Sigma Alpha Iota- Iota Delta Chapter at SDSU

Leila H. Farlin

A Michigan girl, born in Lowell, Leila H. Farlin was a graduate in Voice from the University of Michigan School of Music in 1903. Prior to her work at the University, she had been a student at the Oberlin Conservatory, Oberlin, Ohio, and had taught two years in a southern college. Immediately following her graduation from the University in 1903, with Founder Elizabeth Campbell, also a 1903 graduate, she left for the summer to continue study with William Howland at Martha's Vineyard, and with his teacher, Frederick Bristol. Leila and Elizabeth returned to the University School of Music as Faculty members in the fall of 1903. During the 1909-1910 year, Leila served the fraternity as National Treasurer.

Remaining on the faculty for seven years, it was in the fall of 1910 that Leila Farlin took the responsible position as Head of the Vocal Department at Pennsylvania Normal College at Indiana, Pennsylvania. In 1918, she was married to Mr. Harry Laughlin. She remained as Head of the Vocal Department at the College until her untimely death December 6, 1921.

Having been so close to Leila Farlin Laughlin as roommate at Martha's Vineyard, as fraternity sister and faculty associate, Elizabeth Campbell wrote: "Leila had a charming personality as well as a lovely voice and musical talent. She was a loyal friend and a cheery companion. She believed in doing her work to the very best of her ability and her hours of recreation were filled with enthusiasm."

In October of 1915, Founder Nora Crane Hunt said of her: "We were so proud of our operatic artist, Leila Farlin, for she could not only sing like a bird, but could also teach splendidly; fill a church position; and as hostess, none could surpass her."

In an "In Memoriam" for Leila Farlin Laughlin printed in the March 1922 Pan Pipes, Nora Crane Hunt wrote: "Being of a cheery, sunny disposition, it naturally followed that Leila was much beloved. She was so full of vigor that one always felt a keen desire to accomplish just a bit more when working with her than would have seemed possible otherwise. It can easily be understood how such a force was of inestimable value during the formative days of Sigma Alpha Iota. She has always had the interests of Sigma Alpha Iota at heart, and we feel a keen sense of loss in this first break in the 'bond of seven.' But the influence of such a life will last long and will give to all of us a cherished memory of one of the finest types of womanhood."

Leila Farlin Laughlin passed away on December 6, 1921

Francis Caspari

Caspari Sings Tonight." Large banners on the sides of the New York City street cars. The event - Frances Caspari's appearance as soloist in the premiere performance in the big city of "Quo Vadis." Where? - in Carnegie Hall with the Catholic Oratorio Society in the work by the Polish Composer Felix Novovieska. He had come from Poland to direct the performance supported by the combined New York Symphony and Walter Damrosch Orchestras. Caspari's nine years in New York City had been highly successful ones. She went there in 1907 at the advice of Madame Schumann-Heink who had heard her sing in Ann Arbor when Schumann-Heink appeared there at the famous May Festival. Schumann-Heink also guided her to her first New York teacher, Harriet Ware. It was Harriet Ware who assisted her in securing the position of soprano soloist in the Old Brick Presbyterian Church at 37th and 55th Streets. The New York years became filled with teaching, concertizing, church solo positions and artist performances.

Born in Ann Arbor, Frances' first studies began at the age of 12 at St. Mary's Academy in Monroe, Michigan. In 1900 she went to Pittsburgh where she studied with John Dennis Mehan. While there she was soloist at Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral.

Returning to her home city, Frances studied with Dr. Willis before entering the University School of Music. She sang in the Choral Union before matriculating at the University and later became its first Soprano for seven years. In the meantime Frances helped organize Sigma Alpha Iota in 1903 and two years later graduated from the School of Music.

Following her nine years stay in New York City - 1907-1916, Frances returned to Ann Arbor and maintained her own studio there and also one in Detroit. She accepted a position as soloist and choir director of a choir of mixed voices and a boy's choir of 40 in St. Thomas Church.

In 1929, it was necessary for Frances to retire because of ill health. A long-remembered day for four of our Founders, Elizabeth, Nora, Georgina, and Minnie, and three National Officers, Kathleen Davison, Edna Geimer, and Mildred Sale, was that of August 24, 1947. It was the memorable "Ann Arbor Day" of the Detroit National Convention. Preceding the events of the day, the seven went to visit Frances in her home, spending a happy hour with her and presenting her with the Ring of Excellence. Delegates and officers had an inspiring day in the city of our Founding, with the richness of a Carillon Tour, dignified Ritual, Fraternity Fellowship at the Luncheon, the famous "Foundation Rides" and the Traditional Vesper Musicale.

Just a brief year and a half had passed and on December 15, 1948, Sigma Alpha Iota lost its lovely artist and Founder, Frances Caspari.

Nora Crane Hunt

For some forty-eight years, a familiar face on the University of Michigan campus was that of Nora Crane Hunt. Some thirty-eight of these years, 1903-1941, she was a member of the Music Faculty. Her teaching retirement was followed by ten years as the Alumni Secretary of the School of Music, where she did excellent service in her contacts with the hundreds of men and women who were the School of Music Alumni personnel.

To everything to which she gave her attention, Nora Crane Hunt brought zest, a real joy in living and in participation, and an innate goodwill and a humor all her own. To her art, she brought solid and continually growing backgrounds. For Sigma Alpha Iotas at her Alma Mater she engendered a natural sense of pride. Her presence at many National Conventions brought a gleam to her eye and an effervescence of spirit, responded to in full measure by those whose privilege it was to be in close or even more distant contact with her. She jokingly spoke of herself as being known as the longest of the seven "Pipes of Pan."

Nora Crane Hunt graduated from the School of Music in 1903. A contralto, she studied with William Howland, Theodore Harrison, Emilio Agremonte, and Frederick Bristol of New York. Further work was with Dudley Buck at Columbia University and Dr. Augustus Milner in London, England. Her choral conducting studies were with two English conductors, William Dodds and George Wisner at Columbia University.

In addition to her voice work at Michigan, Nora Crane Hunt directed the University Girl's Glee Club for twenty-five years, 1910-1935. In her concert activities, her preference was oratorio. Locally, she directed the choir and sang in the quartet of the First Presbyterian Church.

Nora's home was in Jackson, Michigan, thirty-seven miles west of Ann Arbor. She maintained a studio there and commuted until 1912, then making her home in Ann Arbor. Of her commuting days she writes: "If anyone thinks pioneering is dull perhaps the following personal experience may dispel that idea. One stormy, winter night the trolley car went off the track not far from the home town (Jackson) and landed in a snow drift. This was no ordinary storm, for the snow kept falling until it was level with the car windows. When daybreak came, one passenger back of me said, 'Did you ever see the sun rise on Washington's birthday ?' Later in the day, help arrived but it wasn't until next mid-afternoon that I reached home and mother."

Regarding the early days of SAI, Nora wrote: "It seemed so much better to grow slowly, for no one was presented for membership unless her talent was outstanding. Please do not think that these seven people considered themselves prima donnas and the 'finished product.' Far from it. They simply had high ideals, and wanted to place Sigma Alpha Iota on such a high standard that she would always lead, and, no matter what the storm, come out with colors flying and head high. Each girl in her own chapter should gladly do what she is called upon to do. It may mean sacrifice in some way but remember, there were many sacrifices made in the early days, but they are all forgotten in the joy of the present and the hope of the future."

On November 14, 1949, as Nora was preparing to attend an Executive Board Luncheon of the Ann Arbor Alumnae Chapter, death came very suddenly.

In 1958, a great tribute was tendered to this radiant person who gave so much of her life to the life of the University. One of the nine new housing units within the Mary Butler Markley Hall, a six-million dollar Residence Hall for Women at the University of Michigan, was named after this beloved Founder, Nora Crane Hunt.

Mary Storrs Anderson

Following her work in Voice at the University of Michigan, Mary Storrs went East for advanced study and then on to Berlin, not only to study but to teach.

It was in Berlin that Mary Storrs met the eminent musician from the United States, Arthur Olaf Andersen, with whom she studied theory and to whom she became engaged. Mr. Andersen returned to America after three years and the two were married.

Again it was Berlin for both of the Andersens to continue their classes. They made their home in a large apartment which housed many musicians and well-known artists from around the globe. Mrs. Andersen wrote: "These were wonderful, inspiring days for my husband and me in the then music center of the world."

A year later, the Andersens returned to Chicago, Mrs. Andersen's home city, where Mr. Andersen became Head of the Theory Department at the American Conservatory of Music. Here, Mary Storrs Andersen became affiliated with Gamma Chapter, the members making her a patroness. After several years, Mr. Andersen assumed the position of Head of the Theory Department of Chicago Musical College. In 1934, he was appointed Professor of Theory and Composition at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

The Andersens were parents of three children. A growing family and the activities connected with being the wife of a busy Dean at prominent music centers, made for very full days in the life of Mary Storrs Andersen. A daughter, Mrs. Horace Clark, became a patroness member of Alpha Beta Chapter at the University of Arizona. Mrs. Andersen passed away at her home in Tucson, November 25, 1946.

In a letter from Mary Storrs Andersen dated April 1946, in closing she wrote this about her beloved fraternity: "It has paid me big dividends in pleasure, pride and satisfaction to note the gradual and steady growth of Sigma Alpha Iota from our small Alpha group of seven members at Ann Arbor, to the many new chapters, with thousands of members, formed in all the important music schools all over the country. It is also a matter of deep satisfaction to hear of the many fine alumnae chapters. My heart goes out to all who participate in carrying on the ideals of Sigma Alpha Iota."

Elizabeth Campbell

Ann Arbor, Michigan was the birthplace of Founder Elizabeth Campbell. Her early years were spent on her father's farm near Ann Arbor. Elizabeth's parents, both musical, deeply interested in education and college trained, moved into Ann Arbor to further the education of their two children.

Elizabeth Campbell graduated from the University of Michigan's School of Music, with a B.A. Degree, a Voice Major. She did post graduate work with Dr. William Howland at the University and at Martha's Vineyard and with Frederick Bristol of New York. Elizabeth joined the Music Faculty of the University, serving from 1903-1909. She became assistant Voice teacher to Dr. Howland.

Because of her mother's illness, it was necessary for Elizabeth to resign her Voice position at the University in 1909. Having graduated also from the University Literary College and possessing fine executive ability, it seemed wise to her after this interim of several years away from music and the accompanying strain of long family illness, to pursue another field. Elizabeth accepted the appointment of Recorder of Transcripts in the College of Engineering at the University, a position she held over twenty-five years.

In Sigma Alpha Iota's first year, Elizabeth was Vice President of Alpha Chapter. She, with Frances Caspari and Leila Farlin, prepared the first Constitution and Bylaws. She was also of much assistance to Elsa Gardner Stanley in one of the most important sections of the Ritual.

Active in Sigma Alpha Iota's early extension, on December 3 Elizabeth accompanied Alpha's second President, Elsa Gardner Stanley, to the Northwestern University Campus at Evanston, Illinois for the installation of Beta Chapter. During her National Presidency in 1913-1914, she was the installing officer for Eta Chapter at the College of Music of Cincinnati in February of 1914. She was assisted by Frieda Heider, president of Zeta Chapter. During the National Presidency of Charlotte Webber, 1915-1916, Elizabeth, then a Traveling Delegate, assisted her with the installation of Lambda Chapter at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.

The fraternity's National President in 1913-1914, Elizabeth had served in virtually every office in Alpha chapter and in the national organization. She was twice the fraternity's Historian. Elizabeth attended many national Conventions and during the World War II years, she brought much warmth, wisdom and general guidance to the enlarged National Council meetings held in Chicago at The Palmer House and at The Drake Hotel.

In the field of Finance, Elizabeth was close to the pulse of the fraternity's needs over a twenty-year span. In 1929 she was made Chairman of the Standing Committee on Finance. She was a member of the National Executive Board as Chairman of Finance and Director of Finance from November 1932 until November 1948, a year before her death.

When asked "How does it feel to be a Founder?" Elizabeth replied: "My answer is that the feeling is a mixture of humility and pride. Humility because so much has been worked out by others since we made the first venture. Pride in our sisters who have caught up and developed our ideals even beyond our highest expectations."

Final services for Elizabeth Campbell were held on September 28, 1949, in Ann Arbor. The following are from the many tributes to Elizabeth: "To know her was to love her," the comment of her sister-Founder, Nora Crane Hunt . . . "Her sincerity, humbleness, gentleness, lack of personal ambition, and the faculty of always believing the best of everyone, should be an example to all. Surely she has left a heritage in works and ideals, that will touch many. I shall always cherish the privilege of having had the personal contact with her." And from another -- "She will be, for us an immortal part of Sigma Alpha Iota, and the glow that she imparted to all that was and is Sigma Alpha Iota, will remain a priceless heritage."

Elizabeth Campbell passed away on September 18, 1949

Minnie M. Davis Sherrill

An artist-graduate in Piano from the University of Michigan in 1901, Minnie M. Davis immediately became a member of the University Music Faculty, serving in the years 1901-1909. Her graduate study was in Paris under Harold Bauer. Her American teachers were Albert Lockwood, William Sherwood and Frederic Lamond. During her University tenure, Minnie Davis, a brilliant pianist, gave Piano Lecture-Recitals throughout Michigan. Also a skilled accompanist, she appeared in this capacity for artists on the annual May Festival Concerts and for Faculty Concerts. Among artists she accompanied were de Gogorza, George Hamlin, and Martinelli. She was also accompanist for the Choral Union, a three-hundred-voice Choir under Dr. Albert A. Stanley, Director of the School of Music.

Later, music appearances continued with a great deal of concert work in the East and South.

First President of Alpha Chapter, Minnie Davis served as National President in 1916-1917. She served twice as National Corresponding Secretary, twice as a member of the National Council, and was a Traveling Delegate for one year.

It was Minnie Davis who spoke to Elizabeth Campbell of her desire to unite a group of the most earnest and talented girls graduating from the University in the spring of 1903, some of whom would return in the fall to join the School of Music Faculty. Together the two approached Leila Farlin, the three presenting the idea to Nora Crane Hunt.

In a letter dated June 13, 1936, from Minnie Davis Sherrill, she states: "Mrs. Howland, realizing the need of a high type of musical organization, made the suggestion to us that we would be the very girls to form such a sorority. So - we really owe our existence to Mrs. Howland, who was our first Patroness and our firm friend.... These were busy, happy days. We all felt very close and worked hard to build high standards. Fine character and the highest type of musicianship are really the foundation of Sigma Alpha Iota."

Ann Arbor was Minnie Davis' birthplace. In 1909 Minnie M. Davis married Dr. Edwin S. Sherrill in Detroit, Michigan, where they made their home. Unusually active in her home city, in 1946 she wrote that she was past president of the Tuesday Musicale Society and a member of the Board of Directors of the Detroit Musician's League, Chairman of the Music Division of the Federation of Woman's Clubs of Detroit, and a member of Pro Musica. Always with broad interests, she served as President of Allied Youth, First Vice President of the Young Woman's Club, and a member of the Twentieth Century and the Woman's City Clubs. Minnie Davis Sherrill was made an Honorary Member of the Matinee Musical Club, and Musical Art Society, and was similarly honored by the Society of Engineer's Wives.

In these late years, Minnie Davis Sherrill has continued accompanying and has also done considerable coaching of prominent singers.

In Detroit's Sigma Alpha Iota activities, she was affiliated with both Delta and Sigma Chapters and was honored by the Detroit Alumnae Chapter, by being made their Honorary Member

Minnie Davis Sherrill passed on February 12, 1972, eight years after publication of this article. She and Georgina Potts died within ten days of each other.

 

Georgina Potts

Georgina Potts, a brilliant pianist, came from a very musical family. Showing much talent as a young girl, she took her first piano lessons in her native city, Toledo, Ohio, from Mary Robertson Trowbridge.

Georgina received an Artists Diploma in Piano from the University of Michigan School of Music in 1903. Her special work in piano was done with Albert Lockwood, William H. Sherwood and Frances L. York.

Following her graduation, Georgina returned to Toledo where she has been a most active participant in its musical life. She was one of Toledo's finest piano teachers, maintaining a studio downtown for a considerable time. She has appeared continuously in recitals at home and over the state, and on special club programs. Georgina has held offices in the Toledo Piano Teachers Association, the Eurydice Club, the Monday Musicale (a club of Artists in Toledo), and the American Guild of Organists. She was Organist at the Memorial Baptist Church in Toledo for 29 years.

In 1940 Georgina was made Chairman of the Northwest District of the Ohio Music Teachers Association. In June of 1942 she became the Second Vice President of the Ohio MTA and was instrumental in shaping plans for the three-day State Convention in Toledo in June 1944. She served as State President of the Ohio MTA from 1944-1946.

Among the interesting memos which came to the National Editor from Georgina in 1953 are these - presenting a recital December 2, 1904 at the Unitarian Church in Toledo, assisted by "Elizabeth and Minnie" and Minnie Dillon, a Toledo violinist and in 1927-1928 when Georgina was Director of the Monday Musicale, in March of 1927, they presented Nora Crane Hunt in recital. Nora said of Georgina: "She was and is a brilliant pianist, and has done us great credit."

Georgina's is a rich, full life. She has hobbies of filling scrap books with poetry and historical items, literary and musical, beginning these in 1922. Languages have also been her hobby, studying French, German, Spanish and Russian. She has said: "I will not live long enough to read or do all the interesting things I would like to do."

Some of the most prized memories of many Sigma Alpha Iotas are their moments spent with Georgina at recent National Conventions. Her participation in presenting the College and Alumnae Chapter Achievement Awards and installing the National Officers at the 1962 Chicago Convention were high moments indeed. Her presence with us has been and continues to be a great inspiration.

Georgina Potts passed away on February 2, 1972, eight years after publication of this article. She and Minnie Davis died within ten days of each other

Sigma Alpha Iota Archives


Sigma Alpha Iota, International Music Fraternity, was organized in 1903 "to form chapters of music students and musicians who shall by their influence and their musical interest uphold the highest ideals of a music education; to raise the standard of productive musical work among the women students of colleges, conservatories and universities." As of December 2004, its membership included 211 active college chapters, 120 alumnae chapters, and one International Chapter.


(History, membership data, and purposes courtesy of Sigma Alpha Iota) The University Archives became the repository for SAI's national records in 1997. SAI's materials are part of the Student Life and Culture collection. Material includes scrapbooks and yearbooks from over 25 local chapters; convention materials dating back to 1911; national office correspondence and subject files; many signed and unsigned photographs of prominent members and honorary members; historical information on national service projects, particularly the Bold Note project, which focused on music transcription for the sight-impaired; choral, vocal, and instrumental music of modern composers published as a part of the Inter-American Music Awards and an extensive run of the fraternity's journal Pan Pipes, which is a primary source about the activities of American composers in addition to its coverage of fraternity events.