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Some people use the term “collector” when viewing Dr. Crew’s amazing political sheet music collection; however, he believes the term “hoarder” is probably more accurate. Prior to embarking on a life-long collector’s odyssey, his interests included music, politics, and history. History and politics were reflected in his choice of government for his college major and history as his minor, while music was his spare time personal passion (trombone in high school band and banjo, guitar, and accordion in his spare time).
His sheet music collecting started in 1972 when he found himself wandering around an antique shop in Tallahassee, Florida. He noticed several campaign buttons for the 1900 campaign of McKinley and Roosevelt. The store owner indicated that he had a trunk full of items in the back of the store: There were scores of old campaign souvenirs including buttons, ribbons, banners, and a large stack of sheet music. Dr. Crew bought the entire lot. At home he began sorting through the items; and the sheet music stuck out as particularly interesting. He remembers a piece of Teddy Roosevelt sheet music, awash in bright colors, with his portrait almost jumping off the page, and he concluded that sheet music was a wonderful way to combine his love of politics, history, and music into one inexpensive collectible.
Today, Crew’s collection of political-related items exceeds 13,000 pieces, including the nation’s largest collections of music related to George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and with over 450 pieces, Theodore Roosevelt. The collection led Dr. Crew to author four published bibliographies on political sheet music and formed the basis of his PhD in music history from the University of Sunderland (UK).
Read Dr. Crew’s essay on sheet music as public discourse here.
See below to view items from the collection.
This song briefly pictures Theodore Roosevelt’s exploits on safari in Africa, and imagines the responses of the animals Roosevelt wishes to hunt. After calling a congress in the hopes they can negotiate with the “fearless hunter man,” the animals variously try to frighten Roosevelt away or flee, but to no avail.
1909
Furst, S. W.; Fisk, G. L.
2023-03-30
A “National Anthem and March Dedicated to Hon. Theodore Roosevelt, as Embodying his Principles and Those of Every Loyal American.” The lyrics speak to putting aside the rancor of the Civil War and sectionalism, defending the American flag across the world, and advancing the cause of religion.
Dr. Danny O. Crew Theodore Roosevelt Sheet Music Collection
1916
Moland, Isaac B., 1847-1920; Penn, Arthur A., 1875-1941
“Young Joshua” mentions the unique characteristics of President Roosevelt, such as his willingness to work with Booker T. Washington.
Dr. Danny O. Crew Theodore Roosevelt Sheet Music Collection
1902
Herbert, J. B. (John Bunyan), 1852-1927
An arrangement for piano and string orchestra of the song written for Theodore Roosevelt’s return from African safari. Arranged by Harry L. Alford.
Dr. Danny O. Crew Theodore Roosevelt Sheet Music Collection
1910
A song in support of Henry Gassaway Davis and Alton B. Parker in the 1904 presidential election and arranged by Rudolf Thaler.
Dr. Danny O. Crew Theodore Roosevelt Sheet Music Collection
1904
Nickerson, E. G.
Postcard front has a photograph of President Roosevelt on the left and sheet music titled “God Save Our President” on the right.
Dr. Danny O. Crew Theodore Roosevelt Sheet Music Collection
1907-11-18
Sheet music for “The School Where Lincoln Went,” a popular song with a chorus toasting Theodore Roosevelt attending Harvard University, President Taft attending Yale University, and Abraham Lincoln attending “the old red school house.” The cover features an eagle atop an illustration of a red school house surrounded by pendants for Harvard and Yale.
Dr. Danny O. Crew Theodore Roosevelt Sheet Music Collection
1910
Hardy, Will
Sheet music for “The Rough Riders’ March,” an instrumental tribute to the 1st Volunteer Cavalry, popularly known as the Rough Riders, who fought in the Spanish-American War.
Dr. Danny O. Crew Theodore Roosevelt Sheet Music Collection
1903
Clarence, Charles Herbert, 1851-1917
Sheet music for “Ted the Hunter March and Two-Step,” a march referencing Theodore Roosevelt’s safari in Africa. The music was published in Pictorial Review magazine.
Dr. Danny O. Crew Theodore Roosevelt Sheet Music Collection
1909
Greenwald, M.
Sheet music for “We Are For Bliss,” a campaign song supporting A. T. Bliss, the Republican candidate for governor of Michigan. The cover features an illustration of Bliss riding a Republican elephant and being cheered on by various supporters, such as old soldiers and farmers. The end page features an illustration of President McKinley and Governor Roosevelt with the statement, “Let Well Enough Alone.”
Dr. Danny O. Crew Theodore Roosevelt Sheet Music Collection
1900
Wesbrook, Frank; Zickel, Harry H., 1872-1943
Sheet music for “For Honor, Flag, and Nation,” a campaign song for the congressional campaign of William Connell. The lyrics also mention President McKinley and Governor Roosevelt, the Republican presidential ticket. The cover features a photograph of Connell.
Dr. Danny O. Crew Theodore Roosevelt Sheet Music Collection
1900
Wooler, Alfred
Sheet music for “Schildkret’s Hungarian waltzes,” a waltz dedicated to Alice Roosevelt.
Dr. Danny O. Crew Theodore Roosevelt Sheet Music Collection
1902
S. Schildkret
Sheet music for “Big Bill for Me,” a campaign song supporting William H. Taft’s 1908 presidential campaign. The lyrics state that Taft “has Teddy’s policies from the inside.” The cover features a photograph of Taft.
Dr. Danny O. Crew Theodore Roosevelt Sheet Music Collection
1908
Reed, Byron W. (Byron William), 1884-1961
Sheet music for “I Would Still Love You,” a song from the musical, “The Big Stick,” a phrase associated with President Roosevelt.
Dr. Danny O. Crew Theodore Roosevelt Sheet Music Collection
1907
Castling, Harry; Murphy, C. W.
Sheet music for “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” a traditional, patriotic song. This edition is dedicated to Theodore Roosevelt.
Dr. Danny O. Crew Theodore Roosevelt Sheet Music Collection
1919
Howe, Julia Ward, 1819-1910; Seaver, Blanche Ebert, 1891-1994
Sheet music for “Keep Time,” a patriotic march dedicated to President Roosevelt. The cover features a shield topped with an illustrated eagle and American flags. On the left of the shield are marching soldiers in blue uniforms. On the right of the shield are soldiers in dress uniform and women in evening gowns dancing.
Dr. Danny O. Crew Theodore Roosevelt Sheet Music Collection
1906
Myer, A. Alvin; Riemer, Lester C.
Sheet music for “Our President,” a campaign song for President Roosevelt’s 1904 presidential campaign. The cover features a photograph of Roosevelt.
Dr. Danny O. Crew Theodore Roosevelt Sheet Music Collection
1904
Blood, Arthur Vernon
Sheet music for “The Man in Washington,” a song praising President Roosevelt and his accomplishments. The cover features a photograph of Roosevelt.
Dr. Danny O. Crew Theodore Roosevelt Sheet Music Collection
1908
Furst, S. W.; Russell, Harry A.
Sheet music for “Oh, William Taft,” a campaign song for Taft’s 1912 presidential campaign. The lyrics mention Theodore Roosevelt and his support for the Republican Party.
Dr. Danny O. Crew Theodore Roosevelt Sheet Music Collection
1911
Connolly, Ellen M.; Wright, George