Poetic Justice: that'll work!: "In Memory of Abram W. Lansing" by Iva May Terry (1928)

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

"In Memory of Abram W. Lansing" by Iva May Terry (1928)

In Memory of Abram W. Lansing.
        This tribute to the memory of the late Abram W. Lansing, organist, composer and supervisor of music in the public schools of Cohoes, has been composed by Iva May Terry, the blind poet of Cohoes:

"A man beloved by everyone

        Has gone from us away;

His mission here on earth is done,

        We mourn his loss today.

"The little children loved him so,

        For he was always kind,

Though from them he should have to go

        'Tis hard to be resigned.

"But God the Father knoweth best

        Just why this loss must be,

Yet knowing him we have been blest

        By his loved memory.

"A great musician now had passed

        To Heavenly mansions fair,

And though a gloom o'er us is cast

        We hope to meet him there."

Troy Times. January 30, 1928: 2 col 4.

        Abram W. Lansing, for the last seven years Supervisor of Music in Cohoes public schools and the organizer and director of the Cohoes Community Orchestra since its inception five years ago, died early this morning at his residence, 246 North Mohawk Street, following an illness of one week’s duration.

        Mr. Lansing was taken ill at School 6 last Thursday morning and had been confined to bed since. He was regarded as one of the best teachers, writers and critics of music in this section of the state. Mr. Lansing was leader of Cohoes High School Orchestra and Glee Club, and he supervised the teaching of music in all the grades in Cohoes public schools.

        For the last seven years he had been organist and choir director at the Silliman Memorial Presbyterian Church, and for a number of years previously held a similar post at the Fourth Presbyterian Church, Albany.

        In addition to being a capable director, teacher and performer he was well known for his musical compositions, more than 150 of these having been published by New York, Philadelphia and Boston concerns.

        A 32d degree Mason, he was prominently identified with Cohoes Masonic bodies, being a member of Cohoes Chapter, Royal Arch Masons and Cohoes Lodge, F. and A. M., at various times serving as organist for both organizations.

        The son of Egbert W. and Helena Lansing, Mr. Lansing received his education in the public schools of Cohoes, Albany Academy and Williams College, being graduated from college in 1886.

        The survivors include his uncle, Charles E. Lansing of Albany, and several cousins.

“Abram W. Lansing Dead at Cohoes.” Troy Times. January 25, 1928: 11 col 1.

“Those who attended the service at the Fourth Presbyterian church last evening enjoyed a musical treat in 'The Star Divine,’ a Christmas cantata, the words of which were written by Frances V. Hubbard, the music by Abram W. Lansing. The cantata is distinctly Oriental in theme, both in words and music.”

“Cantata at Fourth Church.” Albany Evening Journal. December 21, 1914: 8 col 3.

"Have you sung 'College of the Empire State' at any of the gatherings Monday night? It might be of interest to know that the composers of that well-known State College song are registered in summer school. They are Mrs. Frances Hubbard and Mr. A. W. Lansing.”

“Soloist at Community Sing." State College News 1(6). August 8, 1921. 1.

Unfortunately, Abram W. Lansing and Frances Virginia Thomas Hubbard are not at present given credit for composing "College of the Empire State" at the following pages, among others:

http://www.albany.edu/about_history_minerva.php

http://www.albany.edu/about_history_almamater.php

http://www.albany.edu/about_the_university/alma_mater.shtml

http://www.albany.edu/inauguration/history.php

http://www.albany.edu/parents/parenthandbook.shtml

http://www.albany.edu/spirit/alma_mater.shtml

http://www.albany.edu/studentsuccess/docs/ALBANY_Handbook2010.pdf

http://www.albany.edu/studentsuccess/ALBANY_Handbookfinal.pdf

http://www.albany.edu/spirit/songs.shtml

http://www.albany.edu/feature98/commencement/events.html

http://www.albany.edu/feature98/commencement/program/alma_mater.html

http://www.albany.edu/feature2000/commencement/