Raymond F. Dvorak Papers
Abstract
Raymond F. Dvorak (1900-1982) was an American band director and music educator who spent much of his career as director of the University of Wisconsin bands. The Dvorak Papers covers the period from 1876 to 1987, with the bulk of the materials dating from 1960 to 1980. The collection consists of both personal and professional papers, including published and collected articles, correspondence, programs, memorabilia, and photographs related to Dvorak's work as a band director, particularly those documenting his efforts in memorializing John Philip Sousa.
Important Information for Users of the Collection
The collection is open for research use.
Raymond F. Dvorak Papers, 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. Contact the curator for an appointment: http://www.lib.umd.edu/scpa/contact
This collection is PROCESSED.
Historical Note
Raymond Francis Dvorak was born in Algonquin, Illinois on March 31, 1900. He received a B.S. (1922) and a B.M. (1926) from the University of Illinois, where he also served as assistant director of the bands and director of the Glee Club from 1926 to 1934. From 1934-1968 he served as director of the University of Wisconsin bands. Dvorak was elected to the American Bandmasters Association (ABA) in 1933 and served as President in 1959. Though he retired in 1968, he remained active as a guest conductor and worked on efforts to memorialize John Philip Sousa, helping to establish Stars and Stripes Forever as the official march of the United States and to have Sousa enshrined in the Hall of Fame for Great Americans. In 1980, Dvorak was made an Honorary Life Member of the ABA. Dvorak died November 15, 1982 in Madison, Wisconsin.
Scope and Contents of the Collection
The Raymond F. Dvorak Papers covers the period from 1876 to 1987; the bulk of the materials date from 1960 to 1980. The collection consists of both personal and professional papers, including published and collected articles, correspondence, programs, memorabilia, and photographs related to Dvorak's work as a band director, particularly those documenting his interest in memorializing John Philip Sousa.
Custodial History and Acquisition Information
Donated by Florence H. Dvorak, his wife, in 1985 and on October 30, 1989; Bruce Wilson on December 1, 1989 and February 1, 1990. Also incorporates materials donated by Paul Yoder.
Processing Information
Bradley Mariska, August 2003 and Dave Travis, October 2010
EAD markup created using EAD database in Microsoft Access. Markup completed by Colleen McKnight, August 2007 and revised by Cassandra N. Berman, April 2011.
Arrangement of Collection
This collection is organized into four series.
Detailed Description of the Collection
Series 1: Correspondence, 1935-1982 (0.50 linear feet)
This series contains personal and professional correspondence, and is arranged into general and individual folders. General folders are arranged chronologically and include correspondence with friends and associates, notably Harold Bachman, Leonard Haug, George C. Wilson, Bob Hoe, and Samuel Laboda, among others. Frequent contacts have been organized into separate folders under the correspondent's name. Some correspondence is also located in Series 3 and is arranged by topic there. Correspondence related to John Philip Sousa is located in Series 4, though some correspondence regarding Sousa is also found in the individual folders of this series.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Correspondence, 1935-1960 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 1 | |
| General Correspondence, 1966-1969 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 2 | |
| General Correspondence, 1970-1971 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 3 | |
| General Correspondence, 1972-1973 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 4 | |
| General Correspondence, 1974-1975 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 5 | |
| General Correspondence, 1976-1977 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 6 | |
| General Correspondence, 1978-1979 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 7 | |
| General Correspondence, 1980-1981 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 8 | |
| General Correspondence, undated | series 1 | box 1 | folder 9 | |
| Bierly, Paul E., 1967-1976 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 10 | |
| Boots, Fred, 1968-1977 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 11 | |
| Briodo, Arnold, 1972-1978 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 12 | |
| Cariño, Laureano, 1960-1978 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 13 | |
| Cumming, Robert, 1969-1975 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 14 | |
| Heeny, John, 1968-1977 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 15 | |
| Mahan, Jack, 1970-1980 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 16 | |
| Sams, Lynn, 1963-1986 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 17 | |
| McAllister, Forest, 1968-1979 | series 1 | box 2 | folder 1 | |
| Santelmann, William, 1968-1975 | series 1 | box 2 | folder 2 | |
| Sousa, John Philip III, 1973-1976 | series 1 | box 2 | folder 3 | |
| Wall, Eddie, 1968-1978 | series 1 | box 2 | folder 4 | |
Series 2: Biographical Materials, 1935-1985 and undated (8 folders)
This series incorporates information on the Dvorak's life, including biographical sketches, photographs, and newspaper and magazine articles. For more biographical information on Dvorak, please refer to the Lynn Sams Collection. For more photographs of him, please refer to the SCPA Photograph File (contact curator for details.)
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biographical Sketches, Brochures, etc., 1949-1980 and undated | series 2 | box 2 | folder 5 | |
| Photographs, 1952 and undated | series 2 | box 2 | folder 6 | |
| Journal Articles, 1966-1982 | series 2 | box 2 | folder 7 | |
| Newspaper Clippings, 1935-1985 and undated | series 2 | box 2 | folder 8 | |
| Newspaper Clippings, Fort Dodge (Iowa) Music Festival, June, 1938 | series 2 | box 2 | folder 9 | |
| South Dakota Bandmasters' Association Journal, 1957 | series 2 | box 2 | folder 10 | |
| Musart (National Catholic Music Educators Association), 1960 | series 2 | box 2 | folder 11 | |
| The Wisconsin School Musician, 1960 | series 2 | box 2 | folder 12 | |
Series 3: Professional Papers, 1923-1985 and undated (0.50 linear feet)
This series contains records related to Dvorak's career as a band director and researcher. Included are programs from the Universities of Illinois and Wisconsin and from guest conducting appearances, as well as information about the ABA convention, hosted by Dvorak, in 1960 in Madison, WI.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Programs: University of Illinois Concert Band, 1923-1925 | series 3 | box 2 | folder 13 | |
| Programs: University of Wisconsin, 1940-1981 | series 3 | box 2 | folder 14 | |
| Programs: Wisconsin Bandmasters' Association, 1946-1974 | series 3 | box 2 | folder 15 | |
| Programs: Guest Conducting Appearances (1 of 2), 1939-1970 | series 3 | box 2 | folder 16 | |
| Programs: Guest Conducting Appearances (2 of 2), 1971-1985 | series 3 | box 2 | folder 17 | |
| ABA: 26th Annual Convention, Madison, WI, 1960 | series 3 | box 3 | folder 1 | |
| ABA Materials, 1948-1981 | series 3 | box 3 | folder 2 | |
| Hymn to Peace Composition Contest, 1951-1952 | series 3 | box 3 | folder 3 | |
| Hymn to Peace Composition CInternational Band Score and Repertoire Standardization (1 of 2), 1950-1951 | series 3 | box 3 | folder 4 | |
| International Band Score and Repertoire Standardization (2 of 2), 1951-1953 | series 3 | box 3 | folder 5 | |
| Simco Band Information, 1923-1938 and undated | series 3 | box 3 | folder 6 | |
| University of Wisconsin News Releases, 1948-1952 | series 3 | box 3 | folder 7 | |
| Publications, 1934-1969 | series 3 | box 3 | folder 8 | |
| Miscellaneous Professional Paper, 1938-1970 and undated | series 3 | box 3 | folder 9 | |
Series 4: John Philip Sousa, 1876-1987 and undated (3.25 linear feet)
This series contains material regarding Dvorak's interest in John Philip Sousa. He was involved in many efforts to recognize the contributions of John Philip Sousa to American music, such as naming "Stars and Stripes Forever" as the official march of the United States and the enshrinement of Sousa into the Hall of Fame for Great Americans. Also included are materials related to Sousa organizations with which Dvorak worked and memorabilia related to Sousa's career. It is divided into four sub-series.
Subseries 4.1: "Stars and Stripes Forever" Project, 1973-1987 and undated (4 Folders)
This subseries contains records related to Dvorak's effort to establish "Stars and Stripes Forever" as the official march of the United States.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Correspondence, 1973-1987 and undated | series 4.1 | box 3 | folder 10 | |
| Articles and Clippings, 1976-1987 | series 4.1 | box 3 | folder 11 | |
| Congressional Record, 1975 | series 4.1 | box 3 | folder 12 | |
| Other Documents, 1975-1978 and undated | series 4.1 | box 3 | folder 13 | |
Subseries 4.2: ABA Hall of Fame Committee, 1960-1980 and undated (2.50 linear feet)
This subseries contains records related to Dvorak's campaigns to get John Philip Sousa elected to the Hall of Fame for Great Americans at the Bronx Community College, CUNY and contains extensive correspondence, financial records, and memorabilia. Correspondence in this subseries includes letters of support by many notable people in the political and cultural communities during the early 1970s including: Senators Birch Bayh, Pete Comenici, Barry Goldwater, Hubert H. Humphrey, Walter Mondale, Sam Nunn, and Adlai Stevenson; Governors Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and Nelson Rockefeller; Nobel Prize for Literature Winner Saul Bellow; golf great Sam Snead; and musicians Arthur Fiedler, Richard Franko Goldman, Howard Hanson, Otto Luening, Vincent Persichetti, William Schuman, "Doc" Severinsen, Lawrence Welk, and Meredith Wilson. There is also one letter from Eleanor Roosevelt expressing her regret that she can't support Sousa's nomination because she has already supported other candidates. Sousa won election to the Hall of Fame in 1973 and was enshrined in 1976. Also included in this subseries are materials from other Sousa-related events at the time.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Correspondence with Electors, 1960 | series 4.2 | box 3 | folder 14 | |
| Correspondence, 1968-1969 | series 4.2 | box 3 | folder 15 | |
| Correspondence with Electors, 1970 | series 4.2 | box 3 | folder 16 | |
| Correspondence, 1970 | series 4.2 | box 3 | folder 17 | |
| Request for Letters of Support, 1970 | series 4.2 | box 4 | folder 1 | |
| Correspondence, 1971 | series 4.2 | box 4 | folder 2 | |
| Correspondence, 1972 | series 4.2 | box 4 | folder 3 | |
| Congratulatory Letters, 1973 | series 4.2 | box 4 | folder 4 | |
| Correspondence, 1973 | series 4.2 | box 4 | folder 5 | |
| Letters from VIPs, 1973 | series 4.2 | box 4 | folder 6 | |
| Correspondence with Electors, 1973 | series 4.2 | box 4 | folder 7 | |
| Official Mailings Materials, 1973 | series 4.2 | box 4 | folder 8 | |
| Correspondence, 1974 | series 4.2 | box 5 | folder 1 | |
| Correspondence, 1975 | series 4.2 | box 5 | folder 2 | |
| Correspondence, 1976 | series 4.2 | box 5 | folder 3 | |
| Correspondence, 1977-1979 | series 4.2 | box 5 | folder 4 | |
| Correspondence, undated | series 4.2 | box 5 | folder 5 | |
| Ken Slater Correspondence, 1970-1980 | series 4.2 | box 5 | folder 6 | |
| J. C. Walker Correspondence, 1966-1970 | series 4.2 | box 5 | folder 7 | |
| Letters of Support and Resolutions sent to Electors, 1969-1973 | series 4.2 | box 5 | folder 8 | |
| John Henry Letters to Electors, 1970 | series 4.2 | box 5 | folder 9 | |
| Resolutions and Petitions (originals) (1 of 2), 1969-1970 and undated | series 4.2 | box 6 | folder 1 | |
| Resolutions and Petitions (originals) (2 of 2), 1969-1970 and undated | series 4.2 | box 6 | folder 2 | |
| Resolutions and Petitions (published) (1 of 2), 1970 | series 4.2 | box 6 | folder 3 | |
| Resolutions and Petitions (published) (2 of 2), 1970 | series 4.2 | box 6 | folder 4 | |
| VIP Letters to Electors (originals) (1 of 2), 1973 | series 4.2 | box 6 | folder 5 | |
| VIP Letters to Electors (originals) (2 of 2), 1973 | series 4.2 | box 6 | folder 6 | |
| VIP Letters to Electors (published) (1 of 2), 1973 | series 4.2 | box 6 | folder 7 | |
| VIP Letters to Electors (published) (2 of 2), 1973 | series 4.2 | box 6 | folder 8 | |
| VIP Letters and Petitions not used, 1973 | series 4.2 | box 6 | folder 9 | |
| Photographs from Enshrinement Ceremony at the Kennedy Center, 1976 | series 4.2 | box 7 | folder 1 | |
| Program from Enshrinement Ceremony at the Kennedy Center, 1976 | series 4.2 | box 7 | folder 2 | |
| Press Clippings, 1970-1976 | series 4.2 | box 7 | folder 3 | |
| Music Periodical Articles, 1969-1970 | series 4.2 | box 7 | folder 4 | |
| Hall of Fame for Great Americans, 1976 and undated | series 4.2 | box 7 | folder 5 | |
| Financial Records, 1976 | series 4.2 | box 7 | folder 6 | |
| Souza Bust Fund, 1975-1976 | series 4.2 | box 7 | folder 7 | |
| Finances/Expenses, 1971-1976 | series 4.2 | box 7 | folder 8 | |
| Committee Ledger, 1971-1976 | series 4.2 | box 7 | folder 9 | |
| Committee Minutes and Documents, 1969-1971 | series 4.2 | box 8 | folder 1 | |
| Committee Mailings and Materials, 1970-1973 and undated | series 4.2 | box 8 | folder 2 | |
| Elector Rosters, 1970-1973 | series 4.2 | box 8 | folder 3 | |
| John Philip Sousa Memorial, Inc., 1978 | series 4.2 | box 8 | folder 4 | |
| Dvorak Draft Correspondence, Working Papers, Notes, 1973-1974 and undated | series 4.2 | box 8 | folder 5 | |
| Drafts of Letters to Governors, 1973 and undated | series 4.2 | box 8 | folder 6 | |
| Draft Presentations and Publications, 1973 and undated | series 4.2 | box 8 | folder 7 | |
| Sousa Stage - Kennedy Center, 1971 | series 4.2 | box 8 | folder 8 | |
| "Stars and Stripes" Ballet, 1972 | series 4.2 | box 8 | folder 9 | |
| Bicentennial Parade of American Music, 1976 | series 4.2 | box 8 | folder 10 | |
| "El Capitan" Ballet, 1976 | series 4.2 | box 8 | folder 11 | |
Subseries 4.3: Sousa Organizations, 1965-1988 and undated (0.25 linear feet)
This subseries contains newsletters and membership lists of the Sousa Band Fraternal Society, a fraternity of former Sousa Band members, and information about the John Philip Sousa Foundation, an organization established to honor the life and works of Sousa through awards in his name. Foundation records include information about its executive board, and some of its projects.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sousa Ba15nd Fraternity: Newsletters, 1965-1982 | series 4.3 | box 8 | folder 12 | |
| Sousa Band161 Fraternity: Membership Lists, 1972-1974 | series 4.3 | box 8 | folder 13 | |
| Sousa Band Fraternity: Miscellaneous, 1973 and undated | series 4.3 | box 8 | folder 14 | |
| Sousa Foundation: Brochure, undated | series 4.3 | box 8 | folder 15 | |
| Sousa Foundation: History, undated | series 4.3 | box 8 | folder 16 | |
| Sousa Foundation: Directory, 1983-1985 | series 4.3 | box 8 | folder 17 | |
| Sousa Foundation: Executive Board Minutes and Reports, 1982-1984 | series 4.3 | box 8 | folder 18 | |
| Sousa Foundation: Executive Board Correspondenc, 1981-1988 | series 4.3 | box 8 | folder 19 | |
| Sousa Foundation: Other Executive Board Documents, 1983 and undated | series 4.3 | box 8 | folder 20 | |
| Sousa Foundation: Sousa Order of Merit, 1984 | series 4.3 | box 8 | folder 21 | |
| Sousa Foundation: High School Honors Band, 1984 | series 4.3 | box 8 | folder 22 | |
| Sousa Foundation: The Sudler Trophy, 1982-1985 | series 4.3 | box 8 | folder 23 | |
| Sousa Foundation: The Sudler Flag of Honor, undated | series 4.3 | box 8 | folder 24 | |
| Sousa Foundation: The Sudler International Wind Band Composition Competition, 1981-1985 | series 4.3 | box 8 | folder 25 | |
Subseries 4.4: Other Sousa Materials, 1876-1983 and undated (0.50 linear feet)
This subseries contains memorabilia, biographical materials, and periodical articles related to Sousas life. Memorabilia consists primarily of photographs and programs.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Articles and Correspondence, 1968-1973 | series 4.4 | box 9 | folder 1 | |
| Articles about John Philip Sousa, 1876-1983 | series 4.4 | box 9 | folder 2 | |
| Journal Articles about John Philip Sousa, 1969-1975 | series 4.4 | box 9 | folder 3 | |
| Sousa Biographical Materials, 1976 and undated | series 4.4 | box 9 | folder 4 | |
| Sousa Band Programs, 1894-1929 | series 4.4 | box 9 | folder 5 | |
| Sousa Photographs, undated | series 4.4 | box 9 | folder 6 | |
| Sousa Documents, 1899-1931 and undated | series 4.4 | box 9 | folder 7 | |
| Sousa Stamps, undated | series 4.4 | box 9 | folder 8 | |
| Other Sousa Memorabilia, undated | series 4.4 | box 9 | folder 9 | |
Related Material
- Dvorak, Raymond F. The Band on Parade. New York: C. Fischer, 1937. [Lowens Special Collection Room, MT733.D985 B2]
- Raymond F. Dvorak Interview, University of Wisconsin oral history collection. Interview conducted by Donna S. Taylor, September 1972.
- Raymond F. Dvorak Papers, 1922-34, 1957-58. University of Illinois Archives.
- Lynn L. Sams Papers, Special Collections in Performing Arts, University of Maryland. Further information on Dvorak, as well as the Sousa enshrinement.
- John J. Heney Collection, Special Collections in Performing Arts, University of Maryland. Iformation about the Sousa Band Fraternal Society.
For other related archival and manuscript collections, please see the following subject guides.
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
- American Bandmasters Association.
- Band directors -- United States.
- Bands (Music) -- United States -- History -- 20th century.
- Dvorak, Raymond F. (Raymond Francis), 1900-1982 -- Archives.
- Dvorak, Raymond F. (Raymond Francis), 1900-1982 -- Correspondence.
- Sousa, John Philip, 1854-1932.
- Sousa, John Philip, 1854-1932. Stars and stripes forever.
- Sousa Band.
Names (Added Entries)
- Carter, Jimmy, 1924-
- Fiedler, Arthur, 1894-1979.
- Goldwater, Barry M. (Barry Morris), 1909-1998.
- Humphrey, Hubert H. (Hubert Horatio), 1911-1978.
- Persichetti, Vincent, 1915-1987.
- Reagan, Ronald.
- Rockefeller, Nelson A. (Nelson Aldrich), 1908-1979
- Schuman, William, 1910-1992.
- Severinsen, Doc, 1927-
- Stevenson, Adlai E. (Adlai Ewing), 1900-1965.
- Welk, Lawrence, 1903-1992.
- Willson, Meredith, 1902-1984.