American Harmony

formerly

The Republican Glee Club of Columbus, Ohio

History provided by Tom Atzberger

NOTE: It is recognized that the history of our Glee Club reflects the struggles of mankind over the course of the years from the late nineteenth century to the beginnings now of the twenty-first century. In presenting the history of this club, there may be seen, in the eyes of some readers, evidence of the biases of those in power and the struggles of those seeking to share in it. We are not insensitive to the progress our nation has made and of the struggle it has endured. We present the songs and the history of the club with the historian’s sense of the importance of reflecting the past accurately, and do not intend any insensitivity to persons of any race, gender, creed or political commitment. Please read on and enjoy as you are able, the unique story of this fascinating organization.

Contrary to the way everyone read Mike Harden’s article in the Columbus Dispatch of September 3, 2000, the Glee Club is here to stay. While it is true that the club has lost some of its power and punch, it is still active and holds regularly scheduled rehearsals and performs in various venues. This is its first presence of the Glee Club on the Internet and the first edition of its long and storied history appearing anywhere.

The Republican Glee Club of Columbus, Ohio, was first formed in 1872, to support the second Presidential campaign of Ulysses Grant. There may have been other such clubs that were formed before this one, and there may be others in existence now, but The Republican Glee Club of Columbus, Ohio, is, we believe, the oldest continuously existing political Glee Club. Its history is filled with the stories of big men and small who have gone before us, who lived out, and shared, their lives and their talents in order to add spice, fun, and power to the efforts of the party’s candidates.

The Glee Club believes that, of all the influences that can move the souls and emotions of men, there is none so rewarding as the music of the human voice. From our infancies, when first heard our mothers’ gentle voices, to manhood, when we are carried away by a grand rendition of some great chorus, whether interpreting a folk song or the work of masters, there is nothing that enlivens us like singing. Recognizing this, is it any wonder that this club, with its magnificent choruses, has achieved its phenomenal success, or that it has been held in such high esteem by the leaders of the Republican Party, as well as by the rank and file?

Loyal Republicans first formed this great organization to further the principles of that great party. It has deserved, and achieved, many musical successes. It has had a most marked and beneficial influence on the musical taste and education of Ohio. It was always an energetic, loyal and dominant factor in the political work of the City, County and State.

It is a unique organization in many ways. It is probably the oldest political Glee Club in the country, thouching now the shoulders of three centuries. It was once the largest and most prominent political singing club in existence. In the era that preceded all electronic media and appliances, it was the father of all the great English singing societies of Columbus for the forty years after its founding. It was always foremost in responding to any calls for charity, for City or State occasions or for public functions of any character. During its career, the "Old Reliable" has studied and sung in public, for the benefit of its friends, all kinds of music from the highest operatic and oratorio selections down to the commonest ballads, street songs and rag time. It has given all kinds of entertainment--music could be made a feature from operas to concerts, minstrel shows, vaudeville, and all kinds of combinations of each.

The club has been singularly fortunate in the high class leaders and conductors it has had. All of them have been imbued with a desire to make the club an excellent musical organization, as well as an energetic, winning political influence. Its history is full of successes.

The club was characterized by a large membership, seldom falling below seventy-five or eighty and, during presidential campaigns, running up to from one hundred twenty-five to one hundred eighty. They were the best young men of the city, from all walks of life, professional men, business men, clerks, mechanics, and others. They all met on a common level, drawn together by their love of music and their loyalty to the Grand Old Republican Party.

The loyalty of the members is remarkable. While during its existence over its first forty years, it had probably eight hundred members on its rolls. It was a common thing to find men in the ranks who had been members for twenty to thirty years. In 1916, the Club historian wrote "Indeed, it is only a year or two ago that the last charter members retired from the active service to go on the roll of life members."

The club has sponsored many public memorial services and celebrations. For many years the club held a memorial service on the second Sunday of June, including an address by various prominent persons and short reminiscences by some of the older members, with appropriate music interspersed. Soon after the death of Ohio’s beloved William Mckinley, the club began the tradition of having an annual reunion and banquet on January 29th, McKinley’s birthday. Invitees included the active and associate members of all the area Republican neighborhood clubs. These were not only most enjoyable affairs from a social and musical standpoint, but were effective revivals of party spirit and loyalty. Many of the most prominent Republicans of Ohio, and others from outside the State, have officiated at these banquets, either as toastmasters or speakers. Many a campaign key-note has there been sounded, including the day when President Taft launched his campaign for his second term at a McKinley Day Banquet.

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