K-State Keepsakes: "Alma Mater"

25th in the Series

In the spring of 1902, students belonging to K-State's literary societies recognized that, unlike other  institutions, their school lacked a college song.  Feeling that students needed to express their true devotion to K-State through music, a student committee was formed to devise and supervise a contest to  select a college song.  The contest was announced in the Students' Herald (a predecessor to the Collegian) and students and alumni were  encouraged to write and submit a song to committee member Sarah Hougham, a senior in the Class of 1903, by October 1, 1902.  The winner would receive a $25 prize and a lasting "reputation"!

In the August 7 issue of the newspaper, students and alumni were implored to take   an interest ("We need a song and need it badly"), an interest that had been extremely high several months earlier when the contest was announced.  By  September only six entries had been received so members of the committee urged students to "wake up...and get in the humor to write a rousing good song for K.S.A.C." before the fast approaching deadline.  The song committee again begged students to contribute "a first class song" to the contest for a "chance for development and glory"; an advertisement was also placed in the newspaper.

In the October 30, 1902 issue of the Students' Herald, it was announced that 14 songs had been submitted and the committee sent three to the judges for consideration, one each from the faculty, alumni, and student body.  The judges concluded that none of them were "entirely suited for the purpose of a K.S.A.C. song."  Undaunted and adamant that their beloved school needed a college song, the committee extended the contest to January 8, 1903.  Again students were presented the opportunity for their name to become "immortal" and win $25; similar words were used to lure submissions, "the best agricultural college in the best state in the union, is worthy of the best efforts of the best talent in the alumni and student body."

This time, ladies and gentlemen, there was a winner!  An announcement in the February 28, 1903 issue of   the Students' Herald proclaimed that the judges had selected a college song.  It was entitled "Alma Mater" and written by Humphrey W. Jones (Class of 1888), a teacher in the Topeka public schools.  The song was published by the "Students' Herald Publishing Company" and produced by K-State's printing department; it was included as a supplement in the April 9 issue of the newspaper.  Initially, copies were available for 25 cents at the newspaper office or the CO-OP Bookstore, however, on May 8 the newspaper's business manager issued an apology for selling the song at that price after determining the cost of printing it was much lower.  The new price for a copy of the "Alma Mater" was now 10 cents!  By June 1903, newspaper ads and articles encouraged students to buy copies to take with them as souvenirs once classes ended ("The College song will be a cure for College homesickness this summer")!

In June 1903, the Industrialist (the newspaper managed by the college) reported that the song was sung  by  the "Bluemont Quartet" during commencement on June 18, 1903; this was considered the first public rendition of the piece.  It was also sung at the alumni reunion in 1904 which Mr. Jones attended.

 Julius T. Willard (K-State college historian, 1936-1950) summarized the career of Humphrey W. Jones at the time of his death on August 13, 1932 at the age of 67.  After graduating from K-State in 1888, Jones attended Kansas State Teachers' College in Emporia and spent his career as a teacher and administrator in Kansas public schools.  In 1899 he joined the Topeka school system as supervisor of music where he remained until 1904 when he left to become the principal of Branner School in Topeka.  While there he was in charge of the Branner Annex, a school established for the "Mexican" children in 1918.  According to Willard, Jones was credited with "handling  delicate situations due to race, class or factional differences."  He retired in 1932.

Jones was not only a popular instructor, he was in demand as a speaker at meetings of teacher organizations and parent-teacher groups.  He also wrote prose and poetry as well as other pieces of music.  He is credited with writing the school song for Topeka High School in 1904 and contributing his royalties to the school's music fund.

Over the years the "Alma Mater" has been criticized by students less than thrilled with the song!  For example, in 1947 a number of newspaper articles appeared addressing the appropriateness of the song.  Many pieces contained negative comments from students including those of a sophomore in engineering who was quoted in the Collegian, "The students don't like it, don't know it, and besides--it stinks."  Others have doubted its validity as the official school song although Julius Willard always insisted that the "Alma Mater" was the authorized song of the college.  As one might expect, the song has received support throughout the years and, in spite of periodic debates, surveys, and studies, the "Alma Mater" remains a fixture at university events; except for "K.S.A.C." being replaced by "KSU," the words have remained constant for over 107 years!  "Hail! Hail! Hail! Alma Mater."

 "Alma Mater" 

I know a spot which I love full well, 'Tis not in forest nor yet in dell; Ever it holds me with magic spell--I think of thee, Alma Mater.

KSU, carry thy banner high!  KSU, long may thy colors fly!  Loyal to thee thy children will swell the cry, Hail! Hail! Hail! Alma Mater.

                           

(Jones also included second and third verses when he submitted the song in 1903)

University Archives sources consulted: Students' Herald, Industrialist, KSU History Index, "Humphrey William Jones" by Julius T. Willard.

Tony Crawford, University Archivist

                                                                                                      

Comments

[Cody]

I always see it noted that there are more verses but I have never seen or heard them.

[Tony Crawford]

Here are verses two and three!

2. There is a song that my heart would sing,
telling of homage which love can bring,
clear and impassioned its tone shall ring,
I sing of thee Alma Mater.

3. Bright gleams a beacon across life's sea,
guiding my bark where so e'er it be,
emblem of truth and of constancy,
I turn to thee Alma Mater.

Yes, "my bark" are the words!

Rave on!

[Bill Vick]

A barque or bark refers to a large three masted sailing ship, thus continuing the nautical metaphor!

[Debbie Gore]

Love this story-
Debbie (Scherer) Gore 84'