Call Number:

003.137

Repository:

Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections

Extent:

0.01 linear ft. (1 folder)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

David S. Bispham letter to Mr. Mellor (HCS.003.136) Quaker and Special Collections, Haverford College, Haverford, PA.

Date:

1914 June 13

Creator:

Bispham, David, 1857-1921

Form:

letters (correspondence)

Abstract:

This collection consists of a letter from David S. Bispham, Haverford College Class of 1876, to a Mr. Mellor, probably Ralph Mellor, Haverford College Class of 1899. In the letter, Bispham discusses a piece he has written that may be performed by the Haverford Cap and Bells Club and the Glee Club, possibly as part of a fundraiser.

David Scull Bispham (1857-1921) was an American operatic baritone and member of the Haverford College Class of 1876. After graduation, Bispham went into business while continuing to develop his vocal talents. He began singing in Europe in the early 1890s and made his American debut at the Metropolitan Opera in 1896. Bispham received an honorary degree from Haverford College in 1914.

Ralph Mellor, Haverford College Class of 1899, was the likely recipient of this letter by Bispham. As an undergraduate, he was a member of the Banjo Club and the Cap and Bells Club. He was the editor of the Haverford College Song Book for over twenty years and was the secretary of the Cap and Bells Club from 1911 to 1918.

This collection consists of a letter from David S. Bispham, Haverford College Class of 1876, to a Mr. Mellor, probably Ralph Mellor, Haverford College Class of 1899. In the letter, Bispham discusses a piece he has written that may be performed by the Haverford Cap and Bells Club and the Glee Club, possibly as part of a fundraiser. In his letter, Bispham mentions sending along a letter from Alfred Percival Smith to Mellor and then describes the possibility of planning an "entertainment" in Philadelphia that would benefit the Cap and Bells Club.

The letter is only dated "June 13th," but since Bispham mentions leaving Haverford "the other day" without giving Mellor the letter, it was likely written June 13, 1914, the day after Bispham received an honorary degree at the 1914 Haverford College commencement ceremony.