Merton Robert Lundsten Band Scrapbooks and Sound Recording Collection, 1907-1960 | The Sousa Archives and Center for American Music

Recordings are arranged chronologically within each type of ensemble/group.

Merton Robert Lundsten (June 23, 1916 - May 1995) was born and raised in Rockford, IL by his parents Harry and Alice.  Merton grew up learning to play the clarinet, studying with Wally Holt during the summer of 1930 for a total of 8 lessons. Lundsten attended the University of Illinois as an Engineering Major from 1937-1938, and while he did not graduate with a degree, Lundsten became an apprentice in 1939 with the Barber-Colma Co. out of Rockford, IL. Here he became the designer and, later, the sole engineer in the cutting tool department. Also in 1939, Lundsten married Beotrice Bergholt who worked as a telephone operator. Lundsten loved all bands, but had a particular interest in marching bands. He played in Rockford marching bands until his later years.