Call Number:

Ms. Coll. 1527

Repository:

University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts

Extent:

.42 linear feet (1 box and 1 oversized folder)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Adolph Hirschberg papers relating to American Federation of Muscians, Local 77, 1931-1935, Ms. Coll. 1527, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania.

Date:

1908-2003 (inclusive) and 1932-1935 (bulk)

Creator:

Hirschberg, Adolph, 1878-1937, Philadelphia Committee for the Relief of Unemployed Musicians, and American Federation of Musicians. Local 77 (Philadelphia, Pa.)

Form:

Correspondence, Clippings (information artifacts), and Photographs

Abstract:

This collection of correspondence, newspaper clippings, financial documents, minutes, photographs, newsletters and campaign posters primarily focuses on musician Adolph Hirschberg's (1878-1937) work as president of Local 77 of the American Federation of Musicians and its efforts to secure employment opportunities for musicians in Philadelphia during the Great Depression.

Adolph Hirschberg was born on April 15, 1878 in Riga, Russia to Louis and Olga Hirschberg. Adolph and his father immigrated to the United States in 1887, with his mother and two brothers arriving the following year. The family settled in Brooklyn, New York and welcomed two more children. By 1890, the family had relocated to Philadelphia, where three more children were born.

Despite very little formal music training, Hirschberg played several instruments including the flute, alto-horn, bass fiddle, trombone and tuba. His musical career was just as diverse. He started as a member of the Wyoming Wild West Show band in 1895 and eventually progressed to play in larger bands and orchestras such as the Conway Band, Pryor Band, Sousa Band, Victor Herbert's Orchestra, and the Philadelphia Orchestra. He also managed and served as assistant conductor for the Stanley and Massbaum Theatres in Philadelphia.

Hirschberg joined Local 77 of the American Federation of Musicians and later served as president for 6 years. He then went on to serve as president of the Central Labor Union for 17 years. He was a member of the executive board of labor's Non-Partisan League in Pennsylvania; Philadelphia Finance Advisory Commission; Morais Lodge #6, Judaic Union; Welcome Lodge, F. and A.M.; the NRA (National Recovery Administration?) Compliance board. He also ran unsuccessfully for a seat on the Philadelphia City Council in 1935.

Hirschberg died of Hodgkin's disease on July 17, 1937. His wife Jennie Wolfe Hirschberg (1880-1937), 1 son and 3 daughters, survived him.

This collection of correspondence, minutes, newspaper clippings, financial documents, photographs, bulletins and campaign posters documents Adolph Hirschberg's work as president of Local No. 77 of the American Federation of Musicians to secure paying concerts for unemployed musicians during the Great Depression (1929-1941). Hirschberg or someone in his office organized a binder of correspondence and newspaper clippings entitled, "Clippings and press notices relating to the Unemployment Fund sponsored by Local #77, A.F. of M., in conjunction with prominent citizens in Philadelphia, April 4, 1933 to June 12, 1933." The remainder of the collection, after June 12, 1933, continues to focus on Hirschberg's efforts on behalf of the Philadelphia Committee for the Relief of Unemployed Musicians.

The Philadelphia Committee for the Relief of Unemployed Musicians was organized in 1933 and chaired by Leopold Stokowski. Other members included James Francis Cooke, Herbert J. Tily, Benjamin H. Ludlow, Mary Louise Curtis Bok, W. Curtis Bok, Jacob Billikopf, Albert M. Greenfield, Clinton Rogers Woodruff, and Hirschberg. The committee sought to raise $25,000.00 in an effort to retain the cultural standard of music in the Philadelphia area during the Great Depression. The funds raised would employ musicians at $5.00 per week for 25 weeks by playing concerts at hospitals, schools, camps, parks, zoos, etc. The committee believed by offering musical employment, musicians would not be forced to seek other means of employment outside of music. The correspondence and minutes of the committee provide insight into their fundraising efforts. However, the bulk of the correspondence is between Hirschberg, the organizations/institutions and musicians detailing the scheduling of concerts.

The minimal biographical material on Hirschberg includes an undated photograph of a young Hirschberg with several instruments, a campaign poster from Hirschberg's unsuccessful run for a seat on Philadelphia's City Council, and an interview from the February 1933 issue of The Etude, in which Hirschberg chronicles his musical career.