Patrick Gilmore Collection
Abstract
Patrick S. Gilmore (1829-1892) was an American bandleader before the time of John Philip Sousa. His career highlights include leading the regimental band for the 24th Massachusetts Infantry during the Civil War, founding Gilbert and Wright: a musical instrument manufacturer, and organizing concerts of an enormous scale consisting of thousands of instrumentalists and singers for the National Peace Jubilee and World Peace Jubilee. In 1876, Gilmore's new band, the 22nd New York Regiment Band, became the first ensemble to travel across the country giving concerts from New York to San Francisco. This collection, part of the ABA Research Center, consists primarily of memorabilia related to his career including medals, photographs, holograph signatures, programs, and other items.
Important Information for Users of the Collection
There are no restricted files in this collection.
Patrick Gilmore Collection, Special Collections, University of Maryland Libraries.
Materials from this collection must be used in the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library's Irving and Margery Morgan Lowens Special Collections Room, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Please make an appointment with the curator.
This collection is PROCESSED.
Historical Note
Patrick S. Gilmore, an American bandleader before the time of John Philip Sousa, was born on 25 December 1829 in Ireland. Most sources place Gilmore's birth in the town of Ballygar, but recent research by Frank Cipolla has suggested Mullingar as a more likely birthplace. The young Gilmore learned to play the cornet under a retired British bandmaster named Patrick Keating and was soon playing in the city of Athlone's Amateur Youth Band and singing in St. Peter's Catholic Church Choir.
Gilmore emigrated to the United States in 1849 and arrived in New York on October 16. The young musician settled in Boston where he soon headed the band instrument department at Ordway's Music Store and played with Ordway's minstrel ensemble, the Aeolian Vocalists.
By 1852, Gilmore was leading the Charlestown, Massachusetts Town Band, and soon thereafter, the Suffolk Brass Band. In 1853 he briefly directed the Boston Brigade Band but soon left for Salem where he led the Salem Brigade Band, which played for the inauguration of President James Buchanan. In 1858, Gilmore married Ellen O'Neill, and the next year they returned to Boston. On 9 April 1859, the reorganized Boston Brigade Band gave its first concert as Patrick Gilmore's Band.
General Order 48, issued on 31 July 1861, allowed for military bands to serve in the Union army. Gilmore's Band enlisted on 16 September 1861 and attached itself to the 24th Massachusetts Infantry, which it accompanied to Camp Massasoit near Boston. Gilmore and his musicians provided music for the Regiment and also served as stretcher bearers at battles in Roanoke, New Bern, Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Chickamauga, Nashville, Petersburg, and Richmond. In August 1862, Congress discharged most military bands in an effort to lower costs. In 1863, however, the governor of Massachusetts charged Gilmore with reorganizing the state's military bands. In March 1864, Gilmore was sent to New Orleans to oversee music for the inauguration of Louisiana's new governor. This event, with its chorus of 6000, band of 500, cannons, and anvils, foreshadowed Gilmore's later monster concerts.
After the war, Gilmore returned to Boston where he formed Gilmore and Wright, a musical instrument manufacturer. His National Peace Jubilee opened on 15 June 1869, and audiences were treated to five days of music featuring over 1000 instrumentalists and 10,000 vocalists. The concertmaster for the event was the great violinist Ole Bull, and Gilmore earned some $40,000. The end of the Franco-Prussian war led Gilmore to organize an even larger celebration, the World Peace Jubilee. This time the event lasted 18 days, closing on 4 July 1872. The audience was able to hear 2000 instrumentalists and 20,000 adult voices, as well as the orchestra of Johann Strauss and bands from England, France, Germany and the United States.
On 18 November 1873 Gilmore gave the first concert with his new ensemble, the 22nd New York Regiment Band. In 1875, he leased the New York Hippodrome, renamed Gilmore's Concert Garden, and gave regular concerts with this ensemble. In 1876 Gilmore's Band became the first ensemble to travel across the country, giving concerts from New York to San Francisco. In 1878, they made an international tour and in 1879 opened the amusement park at Manhattan Beach.
Gilmore was not widely known as a composer, but he did write several pieces including "When Johnny Comes Marching Home," published under the name Louis Lambert, "The Everlasting Polka," "Music Fills My Soul With Sadness" and "Good News from Home."
Patrick Gilmore died following a concert at the St. Louis Exposition on 24 September 1892.
Scope and Contents of the Collection
The Patrick Gilmore Collection covers the period from 1864 to1893. The collection contains medals, photographs, holograph signatures, programs, and other memorabilia related to Gilmore's career as an instrumentalist and bandleader, particularly his work organizing the National Peace Jubilee and World Peace Jubilee concerts.
Custodial History and Acquisition Information
Gift of Arthur L. Ford, 9 February 1965.
Processing Information
Processed by Bradley Mariska and Dr. Patrick Warfield, February 23, 2004.
The collections consists of only one series because of its size, and is described at the item level.
EAD markup created using EAD database in Microsoft Access. Markup completed by Colleen McKnight, November 2006.
Detailed Description of the Collection
Series 1: Memorabilia, 1864-1893 (2.00 linear feet (42 items))
This series contains memorabilia related to the career of Patrick S. Gilmore. These include medals, photographs, holograph signatures, programs, and other items.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Photograph (5''x7'') of Gilmore's Band at Manhattan Beach, New York, 1884. Copied from a print at [Boston Public Library, Brown Collection], 1884 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 1 | |
| Portrait (bust, 3.5''x5'') of Herbert Clarke, showing medals on uniform. No photographer or date, undated | series 1 | box 1 | folder 2 | |
| Portrait (half length, 4''x6'') of cornetist M. Arbuckle. Photograph by Houseworth's Celebrities, 12 Montgomery Street, San Francisco. [April 1876?], April 1876? | series 1 | box 1 | folder 3 | |
| Photograph (5''x7'') of David Wallis Reeves conducting [the Gilmore Band (?) ca. 1892-1893]. Copied from the original at Providence Public Library, ca. 1892-1893 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 4 | |
| Photograph. Unknown, undated | series 1 | box 1 | folder 5 | |
| Portrait (three-quarters length, 4''x5.5'') of Gilmore in uniform with medals. Photograph by Strauss, 1245 and 1247 Franklin Avenue, St. Louis, 1889. This negative is preserved [by Strauss] for further use, 1889 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 6 | |
| Holograph signature, P.S. Gilmore. No date or source, undated | series 1 | box 1 | folder 7 | |
| Descriptive Programme of the Grand Concerts by the Premier Military Band of the United States of America (22nd Regiment of New York) conducted by Mr. P.S. Gilmore with vocalist Miss Lillian Norton, undated | series 1 | box 1 | folder 8 | |
| Program on cardboard and in color for Scottish Concerts given by Col. P.S. Gilmore's Celebrated Band at the Exposition Building, St. Louis, MO, September 26, 1890, September 26, 1890 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 9 | |
| Program of Gilmore's Band, St. Louis Exposition, Monday, October 3, 1887; in honor of The President and Mrs. Cleveland. Printed on a 3.5''x9'' satin ribbon in a folded card, October 3, 1887 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 10 | |
| Manhattan Beach Programme of Memorial Musical Services at Manhattan Beach in honor of General Philip H. Sheridan by Gilmore's band, Saturday, August 11, 1888, the day of the General's burial. Train Bulletin printed on back of program, August 11, 1888 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 11 | |
| Program from Inauguration Ceremonies of the Hon. Michael Hahn as Governor of Louisiana, New Orleans, March 4, 1864. Musical part of the exercise conducted by Gilmore, March 4, 1864 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 12 | |
| Program of Gilmore's Parnell Parliamentary Fund Concerts, Madison Square Garden, afternoon and evening, February 14, 1886. Program book contains information and photographs of Irish Members of Parliament, February 14, 1886 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 13 | |
| Programs and arrangements for the day for the Public Reception of Gilmore's Great American Band (22nd Regiment of New York), Crystal Palace, Tuesday, May 21, 1878, May 21, 1878 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 14 | |
| Program on silk and in color for Scottish concerts given by Col. P.S. Gilmore's Celebrated Band at Exposition Building, St. Louis, Missouri on September 26, 1890. Contents identical to those on cardboard in Folder 9, September 26, 1890 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 15 | |
| Official monthly bulletin of the Grand National Peace Jubilee, and Musical Festival to be held in the city of Boston, June 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19, 1869 . . . No. 4, May and June, 1869. Boston: George Coolidge, May and June 1869 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 16 | |
| Programme of Concert given in Exposition Music Hall, St. Louis, Missouri, Friday evening, September 23, 1892. Gilmore's Band of 100 Pieces . . . . Born in Ireland, Christmas Day, 1829; died in St. Louis, Missouri, September 24, 1892, September 23rd, 1892 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 17 | |
| Identical to Folder 17, but not mounted. Accompanying envelope with the following handwritten, "Last program of P.S. Gilmore at Exposition Music Hall, St. Louis, Missouri, September 23rd, 1892, September 23rd, 1892 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 18 | |
| Autograph score, "How Beautiful the Light of Home," poetry by Dexter Smith, music by P.S. Gilmore; for voice and piano. At head of title page, Mrs. Chas. O. Rich, undated | series 1 | box 1 | folder 19 | |
| Wooden medallion (2 3/8'' diam) commemorating the National Peace Jubilee, Boston 1869. Front, bust of Gilmore, "Projector of National Peace Jubilee;" back, "National Peace Jubilee Association, Boston, June 1869", June 1869 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 20 | |
| Wooden medallion 2 3/8'' diam.) commemorating the National Peace Jubilee, Boston. Front, relief carving of "The Great Coliseum for the National Peace Celebration." Back, "National Peace Jubilee Association, Boston, June 1869", June 1869 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 21 | |
| Medal (bronze, 1 5/8'' square cross) suspended on blue ribbon from bronze bar. Medal bear motto, "For long service, 22''; bar bears word, "Defendam." Back of medal is inscribed "Band Master P.S. Gilmore, Oct. 1- 1873", October 1, 1873. | series 1 | box 1 | folder 22 | |
| Medal (bronze, 3 3/8'' diam.) in covered wooden case. Medal bears motto "Exposition Universelle International, MDCCCLXXVIII" on the front and "Republique Francaise" on back, 1878 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 23 | |
| (2'' square iron cross) suspended on an American flag ribbon. One side bear in center, "World's Peace Jubilee, Boston, 1872"); the reverse has the names of countries and the words "Projector" and "Conductor" on the four arms, 1872? | series 1 | box 1 | folder 24 | |
| Portrait (full, 2 1/8''x5 1/2'') of [Levy?] in uniform, without medals. Photograph by Gibson Art Galleries, Chicago. Mounted. No date, undated | series 1 | box 1 | folder 25 | |
| Portrait (3/4 length, 7''x11'') of Gilmore in uniform with medals and holding baton. Photograph by Strauss, 1245 Franklin Avenue, St. Louis [1889?]. This Negative is preserved [by Strauss] for future use, 1889? | series 1 | box 2 | folder 1 | |
| Portrait (bust, 7''x11'') of Mrs. Gilmore. Photograph by Strauss, 1245 and 1247 Franklin Avenue, St. Louis, undated | series 1 | box 2 | folder 2 | |
| Musical score, Haste Love, for voice and piano. Words by Minnie Gilmore, music by Alfred G. Robyn. Balmer and Weber Music House Company, c. 1892 | series 1 | box 2 | folder 3 | |
| Sheet music, voice and piano, "When Johnny Comes Marching Home." Words and music by Louis Lambert (Gilmore), 1863 | series 1 | box 2 | folder 4 | |
| Formal photograph of Gilmore standing. No date. With two pieces of paper. One has handwritten, "..our luck together. Very truly yours, P.S. Gilmore. The other "very truly yours, P.S. Gilmore, [?] April 23rd 1890", April 1890 | series 1 | box 2 | folder 5 | |
| Portrait (chest 15''x20'') of Gilmore in uniform of 22nd Regiment Band, with one medal on chest. No photographer or date (oversize; displayed in SCPA workroom), undated | series 1 | box 3 | folder 1 | |
| Portrait (full, 15''x20'') of Gilmore in uniform of the 22nd Regiment Band with medals on chest, holding a baton, in a draped setting. No photographer or date (oversize; displayed in SCPA collections room), undated | series 1 | box 3 | folder 2 | |
| Roster of Gilmore's Band, 1890. 42 members listed by last name and initial(s) with instrument played and duration of membership (oversize; SCPA Workroom Map Case 1-1), 1890 | series 1 | box 3 | folder 3 | |
| Certificate of gratitude to Patrick S. Gilmore, Band, 24th Reg't Inf'y, for service in the Civil War. Given by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, at Boston, April 19, 1870. Mounted in mat (oversize; SCPA Workroom Map Case 1-1), April 19, 1870 | series 1 | box 3 | folder 4 | |
| Certificate of commission, appointing P.S. Gilmore Aid-de-Camp of the Grand Army of the Republic, New York Department; given at Albany, March 7, 1889. Mounted in mat (oversize), March 7, 1889 | series 1 | box 3 | folder 5 | |
| Certificate of commission, appointed Patrick Sarsfield Gilmore Aid-de-Camp of the Grand Army of the Republic; given by the commander in Chief at Albany, New York, September 18, 1891. Mounted in mat (oversize; SCPA Workroom Map Case 1-1), September 18, 1891 | series 1 | box 3 | folder 6 | |
| Certificate of decoration in silver to Bandmaster Patrick S. Gilmore for long service in the 22nd Regiment of Infantry. [Service dating from October 1, 1873 as No. 23?]; committee signature 1891[?]. Mounted in mat (oversize; SCPA Workroom Map Case 1-1), 1891? | series 1 | box 3 | folder 7 | |
| Resolution of sympathy to P.S. Gilmore's wife and daughter on Gilmore's death, from Cymrodorion Choral Society of Scranton, Pennsylvania. Calligraphic original (10''x13'', mounted in mat), dated September 28, 1892 (oversize; SCPA Workroom Map Case 1-1), September 28, 1892 | series 1 | box 3 | folder 8 | |
| Photograph (17''x20'') of Gilmore and band of 9 players (without instruments) seated and standing in front of a tent in a natural setting. Gilmore wears full regalia, including plumed beaver hat. No photographer or date. Mounted in tag board (oversize; SCPA Workroom Map Case 1-1), undated | series 1 | box 3 | folder 9 | |
| hotographic copy (11.5''x20') of a painting by W. H. Powell, "Perry's Victory on Lake Erie, Sept. 19th, 1813." Original painted by order of Congress for The Nation's Capital. With artist's authograph, dated July 16, 1877, 8356 Broadway (oversize; SCPA Workroom Map Case 1-1), July 16, 1877 | series 1 | box 3 | folder 10 | |
| Certificate of U.S. citizenship, granted to Patrick S. Gilmore October 21, 1874, at the Superior Court of the city and county of New York. Mounted in mat (oversize; SCPA Workroom Map Case 1-1), October 21, 1874 | series 1 | box 3 | folder 11 | |
| Photograph (14''x22.5'') of Gilmore's Famous 100 Piece Band, Madison Sq. Garden, June 1892. From Arthur Wise (oversize; SCPA Workroom Map Case 1-1), June 1892 | series 1 | box 3 | folder 12 | |
Related Material
American Bandmasters Association Research Center
View each item of the complete collection at www.lib.umd.edu/PAL/SCPA/ABA/Gilmore/
History of the National Peace Jubilee (1869) by P.S. Gilmore is located in the Special Collections in Performing Arts book collection, call number: ML37 B7 P34
For other related archival and manuscript collections, please see the following subject guides.
Bibliography
- Cipolla, Frank. "The Music of Patrick S. Gilmore." The Instrumentalist (April 1978): 64.
- Cipolla, Frank. "Patrick S. Gilmore: The Boston Years and Beyond." Kongressbericht Abony Ungarn Herausgegeben von Wolfgang Suppan. Tutzing: Verlegt Bei Hans Schneider, 1996.
- Darlington, Marwood. Irish Orpheus: The Life of Patrick S. Gilmore, Bandmaster Extraordinary. Philadelphia: Olivier, Manley, Klein, 1950.
- Gilmore, Stephen, "Patrick Sarsfield Gilmore: America's Prototypical Impresario." Journal of Band Research 34 (Fall 1998): 69-100.
Selected Search Terms
This collection is indexed under the following headings in the University of Maryland Libraries' Catalog. Researchers desiring related materials about these topics, names, or places may search the Catalog using these headings.
Subjects
- Bandmasters -- United States.
- Bands (Music) -- United States -- History -- 19th century.
- Gilmore, P. S. (Patrick Sarsfield), 1829-1892
- Gilmore's Band
- United States -- Army -- Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, 24th (1861-1866)
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865.