Finding Aid for Frank McGrann Personal Papers and Sound Recordings, 1906-2004 | The Sousa Archives and Center for American Music

By Kendall McFarlin

Service Location	Boxes
Archives Research Center, 1707 S. Orchard Street	Box 01-04
Archives Research Center, 1707 S. Orchard Street	Box 05
Archives Research Center, 1707 S. Orchard Street	Box 06
Archives Research Center, 1707 S. Orchard Street	Box 07
Archives Research Center, 1707 S. Orchard Street	Box 08
Archives Research Center, 1707 S. Orchard Street	Box 09
SACAM, Band Building, 1103 S. 6th Street	Box 10
Archives Research Center, 1707 S. Orchard Street	Box 11
Archives Research Center, 1707 S. Orchard Street	Oversize Portfolio Case 1

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Collection Overview

Title: Frank McGrann Personal Papers and Sound Recordings, 1906-2004

ID: 12/9/183

Primary Creator: Frank McGrann (1880-1962)

Other Creators: John McGrann

Extent: 4.85 cubic feet

Arrangement: Organized in 5 series. Series 1: Correspondence and Personal Papers. Series 2: Photographs. Series 3: Scores and Published Music. Series 4: Sound Recordings. Series 5: Sousa and Band Ephemera. Series 1 is organized by both recipient and date. Series 2 is organized by the size of the photograph for the boxes and date within the boxes. Series 3 is organized by song title. Series 4 is organized alphabetically by song title and disc size. Series 5 is organized by type of item.

Date Acquired: 09/19/2024

Subjects: Band Musicians, Bands, Banking, Clarke, Herbert L., Conductors (Music), Goldman, Edwin Franko, Military Bands, Pennsylvania, Pryor, Arthur, Sousa, John Philip

Formats/Genres: Audio-Visual Material, Correspondence, Photographs, Sound Recordings, Uniforms

Languages: English

Scope and Contents of the Materials

Consists of band programs, articles, sound recordings, photographs, published music, and correspondence with Hebert L Clarke, Albert Knecht, Frank Simon, Frank Holton, and other band leaders, documenting Frank McGrann's career as a musician, conductor, and arranger. Of note is a sound recording of McGrann's eulogy given at Herbert L Clarke's funeral.

Biographical Note

Frank "Squire" McGrann (1880-1962) was born at Grand View Farm in Lancaster, Pennsylvania on November 13, 1880. The son of Bernard J. and Mary F. Dougherty McGrann, he graduated high school from Mercersburg Academy. As a boy, McGrann played the trombone. After graduating, McGrann played with Christ Burger's Military Band, which later became Burger's 4th Regiment Band at the Lancaster Elk's Lodge #134. At the age of 23, he joined the Conestoga National Bank of Lancaster, serving as its director for over 50 years. From 1918 to 1924 and from 1930 to 1948, he served as Mannheim Township's Justice of the Peace.

Through his connections with the bank and due to his interest in wind bands, McGrann sponsored many talented bands to visit Lancaster, including the John Philip Sousa Band, the Arthur Pryor Band, the Frederick Innes Band, the Herbert L. Clarke Band, and the Edwin Franko Goldman Band. Although an amateur conductor, he served as the director of the Conestoga Bank Brass Band, which only gave two performances in 1939 and 1940. Through his sponsorship of band concerts, he established close working relationships and friendships with many of the band directors above. He was a close confidant to Herbert L. Clarke, delivering a eulogy at Clarke's funeral. Due to his contributions to the band world, McGrann was elected as an associate member of the American Bandmasters Association in 1947.

In 1942, McGrann sold some of his land to the recording company, RCA, so they could construct a new factory in Lancaster. This RCA factory specialized in television vaccuum tube manufacturing and led to the creation of many new jobs in the city. With an avid interest in technology, McGrann installed both the first private telephone exchange in the state of Pennsylvania and a recording studio in his home, where he recorded his original arrangements for band and solo compositions for brass instruments. McGrann was married to Blanche E. Hebb McGrann (ca.1881-1961), with whom they had one son, John McGrann. Frank McGrann died in Lancaster, PA on January 15, 1962.

Subject/Index Terms

Band Musicians
Bands
Banking
Clarke, Herbert L.
Conductors (Music)
Goldman, Edwin Franko
Military Bands
Pennsylvania
Pryor, Arthur
Sousa, John Philip

Administrative Information

Repository: The Sousa Archives and Center for American Music

Acquisition Source: John McGrann

Acquisition Method: Gift

Related Materials: See also Frank McGrann Collection at the University of Maryland: https://archives.lib.umd.edu/repositories/4/resources/328.

Box and Folder Listing

Browse by Series:

[Series 1: Correspondence and Personal Papers, 1906-2004],
[Series 2: Photographs, 1910-1987],
[Series 3: Scores and Published Music, 1910-1934],
[Series 4: Sound Recordings, ca. 1940-1948],
[Series 5: Sousa and Band Ephemera, undated],
[All]

Series 1: Correspondence and Personal Papers, 1906-2004

Consists of correspondence between Frank McGrann and band directors including Herbert L. Clarke, Arthur Pryor, Frank Simon, and others; as well as programs, honorary membership cards, and personal papers, documenting McGrann's work with American wind bands. Also contains materials collected by Frank McGrann's son, John E. McGrann. Materials are arranged by recipient and chronologically therein.

Box 1

Folder 1: Correspondence and Programs - Herbert L Clarke, 1907-1945
Folder 2: Correspondence and Newspaper Clippings Regarding Herbert L Clarke, Undated
Folder 3: Correspondence and Programs - Herbert L Clarke, 1936
Folder 4: Correspondence and Newspaper Clippings - Herbert L Clarke, 1937
Folder 5: Correspondence, Programs, and Newspaper Clippings - Herbert L Clarke, 1938
Folder 6: Correspondence, Programs, and Newspaper Clippings - Herbert L Clarke, 1939
Folder 7: Correspondence, Programs, and Newspaper Clippings - Herbert L Clarke, 1940
Folder 8: Correspondence, Programs, and Newspaper Clippings - Herbert L Clarke, 1941
Folder 9: Correspondence, Programs, and Newspaper Clippings - Herbert L Clarke, 1042
Folder 10: Correspondence and Programs - Herbert L Clarke, 1943
Folder 11: Correspondence and Programs - Herbert L Clarke, 1944
Folder 12: Correspondence - Herbert L Clarke, 1946
Folder 13: Correspondence - Ralph Covey regarding "Frost Incident" with Sousa Band, 1910-1911
Folder 14: Correspondence, Newspaper Clippings, and Photographs Regarding Sousa, 1911-1940
Folder 15: Correspondence - Frank H Gillum, 1927-1942
Folder 16: Correspondence - Frank Holton and Associates, 1934-1942
Folder 17: Correspondence - John Perfetto, 1935-1944
Folder 18: Correspondence - Robert E Clarke - Marine Band, 1936-1943
Folder 19: Correspondence and Newspaper Clippings - Atha J Garing, 1936-1945
Folder 20: Correspondence - Frank Simon (1 of 2), 1936-1959
Folder 21: Correspondence - Frank Simon (2 of 2), 1944-1945
Folder 22: Correspondence and "American Symphony Orchestra" Schedule - "Peter", 1937-1944
Folder 23: Correspondence - Marine Band, 1937-1945
Folder 24: Correspondence and Newspaper Clippings - Wilbur Kiefer, 1937-1945
Folder 25: Correspondence - Several Recipients and Senders, 1937-1952
Folder 26: Correspondence and Articles - The Goldman Band, Edwin and Richard Franko Goldman, 1938-1945
Folder 27: Correspondence - Albert Knecht and Pennsylvania Bandmaster's Association, 1939-1945
Folder 28: Correspondence - Peter Buys: Hagerstown Band, 1939-1945
Folder 29: Correspondence and Photographs - Sam Harris and Ed Williams, 1940
Folder 30: Correspondence, Programs, and Photograph - Henry Fillmore, 1940-1945
Folder 31: Correspondence - Simone Mantia, 1940-1948
Folder 32: Correspondence and Newsletter - Pennsylvania Bandmasters Association, 1941-1945
Folder 33: Correspondence and Articles - Curtis H Larkin, 1943-1945
Folder 34: Correspondence and Programs - Army Air Force Band, 1944-1945
Folder 35: Correspondence and Programs - Navy Band, 1945 - 1946
Folder 36: Book - "Pigs is Pigs" by Ellis Parker Butler - Signed by Herbert L Clarke, 1906
Folder 37: Programs, 1936-1949
Folder 38: Honorary Membership Cards, 1942-1952
Folder 39: Sousa Band Roster, 2004

Box 2

Folder 1: Correspondence and Programs - Herbert L Clarke, 1935
Folder 2: Correspondence - Herbert L Clarke (1 of 2), 1945
Folder 3: Correspondence - Herbert L Clarke (2 of 2), 1945
Folder 4: Correspondence - Herbert L Clarke, 1947
Folder 5: Correspondence, Programs, and Photographs from Herbert L Clarke Memorial Ceremony, 1947
Folder 6: Correspondence - Eugene Labarre (1 of 2), 1940-1946
Folder 7: Correspondence - Eugene Labarre (2 of 2), 1943-1945

Box 3

Folder 1: Clarke Family History Sent to Frank McGrann, 1963-1947
Folder 2: Correspondence and Records Regarding Donations and Transfers - Franklin nd Marshall College and University of Maryland, 1961-1987

Series 2: Photographs, 1910-1987

Consists of photographs taken and collected by Frank McGrann and John McGrann, documenting Frank McGrann's work with American wind bands. Materials are arranged by material size and chronologically within each box.

Box 1

Folder 40: Postcards from Sousa Tour, 1910-1948
Folder 41: Photographs and Postcards, 1945
Folder 42: Photo Album - Frank McGrann Collection Presentation, 1986-1987
Folder 43: Photograph - Unlabeled Band, Undated

Box 4

Folder 1: Photograph - Sousa Band, 1900
Folder 2: Photograph - John Philip Sousa, 1917
Folder 3: Photographs of the McGrann Family and Herbert L Clarke in Pennsylvannia, 1944
Folder 4: Photogrph - Black and White Herbert L Clarke Portrait, Undated
Folder 5: Photograph - Black and White Herbert L Clarke Portait, Undated
Folder 6: Photograph - Signed by Herbert L Clarke, Undated
Folder 7: Photograph - Henry Fillmore and Mike the Radio Hound, Undated
Folder 8: Photograph - Unlabeled Band, Undated
Folder 9: Photographs - Black and White Band, Military, and Memorial Photographs, Undated

Oversize Portfolio Case 1

Folder 1: Photographs and Newspaper Clippings - John Philip Sousa and Frank McGrann, 1914-1948

Series 3: Scores and Published Music, 1910-1934

Consists of one original score by Frank McGrann and his collected sheet music. Clarke songs are arranged alphabetically by song title.

Box 1

Folder 44: "Now Listen" March by Frank McGrann (Parts), Undated

Box 3

Folder 3: Trombone Solo "Oh You Chicken" by A. Garuig and Three Books by Herbert L Clarke, 1910-1934

Series 4: Sound Recordings, ca. 1940-1948

Consists of original recordings by Frank McGrann as well as McGrann's collection of commercial band recordings. Materials are arranged alphabetically by song title and then by disc size.

Box 1

Folder 45: Cassette Tapes, Undated: Note: folder contains three cassette tapes - McGrann Cut Records, Tape #1; McGrann Cut Records, Tape #2; and Robert Isele Trombone Solos

Box 5

Folder 1: Allantir Zefhyro; Healer's Waltz - The Army Band, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #5
Folder 2: America by Dr. Emmet A Williams - The Army Band; Gonerloga March - The Marine Band, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #42
Folder 3: Americans We; Neptune's Court, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #2
Folder 4: Angle's Dream Waltz, Eyro Right March - The Army Band; Trail Blazer - Marine Band, Ideng Jant-Bob, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #36
Folder 5: Army Band; Gounhers of Luzenhoug Waltz - CBS Sung, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #20
Folder 6: Army of America March - Marine Band, Southern - Robert DeHart; 1. Trail Blazer Speak, 2. Trail Blazer, 3. Now Listen, Undated: 10-Inch Disc
Folder 7: Believe Me If All Those - Simone Mantia; The Volunteer - Robert Isele, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #16
Folder 8: Burke Eyro, Undated: 10-Inch Disc
Folder 9: Carnival of Venice Cornet Solo - Herbert L Clarke; Stars In A Velvety Sky Cornet Solo - Herbert L Clarke, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #10
Folder 10: Carnival 2; Slurs 2, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #10
Folder 11: Chicago Trombone March, Men of Tron March - Army Band; Bob and Rivireon, Undated: 10-Inch Disc
Folder 12: Concerto Betite - Keu Downs; Jouv. de Romenec - Keu Downs, Undated: 10-Inch Disc
Folder 13: Cornet Trio Three Stars Steiger, Tong, and Jacobs, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #7
Folder 14: Daughter of Love Waltz - Army Band; Eglandine - Marine Band, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #37
Folder 15: Diplomat March - World's Fair Band; Original Fantasy Euphonium Solo - Simone Mantia, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #25
Folder 16: Euphonium Solo Silver Threads Among the Gold - Donald Kimble; Audum Rev - Army Band, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #23
Folder 17: Euphonium Solo - Carnival of Venice - Robert Landorf, Girl Vondugrift March - Marine Band; I'rim I'avarides - Marine Band, Undated: 10-Inch Disc
Folder 18: Euphonium Solo and Clarinet Solo, The Devil's Tongue - John Burouge; Solo - Annie Laurie, Undated: 10-Inch Disc
Folder 19: Fleurette - U.S. Army Band - John Rufullo, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #28
Folder 20: Flirtations, Toronto Bay, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #3
Folder 21: Folder[sic] Irenolwhite; Voheeblug I'armer, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #9
Folder 22: Folks at Home, 1941: 10-Inch Disc #22
Folder 23: For Peace and Freedom March - World's Fair Band; Minute Waltz - Clarinet Solo - Edmund C Wall, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #33
Folder 24: Fulel and Schera Waltz, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #39
Folder 25: Golden Friendships - The Fillmore Band; The Whistling Farmer Boy - The Fillmore Band, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #9
Folder 26: Hearts of I Lane Waltz - Army; Preneium Alice - Robert DeItart, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #43
Folder 27: Home On the Range - Cornet Solo - Edward Masters; Maryland My Maryland Clarinet Solo - Edmund C Wall, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #35
Folder 28: I Am Sugar - Marine Band, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #40
Folder 29: If I Had a Girl as Sweet as You, Undated: 10-Inch Disc
Folder 30: In a Monestary Garden - Marine Band; Ken Downe - Mantonetta, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #24
Folder 31: Jealous Girl Waltz - U.S. Marine Band; Brass Buttons March - U.S. Marine Band, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #14
Folder 32: Jeanie with the Light Bown Hair - U.S. Army Band; Blue Bells of Scotland - Robert Isele, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #34
Folder 33: King Cotton March - World's Fair Band; "Red Rose City March" - U.S. Marine Band, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #30
Folder 34: Loveland Waltz - U.S. Army Band; Woodland Whispers - U.S. Army Band, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #13
Folder 35: On the Hudson March - Goldman's Band; My Steaves of Love - Leonard B. Smith, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #15
Folder 36: March - Army Band; 1. Sunshine Paredue Alley - Joe Steward, 2. Jolly Girls Waltz-Army, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #6
Folder 37: Merry Widow Waltzes - World's Fair Band, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #12
Folder 38: Miss Trombone - Conestoga Brass Band; Americans - Conestoga Brass Band, 1940: 10-Inch Disc #26
Folder 39: NG, Now Listen, Trail Blazer - Frank McGrann; Ebbets Lullaby Lois Sougot Songs - B. Eislen, Undated: 10-Inch Disc
Folder 40: Nights of Gladness Waltz and Orange Bowl - Conestoga Brass Band, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #17
Folder 41: None But a Lonely Hear - Frank Alsass; Willow Echoes - Cornet Solo Leonard B Smith, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #27
Folder 42: Now Listen March - United States Marine Band; Trail Blazer March - United States Marine Band, Undated: 10-Inch Disc
Folder 43: Ode To A Memory - Louis Sayerino - U.S. Marine Band; Gateway to the South, Undated: 10-Inch Disc
Folder 44: Orange Bowl; Cousins, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #1

Box 6

Folder 1: Orange NG; R. Rose #1 - Youthful Shirt Waltz - Army Band, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #18
Folder 2: Peace Freedom; Trail Blazer, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #4
Folder 3: Peice de Concerte - Frank Simon, Undated: 10-Inch Disc
Folder 4: Selection From "Fortune Teller" - World's Fair Band; Mighty Lak A Rose, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #8
Folder 5: Selctions from "Red Mill" - World's Fair Band; NOLA - World's Fair Band, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #32
Folder 6: Selection from Southeards - Marine Band, Undated: 10-Inch Disc
Folder 7: Sunshine of Your Smile - Trombone Solo Played by Frank McGrann, Undated: 10-Inch Disc
Folder 8: The Trail Blazer (March) - Frank McGrann, Undated: 10-Inch Disc
Folder 9: The Whistling Farmer Boy - The Fillmore Band; Golden Friendship - The Fillmore Band, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #9
Folder 10: Thomas Jefferson March - Marine Band; Army Band - Navy Band, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #38
Folder 11: Thousand and One Nights Waltz - Army Band, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #19
Folder 12: Tres Jolie Waltz - U.S. Army Band; Bells of St. Mary's U.S. Army Band, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #31
Folder 13: Trombone to the Front - Army Band; Schubert's Serenade - Ed Marders, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #21
Folder 14: Value Blude Army, Keu Downs Atheui; Bob, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #41
Folder 15: Will Rogers (March) U.S. Marine Band, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #11
Folder 16: Your Eyes Have Told Me So - Vocal, Undated: 10-Inch Disc #29
Folder 17: Among the Orange Groves - Marine Band; I'liche Trio Auchoo - Army, Undated: 8-Inch Disc #4
Folder 18: Blue Bells of Scottland - Robert Isele; The Volunteer - Robert Isele, Undated: 8-Inch Disc
Folder 19: Euphonium Solo - Original Fantasy - Simone Mantia; Euphonium Solo - Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms - Simone Mantia, Undated: 8-Inch Disc
Folder 20: Fantasy Cappriccioso Cornet Solo - Walter Kemp, Undated: 8-Inch Disc #2
Folder 21: First Bert Clarke Army; Price Coucertante - Bob, Undated: 8-Inch Disc #5
Folder 22: Frank to Lin and Grant by Davy, Undated: 8-Inch Disc
Folder 23: Height-Ho, God Bless America, Undated: 8-Inch Disc
Folder 24: Love's Proforal Waltz - Army Band, Undated: 8-Inch Disc #3
Folder 25: Marine Hymn and Trail Blazer, Undated: 8-Inch Disc #9
Folder 26: Marine's Hymn annd Trail Blazer - Marine Band; Goner Saga March - Marine Band, Undated: 8-Inch Disc #10
Folder 27: S and P, Undated: 8-Inch Disc
Folder 28: Spanish Gafrine - Ed Mandero; Valce Blue and Regency's Redeum March - Army Band, Undated: 8-Inch Disc #6
Folder 29: St. Pat; Whose Band, Undated: 8-Inch Disc #1
Folder 30: Velvety Skies; R.G. Le Seclet, Undated: 8-Inch Disc
Folder 31: Unlabeled #1, Undated: 8-Inch Disc
Folder 32: Unlabeled #2, Undated: 8-Inch Disc
Folder 33: Unlabeled #3, Undated: 8-Inch Disc
Folder 34: Trail Blazer and Now Listen - The Long Beach Municipal Band, Directed by Herbert L. Clarke, Undated: 10-Inch Disc

Box 7

Folder 1: Herbert L Clarke's Eulogy By Frank McGrann Part 1 and Part 2, Undated: 12-inch Disc
Folder 2: Herbert L Clarke's Eulogy By Frank McGrann Part 3 and Part 4, Undated: 12-Inch Disc
Folder 3: Air Varie - Pryar played by Jarslar Cimera; Love's Enchantment - Pryar played by Jerry Cimera, Undated: 12-Inch Disc
Folder 4: Ask Her While the Band Was Playing - recorded by Conestoga and Sylria Band, 1940: 12-Inch Disc
Folder 5: Star Light - performed by Arthur Pryor with narrator Robert Isele, and Atlantic Zephyrs - performed by Arthur Pryor, Undated: 12-Inch Disc #3
Folder 6: Band of America, Undated: 12-Inch LP
Folder 7: Blue Bells, Undated: 12-Inch Disc #2
Folder 8: Blue Bells, Undated: 12-Inch Disc #3
Folder 9: Close to Me, performed by unidentified euphonium player, 1945: 12-Inch Disc
Folder 10: Gonerdoga March; Trail Blazer - U.S. Marine Band, 1941: 12-Inch Disc #5
Folder 11: 1. Love Though Do 2. Up the Street; Neptune's Court, Undated: 12-Inch Disc
Folder 12: Marine Band, Patriot; G Wash Jr., Undated: 12-Inch Disc
Folder 13: McMann Trio On Stage America ABC - Paul Whitman, 1948: 12-Inch Disc
Folder 14: The Lords Last Supper - The Marine Band, Undated: 12-Inch Disc #1
Folder 15: Trial Blazer and Now Listen Marches performed by Long Beach Municipal Band; Starlight and Olyvia Trombone Solos performed by David Flasmira, Undated: 12-Inch Disc
Folder 16: Unlabeled 1, Undated: 12-Inch Disc
Folder 17: Unlabeled 2, Undated: 12-Inch Disc
Folder 18: Unlabeled 3, Undated: 12-Inch Disc
Folder 19: Unlabeled 4, Undated: 12-Inch Disc
Folder 20: Unlabeled 5, Undated: 12-Inch Disc
Folder 21: Unlabeled 6, Undated: 12-Inch Disc
Folder 22: Unlabeled 7, Undated: 12-Inch Disc
Folder 23: Unlabeled 8, Undated: 12-Inch Disc
Folder 24: Oh Columbia, Gem of the Ocean; Vesti la giubba from Pagliacci; and Ave Marie performed by unidentified euphonium player, Undated: 12" Disc. side A: "Oh Columbia, Gem of the Ocean" and Disc 2, side A: "Vestila Giubba" from Pagliaaci and "Ave Marie."

Series 5: Sousa and Band Ephemera, undated

Consists of band hat, lithograph paintings, pins, and batons from the Sousa Band and other bands. Materials are arranged by size.

Box 8

Item 1: Large Lithograph - Sousa Band, Undated
Item 2: Large Lithograph - Sousa Portrait, Undated
Item 3: Small Lithograph - Sousa Portrait, Undated
Item 4: Small Lithograph - Sousa Portrait, Undated

Box 9

Item 1: Sousa Band Hat, Undated: 2024.129183.10

Box 10

Item 1: Sousa Band Pin, Undated: 2024.129183.01
Item 2: Sousa Band Pin, Undated: 2024.129183.02
Item 3: Small Sousa Band Pin, Undated: 2024.129183.03

Box 11

Item 1: Cork Grip Baton "Micro" No. 103, Undated: 2024.129183.04
Item 2: Dark Wood Baton with Dark Grip, Undated: 2024.129183.05
Item 3: White Baton with Black Handle "Avid 4B", Undated: 2024.129183.06
Item 4: Cork Grip Baton "Micro" No. 3, Undated: 2024.129183.07
Item 5: Light Wood Baton with Dark Grip, Undated: 2024.129183.08