Hymnals and Song Books
Essex - contains about 500 American hymnals and song books of the early
nineteenth century. More than 100 vocal and instrumental instruction books are also present. Shape-note
hymnals are included, and a number of the books are of reduced size, suitable for transportation to
camp-meetings in the minister's saddle bags. Works edited by Lowell Mason are substantially represented.
A smaller number of hymnals and song books will also be found in the Baker, Postel,
and Mohler collections.
The Library also has a general group of about 150 nineteenth-century song books acquired from various sources.
A recent addition to the collection is an 1838 exercise book for singing schools by Lowell Mason, the gift
of Mrs. Hope Wood of Boca Raton, Florida. The book is made in large format for classroom use.
E-mail comments and inquiries about the Concert Bills and Programs to
Therese Dickman at tdickma@siue.edu or
call 618-650-2695.
http://www.siue.edu/~tdickma
Library and Information Services
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Updated by Kristin Walker
November 2004