Our Heritage − Our Responsibility
 

Lessons and Song Titles 2008-2009

COMPANY LESSON LEADERS

The role of a Company Lesson Leader should be to serve as a resource person for Camp Lesson Leaders. Lessons contain at least 44 printed pages and contain more information than can be given in a regular camp meeting. Lesson Leaders should choose portions of the text they find particularly interesting to their audiences. It is never necessary to bring in outside information. Pictures and maps included with the text may be copied and enlarged to present with the lesson.

Suggest ways to present the lesson.
Suggest pictures to use with the lesson.
Suggest parts of the lesson of particular interest to the camp members.
Be enthusiastic about the lesson content.

The Company Lesson Leader should present only a summary of the lesson at the company meetings. Her role is that of a mentor for Camp Lesson Leaders.

Click here for Lesson Development Guidelines.

Note: At the end of the year, lessons are re-read by the Lesson Committee, and corrections are then made of any errors which have inadvertently appeared in the text. An index is also compiled and included in the volume of Pioneer Pathways which is printed and ready for purchase in October. We appreciation notification before the end of June of any errors detected by Daughters.

MUSIC COMMENTARY

The music to be used in our Camp and Company meetings during 2007-2009 has again been taken from our D.U.P. song book, Pioneer Songs. The CD has been orchestrated, performed, and products by Dr. Morris Lee and his staff. The introduction to these songs and the D.U.P. theme "Our Heritage − Our Responsibility" is narrated by Mary A. Johnson, President, International Society Daughters of Utah Pioneers. We encourage our daughters to make music an enjoyable part of their D.U.P. experience. We trust the following information will be helpful.  pioneer music brings us closer to the hearts and souls of our pioneer ancestors, and builds unity and strength.

» Daughters of Utah Pioneers (page 158, Tracks #2, #3, #4 on the CD)

» Salute to Our Utah Pioneers (page 321, Tracks #29, #30, #31 on the CD)

SEPTEMBER 2008: On the Way to California (page 192, Tracks #5, #6, #7 on the CD)
As written in our Pioneer Songs song book, "In the early days California meant pretty much everything west of the Rocky Mountains. Songs of this kind were made to order and could be heard around camp fires at night and occasionally while plodding their weary way by day. The chorus was generally of uproarious style and given with vocal vigor so as to let the lurking savages know that the travelers were by no means afraid of being heard. At this time the deception was necessary because their ranks had been weakened by 500 of their able bodied men joining the United States Army in war with Mexico" (the Mormon Battalion). We have no record of who wrote these words.
This song is sung to the tune of Old Dan Tucker which was composed by Daniel Decatur Emmett who was born in Mount Vernon, Ohio, on October 29, 1815. He was a self-taught fiddler, who began writing music early on. He performed his first original composition, Old Dan Tucker, at the age of 15 at the 1830 Fourth of July celebration in his home town. At the age of seventeen, he left Mount Vernon to join the U.S. Army, becoming the lead fifer at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri. He was discharged abruptly in 1835 when officials discovered that he had been less than truthful about his age at the time of his enlistment. Undaunted and unwilling to return home, he signed on with several circus bands and continued to perform in public. He had a colorful musical career and died in his home town June 28, 1904, at the age of 89.
Old Dan Tucker is an all time fold song favorite. Some of us may remember these words: "Old Dan Tucker's a fine old man, washed his face in a frying pan. Combed his head with a wagon wheel and died with a toothache in his heel."

OCTOBER 2008: A Song of 1857: Johnston's Army Episode (page 84, Tracks #8, #9, #10 on the CD)
 On September 29, 1857, General Daniel H. Wells left Great Salt Lake City for Echo Canyon where he established headquarters for about 1,250 men from several militia districts. In preparation to resist the on-coming Johnston's Army, these soldiers dug trenches across the Canyon and threw up breast works and loosened rocks on the heights.
This song was composed and sung by the soldiers.
The following paragraphs are taken from an article in the Wild West Magazine by D.G. Littleford, entitled "Everybody Fooled: The Utah War."

During the months of October and November, between 1,200 and 2,000 militiamen were stationed in the narrow, high-walled Echo Canyon and the equally defensible East Canyon, on the main road into the Salt Lake Valley. Living on little more than baked flour and water and dealing with the numerous feet of snow that kept falling on the Wasatch Range, the Utah men built breastworks, dug rifle pits and dammed the streams and rivers in preparation for battle. Those who venture off today's interstate highway can still see the remnants of their efforts.
Utah's first line of defense, however, were several hundred mounted men known as "scouts," "rangers," or "bandits" and "scoundrels," depending on your point of view. This unorthodox cavalry was sent eastward on the high mountain plains that are now southwestern Wyoming with orders to stampede the animals, burn the grass, stage nightly surprises to keep the soldiers from sleeping, block the road with fallen trees and destroy the fords; in other words, "to annoy (army) n every possible way."

NOVEMBER 2008: Darling Nelly Gray (page 220, Tracks #11, #12, #13 on the CD)
The words and music of this sad song of slavery were written by B.R. Hanby. It was a favorite with the Southern soldiers and found its way into collections of popular songs about 1859.
In two letters written to his wife, the Confederate General, George E. Pickett, mentions this song. His letters to his wife (Soldier of the South, published by Houghton, Mifflin & Company, Boston and New York, 1928) have long been recognized as classics. In one letter written at Chambersburg on June 27, 1863, on the road to Gettysburg, Pickett wrote: "I had given orders that the bands were not to play; but as we were coming through the northeastern part of the city, some young ladies came out onto the veranda of one of the prettiest homes in town and asked 'Would you mind shooting off the bands a bit?' So the command was given and the band played, Home Sweet Home, Annie Laurie, Her Bright Smile Haunts Me Still, Nelly Gray, and Hazel Dell." On June 18, 1864, after General Lee had congratulated Pickett's men for gallantry, Pickett wrote: "Outside my prettice (a term of endearment), the band has been playing (many songs) including Nelly Gray, and inside I have been softly singing them all to you, to your spirit far away."

DECEMBER 2008: An Abbreviated Christmas Story you could use in December
Julia's Christmas from the Christian Olsen Family Records
Christmas Eve came. This was our first Christmas in the new land. Of course we expected to keep it as best we could. According to our custom, we felt that we had to have rice mush with sugar and cinnamon. This was our main Christmas dish in the old country. But, where to obtain the milk in which to bill the rice? "Where shall I go?" "To folks that have cows." I went to David Holliday's. They had a corral full of cows. I knocked at the door. When I entered they asked me to sit down, but as I was in a hurry I said, "I only came to see if you can sell us some milk." At this an amused grin lit up every face. Presently they burst into loud laughing, and I didn't know what they were laughing at. I came home and handed Father the money.
I was wondering how we could ever live through a Christmas without rice cooked in milk. Just then came Brother John Peterson from Spring Lake with a little gallon keg of milk. He had walked a distance of three miles bringing it. Said he, "My wife and I were thinking you wouldn't have much of a Christmas without milk." Before Brother Peterson left us that afternoon, he arranged that I should go to Spring Lake twice each week for a bucket of milk.
Before the second Christmas, Father finished building our house. We were very happy to commence to live in our new home. Mother's health had improved remarkably. She seemed to enjoy life and looked like a new woman.
Regarding parties and dances, a dance commenced at seven o'clock at night and continued until four or five in the morning. Father permitted me to attend two dances each winter, and then I had to be home and in bed by ten o'clock pm. This restriction took the pleasure out of the party for me.
One night when I was sixteen years old, Father gave a Christmas party for his own children and their families and the nearest neighbors. We danced. My brothers were the musicians. We knew it was Father's aim to end the party at ten which he did right in the middle of a square-dance by ordering the musicians to stop. But, Father didn't know that my brothers had lifted me up to the clock many times that night. Each time, I turned it back thirty minutes. It must have been past midnight when the party broke up. (From Our Pioneer Heritage/True to the Faith)

More Christmas Memories
In the early days of the Pioneers, the Christmas Holidays were celebrated. Although they were poor in material things, the true Christmas spirit was manifested. The Pioneer Christmas was one of thanksgiving, every one willing to help and to share.
A loaf of white bread, a roasted rabbit, potatoes and molasses gingerbread often made a Christmas dinner. Later the men killed deer, or wild fowl and some had a pig to kill. With squash pie, molasses cookies, candy and sweet cider, the Christmas festival was one of rejoicing.
In those far-gone days, children were taught to appreciate any little gift and were pleased to find even an apple in their stocking on Christmas morning. From the earliest days of Pioneer life, the people provided amusement for themselves. The dance played the most conspicuous part, particularly on Christmas and New Years. Great preparations were made for the Christmas dance. If much snow had fallen, people from a distance came in bobsleds, or the family wagon. The rough floor of a humble log house was prepared for the dance floor by a process of glazing with wax. There was always the fiddler, and later the accordion or organ was added. The fiddler must be paid, therefore admittance fees were paid in kind, such as squash, potatoes, cabbage, meat or the skin of some fur-bearing animal.
After the opening prayer by the Bishop, or someone in authority, the fiddler struck up a signal for the march to begin. Round and round in different figures the couples marched, followed by the Quadrilles, Polkas, Scotch Reels, and Minuets. Once n a while, a waltz was danced to the tunes of My Irish Rose or Home Sweet Home. The round dance was generally discouraged by Church Authorities.
Except in cases of sickness, no mother remained at home on account of children. Babies were brought along and beds were arranged on seats with coats and shawls for coverings. On such occasions as Christmas, the supper or picnic served at the dance was the main consideration in celebrating. One hour was set apart for eating and no one went away hungry. Those dances often kept up 'til early morning hours. (from Monuments to Courage/Our Pioneer Heritage)

JANUARY 2009: Buffalo Gals (page 185, Tracks #14, #15, #16 on the CD)
This song was published in 1844 with the title Lubly Fan. It was written by one of the first black-faced minstrels, Cool White. Many believe it was a traditional tune, known before Cool White published the music. It was popular in minstrel shows throughout the United States, and the location was changed accordingly to New York Gals, Charleston Gals, etc. Therefore Buffalo refers to the city rather than the animal.
In Collection of North Carolina Folklore, Frank Brown suggests it may have its inspiration from an English singing game, Pray, Pretty Miss and that the tune is close to that of an old German music hall song, Im Grunewald, im Grunewald ist Holzauktion. Other scholars have suggested the song originated around the Erie Canal. Whatever its origin, it is a fun song to sing and it was popular with our Utah pioneers.
There are several other verses not printed in our book. Do you remember these words?
                         "I asked her if she'd have a dance, have a dance, have a dance
                          I thought that I might have a chance to shake a foot with her.
                          I danced with a gal with a hole in her stockin'
                          And her knees kept a-knockin' and her toes kept a-rockin'
                          I danced with a gal with a hole in her stockin'
                          And we danced by the light of the moon."
Do you know other versions of this song you could share with the daughters?

FEBRUARY 2009: Ben Bolt (page 172, Tracks #17, #18, #19 on the CD)
The poem "Ben Bolt" was written by Thomas Dunn English in 1842. Dr. English was born in Philadelphia in 1819. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1839 and was a physician at Fort Lee, New Jersey. He was a well-known author, editor, and contributor to periodicals.
The music was composed by Nelson Kneass (1823-1868). He was a music teacher in New York and a singer in the Park Theatre. He never received compensation for the tune. He married a Mrs. Sharpe, who drowned after falling off a Mississippi riverboat.
The song, Ben Bolt, became popular after it was sung in Pittsburgh n 1848 at the play, The Battle of Buena Vista. The music is adapted from a German melody.
The alternative words written by Maggie Hill on page 173 of our Pioneer Songs book are probably less sad and nostalgic. You may wish to sing these words with the piano or CD accompaniment. However, the CD performance track will feature the words found on page 172.

MARCH 2009: The Handcart Song (page 21, Tracks #20, #21, #22 on the CD)
By the mid-1850s, LDS Church leaders needed less expensive ways to move poor immigrants to Utah. The Perpetual Emigrating Fund that loaned to the needy was depleted and costs for wagons and ox-teams were high. Therefore, Brigham Young announced on 29 October 1855 a handcart system by which the Church would provide carts to be pulled by hand across the Mormon Trail. As a result, between 1856 and 1860 nearly 3,000 Latter-day Saint emigrants joined ten handcart companies -- about 650 handcarts total -- and walked to Utah from Iowa City, Iowa (a distance of about 1,300 miles) or from Florence, Nebraska (1,030 miles). Pulling carts was hard, tiring work. Handcart pioneers were exposed to rain, wind, dust, and insects. Food was tightly rationed.
An interesting story found in Our Pioneer Heritage, volume 14, is told about a newlywed couple who joined a handcart company. Ebenezer Beesley, a noted LDS musician, pushed away at the front of his vehicle while his lovely bride, still wearing her wedding dress, helped by pushing at the rear of the cart. In the cart were piled all of their earthly possessions, plus an elderly lady who was unable to walk the long distance across the plains and mountains. The Beesley couple were young, healthy and had no children, so they were best able to take the invalid sister in their cart. Ebenezer and Sarah were married March 26, 1859, just before they sailed for America. Their honeymoon trip was a tedious voyage on a crowded emigrant ship and a long walk in a handcart company from Nebraska to Utah. But, they were young and in love and eager to gather to Zion with the Saints. Sometimes when the pulling was easy and he had breath for it, Ebenezer would break into song in his rich bass voice. He loved to sing. In camp at night, he would entertain the company with his flute. He couldn't play his violin for them as someone has stepped on it aboard ship.
In August of 1880, he became the conductor of the Tabernacle Choir. In all, about 100 hymns and anthems flowed from his busy pen. Some of his better known works are "High on the Mountain Top," "Reverently and Meekly, Now," "Let Us Oft Speak Kind Words to Each Other," and "Lord, We Ask Thee Ere We Part."
At times, making the words fit the music is a bit tricky, but with a little advance practice by the chorister, the daughters will be able to sing and enjoy this song about the handcart experience.

APRIL 2009: Sunshine in the Soul (page 9, Tracks #23, #24, #25 on the CD)
The text of this song was written by Eliza E. Hewitt. She was born in 1851 in Philadelphia. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church.
The music is by John R. Sweney (1837-1899). John was also from Pennsylvania and at an early age showed an interest in music. He began his formal study of music at the age of nineteen. After the Civil War, he taught at the Pennsylvania Military Academy as a professor of music.
This song is a "gospel song" or hymn. It was first printed in 1890 in a collection of gospel songs titled The Finest of the Wheat, and in 1908 was added to a collection of Latter-day Saint hymns. In 1932, it was chosen as one of the songs to be included in the new Daughters of Utah Pioneers song book, Pioneer Songs.

MAY 2009: Just Before the Battle Mother (music page 150, words page 151, Tracks #26, #27, #28 on the CD)
This is a Civil War song and was written under the influence of emotions caused by the Civil War. It was written by George Frederick Root who was born in Sheffield, Massachusetts, in 1820. The words and music were published in 1864.
From an early age, George Root showed remarkable musical abilities, mastering at least thirteen different instruments by the age of 12. He was a voice instructor in Boston, a partner in the Chicago-based music publishing firm of Root and Cady, sold instruments and song books, and published a periodical called the Song Messenger of the Northwest. He eventually began composing. However, his attempts at popular pieces were so dismal that he signed them with the name "Wurzel" (German for root), so as to not compromise his reputation as a serious composer.
When the War Between the States broke out, he began to write patriotic songs for the Union war effort. He wrote Battle Cry of Freedom, Just Before the Battle, Mother and Tramp! Tramp! Tramp! These songs established him as a popular and prolific wartime composer.
He continued working for Root & Cady after the war and in 1872 the University of Chicago awarded him the honorary degree of Doctor of Music. He was instrumental in founding the New York Normal Institute dedicated to the training of music teachers. He died in 1895 in Bailey Island, Maine.