OF 104 – Music

By Kevin Thomas, Archives Technician

It may seem unusual that within archives open for more than 75 years, there could be untapped or overlooked contents. But as is often the case, collections held within seem to resurface like water bubbling from a spring.

At the FDR Presidential Library & Museum, which contains more than 17 million pages of documents in its archival collections, is found the President’s Official File (OF) 104 – Music. This is a large file containing thousands of pages of sheet music and related correspondence, composed and written by professionals and amateurs alike, and sent to the White House. The music within this file was in many cases inspired by President Roosevelt, or by other subjects such as government programs created under the New Deal – and often included a note of gratitude to the President, or to the nation. The file reveals inspired composers and lyricists from across the country and the world, who created new music or sent a copy of their published work to the President.

While these musical works remain in many cases overlooked today, they echo from the past as warm and heartfelt expressions from their creators and are remarkable examples of public reaction to the Roosevelt administration.

I had the opportunity to undertake a recent preservation project targeting this official file to assess its value for research and any conservation needs the file had. At first, I did not know what to expect, and in the end the file produced one of the more unique and interesting collections I have yet to encounter in the library. 

The music found in this file spans many genres. The sheet music is often published in industry standard formats with cover artwork that was reused over and over by the publishers for different musical works. In some cases, though, the music can be seen carefully written out entirely by hand and sometimes accompanied by hand decorated details or carefully crafted illustrations, artwork, and accessories. Some are contained in hand-tooled leather covers. In another instance, music was found handwritten on two pieces of birch bark that had been flattened and reenforced. Sometimes, anything would do, like a musical composition arriving in the White House on a portion of a cardboard container.

The bulk of the materials date to the years 1933-1936. The enthusiasm found in the music highlights what was felt by many Americans who found promise and hope in the new Roosevelt administration and its “New Deal” programs introduced during those years. Themes ranged from support for the Works Progress Administration, to the adulation of FDR as a saint. There were songs written in support of the Democratic Party, as well as in support of the rights of workers.

There is a noticeable drop in the quantity of musical contributions and correspondence as the Roosevelt administration entered its second term. This may have to do with some fatigue among the electorate and with administration policies, or simply the politics of the time created a reduction in enthusiasm. By 1940, and the start of the war in Europe, the music file begins to grow again – and shifts to topics that include peace. However, once the United States enters the war in 1941, the file swells to nearly what was seen in the first years of the Roosevelt administration. The files’ contributors are now moved by patriotism and the music they send will strongly support the war effort.

Perhaps the most noteworthy aspect of the music file is the people themselves, and the broad cross section of America represented. For example, in February 1943, Herman Hupfeld sent President Roosevelt a signed copy of his song “As Time Goes By.” The cover of the sheet music depicts the movie Casablanca, a popular movie at the time and which featured the song prominently. Also, in the file can be found a series of tunes composed and arranged by a U.S. cavalryman at Fort Bliss, Texas. Others arrived from around the world – from places like France and Cuba – written by foreign composers inspired to create and to dedicate work to a leader of the Allies during World War II. There was even a musical piece co-authored by Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jr., the President’s son, found in the file.

People occasionally included small mementos, photographs, and even gifts or souvenirs. In one instance, the mother of an Army airman serving in North Africa in 1943, sent the President her son’s photograph, along with a musical piece of his creation. In another case, along with a music manuscript, a seed was included from the “General Sherman,” the famous giant sequoia tree from California.

Also of note, there are several anonymous musical pieces in the file, whose composers and lyricists may never be known. Likewise, with the large and expansive array of music, and diverse creators, it is quite conceivable that amongst this file are creations from musicians and composers that are now considered household names, but at the time, were largely unknown.

Among the President’s papers, Official File 104 – Music, appears to be among those few yet to be explored extensively by the public. It offers an opportunity for research and perspective into the subject of popular music and political expression through music in America during the 1930s and 1940s.

The file is ready and waiting for its next performance.