - Box Turtle

Roxanne - Boa Constrictor 

Go Boldly into a Galaxy Far Away...with Unicorns and Elves  

I have been a fan of the science fiction/fantasy genre of books, television, and movies for quite a long time. My love of sci-fi/fantasy might have started with my mom introducing me to Star Wars helping me be Princess Leia from The Return to the Jedi. My mom and uncle also introduced me to Star Trek and I remember seeing several of the movies with the original cast and then the Next Generation cast in the theater. I also enjoy movies like Legend, The Last Unicorn, and Labyrinth. Among the authors that I enjoy reading are: Mercedes Lackey, Orson Scott Card, and Ray Bradbury.

Update: My tastes in movies and reading has actually changed a bit since originally writing this post in January of 2018. 

I Used to Like Video Games...

Fallout 4

As you might have guessed from my Minecraft post, I enjoy video games - both playing and watching others play them. Some of my favorite games include those that I can play with my husband (and stepson now that he is older) like those in the Borderlands series.  I also enjoy the single player games like Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas, Fallout 4, Oblivion, and Skyrim. I enjoy the stories that are told as much as the game play. Depending on your child, these games may not be age appropriate to share with them, so please review ratings and video game play before making an choices for your own family.

(P.S. This title is a reference to Skyrim's "I used to be an adventurer like you, then I took an arrow to the knee.")

Anxiety 

One of the most difficult things to share with people is the fact that I suffer from anxiety. In today's world, it should be easy to state that fact since both anxiety and depression receive attention from the media. Yet, it has never been easy for me to share details about me that I count in my weakness column.

Most days I can function pretty normally, but there are times when my anxiety hits me hard; making it difficult to be the wife and mom I need to be for my family. Thankfully my immediate family is very understanding and forgiving. They stand with me as I work through challenges and panic attacks. They are okay with changes in plans for outings or activities if my anxiety makes it difficult for me to leave the house (let alone the bedroom). I also find that having a commitment to homeschool our younger children and having a well-polished blog helps me find purpose each day. But there are times when I wish I owned the t-shirt that states: "I am sorry I am late, I didn't want to come" because I still have days where attending family functions and other events is nearly impossible.

"One Day More"

In the past, I highly enjoyed going to the theater to see musicals with my mom. In the past 8 years or so, I have not really enjoyed that due to my anxiety and depression. Some of my favorite musicals include The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, and My Fair Lady. I am fortunate enough that -- living near a metropolitan city -- I have been able to attend many touring productions of popular musicals. But I did get to see the original cast in Disney's Beauty and the Beast on Broadway as part of a bus trip.  It was excellent!

© Casadphoto | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images

Let's Go...Ice Hockey 

Ever since I was little, I have been an ice hockey fan. Again, I owe the introduction to ice hockey to my family, in particular my mom. For a number of years, my family had season tickets to our local ice hockey team and I fondly remember attending games (bundled up in my snowsuit). We would leave early but listen to the third period on the radio while my mom drove home.

My stepson has been playing ice hockey since he was seven years old. It has been a joy to watch him grow and play on numerous teams (sometimes alongside NHL players' sons). Up till this year he has only had one major injury, a broken arm in 2011, but that changed with 2017. He is old enough now that he is playing in a checking league which means intentional contact with other players. And unfortunately, he received a concussion this fall. We are very grateful that it is a very mild concussion but it is really scary as a mom to think what if it was worse.

Rolling Up a Character

Ever since my husband and I married, he has been trying to get me to play role-playing games with him, his son, and family.  I have to admit I was very hesitant because, after all, people who play D&D are geeks, right? After much soul-searching, I finally realized, "Wait, I am already a geek!" and joined him in playing a modified version of Dungeons and Dragons.

I have a host of characters that I created including an Elven Magic-User and her red-tailed hawk, a Human Fighter and her 6 month-old owlbear, an Elven Druid, a Human Cleric, and a Dwarven Thief. The characters that I have used most frequently in a 'single-player' campaign are my Magic-User, Morna, and my Fighter, Zharina.

For those wanting to learn more about role-playing games in general, I recommend taking a look at some of the (free!) rules light versions. There are even RPGs inspired by the likes of Doctor Who, Red Dwarf, Star Wars, Star Trek, Stargate SG-1, Middle-earth/The Lord of the Rings, The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, James Bond and espionage stories, westerns, post-apocalyptic tropes (such as the Mad Max movies), 1930's urban America, the novel Watership Down, Marvel Comics and DC Comics superheroes, and multiples based on various eras of world history.

Making History 

I often enjoy watching television programing that is historical in nature. I enjoy histories but also really like reality-like shows that set the individuals in the time periods of the past. So whether individuals find themselves whisked from the present day to a Victorian farm or a 1900 Manor house, I like seeing the history aspect of the shows. 

"Once Upon a Midnight Dreary"

In high school, I started volunteering at the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site. I really enjoyed learning from the Park Rangers and sharing my love of Poe with visitors from around the world. I was also able to develop my own tour comparing and contrasting Vincent Price's Poe films with the actual poems and short stories.

My collection of Edgar Allan Poe related books. 

"I Don't Want to Set the World on Fire"...I just want to listen to Music 

I think I have a rather eclectic taste in music. I used to enjoy going to concerts to see some of my mom's favorite artists including Barry Manilow, Neil Diamond, and Huey Lewis and the News. I also have among my music collection KISS, Kansas, The Heavy, and Billie Holiday. Thanks to the music of the Fallout series, I have found a love of many new artists including The Ink Spots, Roy Brown, Bob Crosby, and Marty Robbins.


Do you share any similar interests with me?  I would love to hear about your favorite movies, books, video games, and music. 

   

Crafts: Corn Shaker

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To help celebrate the fall, we  made our own music shakers! 

Materials 

• Pringles Container (other other similar container)
• Popcorn Kernels 
• Paint (yellow, orange, red, brown) 
• Sponge brushes
• Construction Paper
• Bubble wrap
• Glue 

Steps

1. Paint the bubble wrap. 
2. Put paper on the bubble wrap and press down. 
3. While your child is painting, eat the Pringles chips. Or share them with the whole family at snack time on a previous day. 
4. Clean out the container.  I rinsed with water and let it dry. 
5. Put corn kernels in container. This is great practice for your little's fine motor development. You can use as much or as little as you like. You can also have your child put the lid on and take the lid off to see what type of sound he/she wants to create with it. 
6. Tape the end of paper you won't see onto container. 
7. Glue the rest of the paper onto the container. 
8. You can attach tape to both ends of the paper if you like for added security.
9. You can also attach tape onto the lid to keep it on when your child shakes it.  (I imagined corn kernels going EVERYWHERE!) 

My very first reaction to the completed project was that it was very loud as my son shook it.  As the popcorn kernels hit the metal bottom and then the plastic lid, it created a satisfying, but loud, sound that my son loved.

We painted the bubble wrap to create a 'corn' stamp.  I provided him with paint and sponge brushes and he decided to paint in straight lines on the bubble wrap.  He definitely was not interested in mixing the paint at all.  We used the bubble wrap on our corn sun catchers craft.

It did take about a day for the paper to dry (it will depend on how much paint your child uses for the craft).

Other ideas

You could also add pictures or stickers to the outside of the shaker for Halloween (if you do this craft in October), Autumn, or Thanksgiving.  Or your child could draw a face onto the shaker or glue on googly eyes and draw a mouth.

This idea was inspired by Music Crafts for Kids - Making Corn Shakers.