Converted to EAD3 : Encoded Archival Description (EAD), Version 3 : Release: 1.1.1 : Release Date: 2019-12-16. Validating against latest version of schema.
Contact information: https://hdl.loc.gov/loc.afc/folklife.contact
Catalog Record: https://lccn.loc.gov/2010655344
Finding aid written in English.
DACS was used as the primary description standard.
Sound recordings of songs and speech are in Pennsylvania German and in English; also in Italian and Spanish.
Don Yoder, donation; 2003, 2016.
No further accruals expected.
Marcia K. Segal processed the collection and created most of the logs and summaries for sound recordings. An unidentified person logged the contents of SR076 (recordings of Korean shamanic chant).
Alan Lomax Ohio and Indiana collection (AFC 1938/004)
Marcus Bach "Preserving Iowa's Religious Heritage" collection, part 1 (AFC 1943/013)
Don Yoder collection of wire recordings (AFC 1970/004)
Marian P. Michael collection of Texas Baptist hymns and services (AFC 1980/033)
Duplication of sound recordings may be governed by copyright and other restrictions.
The collection is open for research. To request materials, please contact the Folklife Reading Room at https://hdl.loc.gov/loc.afc/folklife.contact
Certain restrictions to use or copying of materials may apply.
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [item, date, container number], Don Yoder collection of tape and disc recordings (AFC 2003/051), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
Born in 1921, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, Don Yoder grew up immersed in the traditions of Pennsylvania German culture. Educated at Franklin and Marshall College (A.B., 1942 and B.D., 1945), and at the University of Chicago (Ph.D., 1947), Yoder taught at Franklin and Marshall College (1949-1956), and then at the University of Pennsylvania (1956-1996), where he also was chair of the Department of Folklore and Folklife from 1966-1969. He retired from teaching in 1996. He authored and co-authored hundreds of publications, traveled and lectured widely, and held varied posts, including director of the Pennsylvania Folklife Society (which he co-founded), editor of
Collection of field recordings made by professor Don Yoder to document various religious
sects and religious and secular folk traditions primarily in Pennsylvania and in the
northeastern United States. Included are recordings of Pennsylvania German conversation,
interviews, hymns, prayers, church services including sermons, folk dance music,
humorous songs, and folk festivals. Some tapes document Don Yoder's lectures and contain
materials prepared for his classes on folk religion recorded by Dr. Yoder and other
scholars and by his students at the University of Pennsylvania. Recordings were made of
various events including the first Pennsylvania Dutch Harvest Frolic, August
30-September 1, 1961; and the second annual and other years of the Pennsylvania Dutch
Folk Festival, Kutztown, Pennsylvania. (recorded from a broadcast by WEEU) where
participants were interviewed about local history; folk religious beliefs and practices,
including prayer and the
Organized by format into the following series:
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the LC Catalog. They are grouped by name of person or organization, by subject or location, and by occupation and listed alphabetically.
Includes letters, documentation about the contents, specific sound recordings, and related materials.
66 hymns, each indexed by first line.
1968 Festival of American Folklife, The Smithsonian Museum (program). Includes a one-page essay by Yoder on folklore and folklife.
A selection of nine original boxes from sound tape reels.
Recorded circa 1951-1979. Genres include spirituals, powwowing, dance music, and other styles. Sound quality varies, especially since the majority of recordings were made outdoors. Also includes one sound tape reel of Korean shamanic chant. Recordings were not received in any particular order, so the materials have been organized by topic or event, when known. SR066 (a 10-inch sound tape reel) was found to be blank. Unless otherwise noted, details about the recordings are sourced from accompanying documentation. During digitization SR001 through SR076 were wound from the original reels onto 10-inch reels, during a brief time when this was standard practice for long-term storage of sound reels at the Library of Congress.
Recorded at the Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Festival, Kutztown, Pennsylvania. Participants include two men who, in turn, speak in Pennsylvania German and in English. Mabel Snyder speaks in Pennsylvania German and in English.
Frank Eckert tells stories.
Possibly recorded in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Side A
Dance music (heavy footfalls indicate dancing), performed by an unidentified group, with fiddler and callers.
Side B
Dance music (heavy footfalls indicate dancing), performed by an unidentified group, with fiddler and callers, and an unidentified group sings "Oh Susannah."
1st Pennsylvania Dutch Harvest Frolic. The first six selections are folk songs or spoken-word segments. The balance are hymns and/or prayers, performed by Mabel Snyder. Announcer (Don Yoder?) introduces performers and songs.
1st Pennsylvania Dutch Harvest Frolic.
2nd Annual Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Festival; Kutztown, Pennsylvania. Broadcast by WEEU radio. The singing group was from Lykens Valley, Valley View, Pennsylvania, and led by Rev. Harry Menser. Don Yoder is the announcer.
Digitization notes: three splice points wore out during digitization. Points were reattached and the tape was transferred. The tape was recorded at two different speeds, and therefore had to be played back at two different speeds. The third file reflects the differing sections.
Side A, part 1 (formerly identified as SR006a)
Side A, part 2 (was formerly identified as SR006c)
Side B
2nd Annual Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Festival; Kutztown, Pennsylvania. Broadcast by WEEU radio. No log.
A female announcer introduces Bessie Ostroff. Bessie Ostroff, 67 years old, from Smila [SMEE-leh], Russia [now Ukraine]. She has been in the US for 50 years; no formal education in this country. She speaks about Jewish folk beliefs in regard to pregnancy, a woman's personal care, and the child, post-partum. She explains about the bris (ritual circumcision and naming), giving a child who is sick a second name, and other beliefs. Mr. Ostroff tells a story about his father hiring a gypsy to heal one of his children. Mrs. Ostroff speaks about death customs, including "sitting shiva."
William Yeakel and John Moyer are the participants.
SR009 appears to have originally been recorded only in the first track. However, an echo/print-through signal is present on the second track. Details draw on accompanying documentation. John A. Hostetler sent this tape to Don Yoder.
Side A
Sung by Joni Easch and Eli J. Bontrager. Recorded by Alan Lomax, April 13, 1938. See the field notes in Alan Lomax Ohio and Indiana collection (AFC 1938/004) for further details. Hostetler cites page 748 in the Ausband as the source of the hymn on AFS 01766 A; Lomax cites page 738.
Side B
"So will ichs aber heben an" is from Lomax's collection. The next five are from the Marcus Bach "Preserving Iowa's Religious Heritage" collection, part 1 (AFC 1943/013), recorded February 8, 1943; see notes for SR011 below. They were performed by "Hay" John Miller, his wife, and others, near Kalona, Iowa. The final four selections are recordings of Samuel H. Peachey and his wife Julia, in Belleville, Pennsylvania. They were recorded by Hostetler on July 10, 1960. See notes for SR095.
Hutterite baptismal service, recorded by John A. Hostetler. See the tape box image for details. This tape is a copy made for Yoder by Hostetler.
Digitization notes: The source tape had issues with speed fluctuation. The digital file for Side A was divided into two files to compensate for the WAV file size limitations (when the tape was digitized in 2005). Part 2 audio ends at 00:22:13. Part 1 was formerly named SR010_1, and Part 2 was formerly named SR010_2.
Copy of AFS 06995B. Recorded in Ames, Iowa, by Marcus Bach and Addison Alspach. Sung by twelve Old Order Amish men and women living in the Kalona, Iowa, farming area some 10 miles from the University of Iowa. They came to the campus to record several of their Altdeutsche Lieder. A man leads the group in singing "Lebt friedsam, sprach Christus."
The tape was made by Peter F. Edelman and Alan Solar for Yoder's Religious Theology 523 class. See SR150 for another recording made by them.
Digitization notes: The audio is distorted, but can still be understood. The interview and the singing were probably not recorded on the same occasion, so one or both may have been dubbed to this tape.
At 00:00:28 the interview begins: Mr. David K [sic], a member of the Amish Mennonite faith, speaks about his view of the future for the Amish Mennonite sect, missionary work, and other subjects. The interview ends at 00:39:36. A group performs four Amish Mennonite church spirituals. Audible information ends at 01:25:19.
Digitization notes: The original tape appears to have been recorded on the first track only. However, an echo/print-through is present on the second track. The engineer made a stereo transfer to keep the extra audio in the same file as the main audio, as it appears on the master tape. The extra track sounds like an error and simply a copy of the main audio, so it does not fit the common definition of "stereo."
Interview with Karlheinz Roenigk [?], in German (probably Pennsylvania German) and in English. Audio ends at 00:15:06.
2nd Annual Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Festival, Kutztown Fair Grounds; Kutztown, Pennsylvania. Broadcast by WEEU radio Special Affairs Department. AFC 2003/051: SR018 may be a copy of this recording.
Don Yoder introduces Mrs. Sophie Bailer, a powwow. The announcer (named Nan) for WEEU speaks over Bailer's last song. George Carroll (WEEU) introduces segment on three main Pennsylvania Dutch myths. Dr. Alfred L. Shoemaker (director of the folk festival) speaks. George Carroll makes closing announcement over the voice of the speaker.
Side A
Content includes a group performing an unidentified song, in Pennsylvania German.
Side B
Performers include Earl Keller, The Little Jiggers (who dance to "Irish Washerwoman"), and a performance by The Western Berks Group (square dancers), with Cheshnell Floppy [?], leader
Side A
North Bend Choir members introduce themselves: Betty Rohrman, Loretta Landis, Merle Bishop, Grace Shye, Harold Shiser, Ray Landis, and Eugene Barette. Don Yoder [?] introduces the song the group will perform: "Leibe Heinrich" (Dear Henry.
Side B
Don Yoder [?] introduces the next song. Peter Kirschner [?] performs a song about conversion, then the song "Come to Your Jesus." Don Yoder [?] introduces Ollie Streiser, who performs the song "Schwarz, Schwarz, Schwarz, Alle Meine G____". Audio is cut off both at the beginning and at the end of the recording.
Probably recorded at a Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Festival.
Side A
Don Yoder moderates a program on secular music brought to the US by German and Swiss immigrants. Performers include The Buchmans (male singing group), Maggie Oberholzer, Victor Diefenbach, and Clayton Willyer. The next part of the program includes two revival songs performed by Peter Kirschner. The program closes with a performance by Ollie Strauser. Continues on SR017, Side B.
Side B
Continues from SR017, Side A. Other performers demonstration groups: include Earl Keller, The Little Jiggers, who dance to "Irish Washerwoman," The Western Berks Group (square dancers), with Cheshnell Floppy [?], Norman Huntsigger (?) and the Keystone Jiggers (jig dancers), and Shtibley [?] Rex Dancers. There is a gap in the recording occurs between 00:10:33-00:10:52. The end of the recording is distorted, and cuts off suddenly. This seems to be a dub copy of the original tape. See SR015, Side B.
Recorded at the Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Festival, Kutztown, Pennsylvania. Don Yoder leads a discussion on powwowing and myths; probably a folk festival held at Kutztown Fair Grounds. Principals are Don Yoder and Sophie Bailer. Also present: George Carroll and Alfred L. Shoemaker. The content may match part or all of AFC 2003/051: SR014.
2nd Annual Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Festival, Kutztown Fair Grounds, Kutztown, Pennsylvania. Telecast by WEEU radio Special Affairs Department.
Side A
Russian-German church (or prayer) service (Brüderschaft meeting), Zion Church, Lincoln, Nebraska. Recorded by Roger Welsch. Buzzing distortion during approximately the first 12 minutes of the program. Three seconds of dropout from 00:32:16 to 00:32:19. Audio cut off abruptly at the end of the program.
Side B
Church (or prayer) service. See notes for SR020, Side A. Brief dropout in the audio at 00:02:06. Some distortion during the third selection. Dropout from 00:03:35-00:03:41, followed by brief section recorded too fast. No audio from 00:59:28 - 00:59:33. Audio cut off abruptly at the end of the program.
Yoder speaks at a festival held in honor of Thomas Nast. Digitization note for SR021: the tape broke during digitization. Points were reattached with fresh splice tape and the transfer was completed. While it seems that audio was recorded only on one track, there is a significant amount of cross-talk/print-through on the other track.
Side A
Brief audio dropout from 00:16:04-00:16:05.
Side B
See the digitization note for SR021, Side A.
Recorded at the St. Anthony Festival, Glassboro, New Jersey.
Recorded at the "Symposium on Rural Hymnody," hosted by Berea College, April 27-29, 1979. Session C: A Demonstration of Lining Hymnody by members of the Mt. Olivet Regular Baptist Church, led by Elder Elwood Cornett; reel 1 of 2
Side A
Side B
Symposium on Rural Hymnody, held at Berea College, April 27-29, 1979. Session C: A Program of Gospel Hymnody by the Phipps Family (A.L., Kathleen, and Donna) of Barbourville, Kentucky. reel 2 of 2
Barbara Olson interviews Aunt Fannie [sic] on powwowing, witches, and superstitions.
According to accompanying documentation, this recording was for an assignment, so probably made by a student in one of Don Yoder's classes. An unidentified girl speaks (in Pennsylvania German). Several songs are introduced, then performed, including a song played on piano: "Eine Vina Violet" [?] (the choral version may be from another recording). A child can be heard speaking, at a distance from the microphone, at the end of the recording.
The recording begins with an unidentified man talking about a record made by about 60 teenage boys and girls of the Shaker Village Work Group. They researched and recorded the songs as part of their work at the Shaker Village Project near Pittsfield, Massachusetts, in preserving Shaker cultural materials. He gives a history of Shakers in the U.S. The interview with Brother Ricardo Belden begins at 00:07:17 and ends at 00:14:48. The interviewer is probably Don Yoder. At 00:14:50, a man introduces and plays songs on the piano. The choral versions of songs that follow may be from the recording mentioned at the beginning of the tape. The recording speed becomes erratic at 00:30:23, and begins slowing down.
Recording made at St. Luke and the Epiphany, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Interviews with Phyllis Brownell, Father [Rev.] Frederick R. Isacksen, Clay Gordon, and Clara V___ [?].
This tape is copied from another recording. There are problems with the recording speed (possibly from the source tape). The audio cuts off abruptly at the end of the recording. The recording also includes what could be a recording of a radio broadcast of a church service; possibly led Rev. Billy Graham.
Digitization note: The source tape broke at two points. Fresh splice tape was used to reattach the tape. Sticky shed syndrome was evident at the beginning of the tape. It was baked to rectify the problem. Later during playback, the tape would suddenly come to a halt, but this was not a result of sticky shed syndrome. To correct the problem, the engineer, wearing white gloves, manually held the tape while it played, effectively acting as a brush. The digital file for Side A was divided into two files to compensate for the then-current WAV file size limitations.
Side A
Church service. The recording begins with organ music. There were technical problems when the recording was created, with several instances of drop-out. Continued on SR029, Side A, part 2.
Side B
Interview on spiritual healing. Carter W. Craigie interviews Dr. Amos Seldomridge, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, who talks about seminary, experience with spiritual healing, and the Church of the Heavenly Rest. Recorded in Collegeville, Pennsylvania.
Don Yoder interviews folk artist Jennie Trein, tape 1 of 3. The date refers to the recording; the announcement was recorded on a later date. The recording begins with high-pitched squeaking/squealing. Don Yoder introduces the recording. Jennie C. Trein introduces herself, and during the interview recites the Lord's Prayer in German (or Pennsylvania German).
Don Yoder interviews folk artist Jennie Trein, tape 2 of 3. The date refers to the recording; the announcement was recorded on a later date.
Don Yoder interviews folk artist Jennie Trein, tape 3 of 3. The date refers to the recording; the announcement was recorded on a later date.
The recording was probably made for Yoder's Religious Thought class by one of his students (perhaps D. Frank).
Digitization note: Low audio volume throughout the interview. A high-pitched squeal can be heard later in recording; some sound distortion as well.
Side A
Interview on Jewish beliefs and practices. Mrs. Tebela (?), originally from Aleppo, is the interview subject. Subjects include amulets, use of the term "a kina hara" (Yiddish) more than once; possibly followed by some Hebrew later (b'ruch-ah). The audio volume is very low, and garbled at the beginning. See SR034, Side A, for similar subject content.
Archivist's note: "kine hara" is actually "kein ayin hara" or literally "no evil eye," a saying meant to ward off bad luck).
Side B
Interview on Jewish beliefs and practices. Mrs. Rachel Hanon (born Raquel Hanono; the interviewee) came from Aleppo in 1921; her father was a rabbi. The interview ends at 01:09:10.
Side A
Interview on Jewish beliefs and practices; also, healing. Other people can be heard, helping the interview along; opera music can be heard in the background. An unidentified man (Don Yoder?) interviews Mrs. Gindhi. She came from Syria to U. S. 45 years ago. Later, the phrase "a kina hara" is used. See SR033, Side B for similar content.
Side B
Interview concerns the customs and traditions of Syrian Jews. A woman can be heard, having discussion with the interview subject. Audio distortion early in recording. An unidentified man interviews Mrs. Safdeye. He says he studies customs and traditions of Syrian Jews in Brooklyn and Turkish Jews in Seattle, Washington, to see similarities. She says she came to US in 1943. Before that, she lived in England and in Columbia. Her family was from Aleppo (father was from Aleppo and mother from Nicocea). There are high-pitched sound towards end of recording; audio is cut off at tape's end.
Probably a demonstration tape. Compilation of performances of various types of choral Christian music, performed by different groups. Some are accompanied, others a cappella. The recording includes an unidentified man preaching during an African American church service.
Probably recorded at the Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Festival. An unidentified man is the announcer; participants include Paul Brumbach and Mabel Snyder, and Rev. Brumbach's son. Unidentified event where Pennsylvania Dutch funeral customs and lore are discussed, including horse and buggy funeral customs. Audio ends at 00:45:08.
Side A
Probably recorded at the Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Festival. Pennsylvania Dutch funeral customs are discussed. Duplicate of an earlier section of SR036.
Side B
Probably recorded at the Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Festival. Pennsylvania Dutch funeral customs are discussed. Duplicate of the latter section of SR036.
This may be a dubbed copy of a commercial recording. The tape container says "Harlem congregation" and also "London (English) Records."
Side A
African American religious service. Audio begins at 00:00:04, with an unidentified male speaker and voices of the congregation. Recording also includes the congregation singing.
Side B
African American religious service. Audio begins at 00:00:05. Recording includes the congregation singing, with organ accompaniment. Audio ends at 00:17:03.
African American religious singing (both in services and outside services), and at end, secular singing ("Stewball"). Much distortion and a ground hum later in the recording.
The recording was sent to Don Yoder by Marian P. Michael, acoompanied by a letter dated December 19, 1968. The tape is a compilation of recordings Michael originally recorded, meant to reflect typical Texas African American services; see Marian P. Michael collection of Texas Baptist hymns and services (AFC 1980/033). See the tape container image for a complete list of songs, performers, dates, and locations.
Written on the tape container: "Demonstration tape to accompany 'A Selected and Annotated Discography of American Negro Religious Music on Commercially Manufactured Records, Designed to Illustrate Varieties of Instrumental and Vocal Combinations'" -- David J. Winslow, 1967
Side A
Compilation of African American blues singing, jazz, and possibly folk.
Side B
African American gospel singing. May be dubbed from another recording; fades out towards the end.
Compilation tape of African American gospel and secular singing, some performances possibly recorded live, and others prerecorded. The audio on Side B begins in fits and starts.
Compilation of recordings of religious songs, plus at least one jazz instrumental song, an African song, a song with (perhaps) a kettle drum and other percussion; seems to be a percussion-oriented compilation tape, created for a classroom assignment by Richard Raichelson.
Side A
A group performs a song (Possibly Native American, followed by instrumental performances: Jew's harp, kazoo, flute, and harmonica.
Side B
Compilation tape of recordings of African American and (perhaps) African song, both vocal and instrumental.
Interview on African American religious services; two other singers after the interview.
Program of bush meeting songs/revival meetings; see SR006, Side B. Low-quality audio.
The source tape was recorded at two speeds: 3 3/4 ips for the introduction, and 7 1/2 ips for the balance of the tape. Two digital files of one side were created as a result.
Part 1
Religious service (introduction).
Part 2
Religious service. African American religious beliefs, laying on of hands, healing. The recording includes an interview with an unidentified woman, possibly interviewed by Don Yoder.
Side A
Jehovah's Witnesses. An unidentified woman interviews Miss Frost and Mr. Carrick. Part of the interview includes information about when each was "dedicated."
Side B
Seventh-Day Adventists. The same interviewer heard on SR046, Side A, here interviews Mrs. Cox.
Side A, version 1
Don Yoder (?) interviews Dr. Alfred W. Price. Music has been recorded over the interview, so both music and talk can be heard, but the talk is almost inaudible. At 00:42:45 the crosstalk ends, and the interview can be heard clearly, with no music. At 01:06:03, the speaking voice can be heard at very slow speed.
Side A, version 2
Two men discuss setting up recording equipment. This is a segment from SR047, Side A, part 1 that sounds slowed down. Due to fluctuating recordings speeds on Side A of the source tape, this part of the recording was digitized at 7 1/2 ips, in order to capture the section recorded at a different speed.
Side A, version 3
An unidentified man, who is Episcopalian and from Richmond, Virginia, interviews another man on the topic of spiritual healing. Due to fluctuating recording speeds on Side A of the source tape, this part of the recording was digitized at 3 3/4 ips, on one-half track.
Side B, versions 1 and 2
Compilation of recordings of African American and folk music; some religious. The recording begins with prerecorded music ("Stewball"); see SR039. At 00:09:55 is a recording of the Weavers singing "Born in Bethlehem." Due to fluctuating recordings speeds on Side B of the source tape, this part of the recording was transferred at 7 1/2 ips. Effectively, the two version of Side B are the same recording, except version 1 is longer, and at a lower volume.
An unidentified woman interviews Rev. Alfred W. Price, St. Stephen's Protestant Episcopal Church, on the subject of faith healing. Several voices can be heard early in the recording.
Several voices can be heard speaking and singing during a religious service (including sacred harp singing). Distortion at the end of the recording. This is a copy of the original recording.
This tape was dubbed from sound discs, and includes religious music. Side B ends at 00:05:03; the rest of the tape has no audio. The tape box suggests this recording was made by Joe D. Boyd for Yoder's Folklore 622 class.
According to the tape box, the tape contents focus on American folk hymnody, and is a "demonstration tape (Archie Green)."
Side A
Compilation of songs that were (probably) prerecorded. An unidentified man sings "Wash in that Beautiful Pool" and "The Cowboy's Dream" [?] (to the tune of "My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean").
Side B
Compilation of prerecorded songs (some are sacred harp songs). Program includes "Come, Come Ye Saints" (Mormon song), "Hick's Farewell" (performed by Doc Watson), and "Shall We Gather at the River."
Samuel Meyers is interviewed by his granddaughter on Jewish beliefs and practices. Instances of low audio and audio dropout; the audio cuts off abruptly at the end of the recording.
Interview on Jewish beliefs and practices. First part of audio is absent (a problem from the source recording). Much of the audio volume is low. The interview subject may be Mr. Weiss (from Elizabeth, New Jersey).
A compilation of country songs, performed live. Instruments include banjo, guitar, and accordion; some vocals can be heard. Audio cuts off abruptly at the end of the recording on both tape sides.
A compilation of songs, including Harry R. Gwire (?).
A church service (?), conducted in Pennsylvania German, with songs and spoken- word passages. The audio is sometimes very low, and cuts off abruptly at the end of the recording.
Religious songs in Pennsylvania German. Don Yoder [?] may be heard speaking at intervals. At 00:08:24 Mrs. Allan Baylor [?] sings a table grace. The audio cuts off abruptly at the end of the recording. According to notes accompanying the tape box, John Moyer, Mrs. Gottshall, and Clayton Bixler are on the recording.
Side A
2nd Annual Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Festival, Kutztown, Pennsylvania; telecast by WEEU radio. Don Yoder gives religious history (including Methodist) of the area; see SR006, Side B. A long screech occurs towards end of recording.
Side B
2nd Annual Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Festival, Kutztown, Pennsylvania; telecast by WEEU radio. This seems to be the same recording as SR058, Side A, except with a final announcement.
Clarence Wagner (born January 2, 1879) sings spirituals in Pennsylvania German; there are other voices heard as well. Recorded by Don Yoder in Annville, Pennsylvania. This tape is a copy of the original recording. The audio cuts off abruptly at the end of the recording.
Clarence Wagner (born January 2, 1879) sings revival songs in Pennsylvania German. Don Yoder can be heard in background.
Side A
A series of interviews on healing. Steve Diamond (a student at the University of Pennsylvania) interviews several people. An unidentified man is interviewed in person, followed by another unidentified man, Mrs. White, Rev. Best, and Sister Lilah [?]. All but the first person were interviewed by phone. The audio speed seems slow at times.
Side B
A series of interviews on healing. Steve Diamond (a student at the University of Pennsylvania) may have conducted the interviews. Included are Raymond Charles Barker (possibly dubbed from another recording), and a phone interview with an unidentified man.
One interview or more on healing; see SR061. Part of this recording may have been dubbed from another recording. Steve Diamond (a student at the University of Pennsylvania) may have conducted the interviews. Included is a phone interview with Bishop Moody. Traffic noise can be heard during the interview. Audio cuts off abruptly at the end of the recordings.
Side A
A church service, plus interviews on healing. This recording may have been made over another recording: during very quiet portions a woman can be heard speaking. Steve Diamond (a student at the University of Pennsylvania) conducted the interview of an unidentified man. At 00:27:29 Steve Diamond interviews an unidentified man. 00:30:13-00:32:29 is a silent portion of audio. The recording cuts off abruptly at the end.
Side B
Interview on healing. This recording may have been made over another recording: during very quiet portions a woman can be heard speaking. Steve Diamond (a student at the University of Pennsylvania) conducted the interview with an unidentified woman associated with St. Stephen's (church).
Side A
Steve Diamond (student, University of Pennsylvania) interviews at least three people about healing and Christian Science. Audio cuts off at the end of the interview.
Side B
Steve Diamond interviews two or more people about faith and healing. The first man is a minister of the Triumph, The Church of the New Age. The second is Dr. Elizabeth Hoff. Following the interviews is a dubbed recording of a church service (probably a radio broadcast).
Side A
Includes a radio broadcast of a church service, with Rev. Ike. Audio distortion may be a result of the audio levels being too high during the original recording. The audio cuts off before the end of the recording.
Side B
Includes a radio broadcast of a church service.
Archivist's note: the tape is entirely blank tape (no content). No information available on what the content may have been
Side A
Probably a dub of prerecorded music. Problems with the quality of the audio develop towards the end of the recording.
Side B
Probably a dub of prerecorded music. The audio volume is low for approximately the last ten minutes of the recording.
Singing, with at least one song is in Pennsylvania German. One song begins "I'm an honest Irish lad." A dub of a wire recording begins at 00:31:33.
Side A
A program, possibly at a festival. Square dance music, and a man speaking in Pennsylvania German. The recording continues on SR069, Side B. The source recording is cut off at the beginning.
Side B
A man gives a sermon and a prayer in Pennsylvania German. At 00:02:27 Don Yoder introduces part of program on witchcraft (black magic) and powwowing (white magic). At 00:03:34 Aunt Sophia Bailer speaks. The recording continues from SR069, Side A.
A compilation of selections from recorded interviews, possibly by Steve Diamond, with added introductions.
African American church service; dubbed from the master recording of the Chapman Family Gospel Record. This copy came from the Center for Southern Folklore, Memphis, Tennessee.
An unidentified African American woman recounts religious experiences. The recording includes singing. This tape was dubbed from the master recording of the Chapman Family Gospel Record. This copy came from the Center for Southern Folklore, Memphis, Tennessee.
Digitization note: six splice points wore out during the transfer. The points were reattached and the transfer was completed.
Side A, part 1
Interview of Rabbi Isaac Forman (originally from Poland; d. 1960), on Jewish beliefs and practices. Following a long audio silence, the recording continues with unrelated content: an unidentified woman sings a section from the song "Getting to Know You," from the musical "The King and I." The same woman (or possibly another) sings; the tape speed slows down considerably.
Side A, part 2
An unidentified woman sings a section from the song "Getting to Know You," from the musical, "The King and I." The playback or the original recording was made at the wrong speed (too fast). This recording overlaps from sr073a_pt1. The same woman (or possibly another) sings the song "Laura."
Side B
Oral memoirs of a [?], Philadelphia; Jewish history.
Side A
An African American Baptist church service. An unidentified woman announces the slate for the recording. Dub copy of a recording, with distortion from the source tape. The audio cuts off at the end of the recording.
Side B
Possibly music recorded from a radio broadcast. The recording has instances of distortion, and is cut off at the end.
14th annual Pennsylvania Dutch Festival; Kutztown, Pennsylvania. Don Yoder announces the event. An unidentified man and woman speak. At one point the woman speaks about making corn mush. A child recites poetry.
Digitization note: several splices wore out during digitization. Points were reattached and the transfer was completed.
Korean shamanic chant.
Side A
Side B
Recorded at the "Symposium on Rural Hymnody," hosted by Berea College, April 27-29, 1979. Session A, Part 7 (end of session). Open discussion between symposium participants. Interview with two or three men, possibly including George Carroll, on shape-note singing.
Recorded at the "Symposium on Rural Hymnody," hosted by Berea College, April 27-29, 1979. Symposium recordings continue on SR079-SR081.
Side A
Session B, part 1: "Joshua Leavitt's Christian Lyre and Other Developments of Revival Hymnody in the North," presented by Alan Beuchner. Introduction by William H. Tallmadge. The sound cuts off at the end, and the recording continues on SR078, Side B.
Side B
Session B, part 2 continues from part 1. Conclusion on SR079, Side A.
Recorded at the "Symposium on Rural Hymnody," hosted by Berea College, April 27-29, 1979.
Side A
Session B, part 3. Alan Buechner finishes his talk. The respondent James C. Downey, William Carey College. Problems with the audio set-up occur, after which Dorothy D. Horn gives her paper: "Jackson's White and Negro Spirituals: Thirty-six Years Later." Conclusion on SR79, Side B.
Side B
Session B, part 4. Dorothy D. Horn finishes her presentation. William H. Tallmadge is the respondent. Portia K. Maultsby gives a paper on "Black Spirituals: Black Aesthetic Concept." Ccontinued on SR080, Side A). The audio cuts off at the end.
Recorded at the "Symposium on Rural Hymnody," hosted by Berea College, April 27-29, 1979.
Side A
Session B, part 5: Portia K. Maultsby continues giving her paper, which began on SR079, Side B and concludes on SR080, Side B. The audio cuts off at the end.
Side B
Session B, part 6: Portia K. Maultsby concludes her paper (continued from SR080, Side A). The respondents are Melonee Burnin and Robert Stephens. William Tallmadge presents on "The Black in Jackson's White Spirituals." The audio cuts off at the end.
Recorded at the "Symposium on Rural Hymnody," hosted by Berea College, April 27-29, 1979.
Session B, part 7: Tallmadge finishes his presentation. Respondant: Portia K. Maultsby. Session B concludes.
Ana Alvarez conducts an informal interview with Olga (no last name given; interview conducted in Spanish and English). Continued on SR083. The recording was probably created as part of an assignment for one of Don Yoder's classes.
Ana Alvarez interviews Olga (in Spanish and English).
Lynne Gorson interviews Clem Tamburrino, a faith healer. The recording was created as part of an assignment for Don Yoder's Religious Thought 523 class.
Interviews introduced by Karen Creuziger. Submitted for Don Yoder's Folk Religion class, Spring 1980.
Side A
The first introduction and interview is with Gene Bissell, on astrology. The second introduction and interview begins at 00:20:28, and is with Jan Rosenberg.
Side B
Introduction by Karen Creuziger, followed by an interview with Jim Putman, on astrology. The interview was recorded over the telephone, which affects the audio quality.
Side A
Sharon (no surname given) interviews Marie Serpico [?], possibly her grandmother, on Catholicism. There are brief, occasional interruptions from prerecorded music (the tape may have been used before). Interview concludes on SR086, Side B. The recording was probably created as part of an assignment for one of Don Yoder's classes.
Side B
Conclusion of the interview from SR086, Side A, at 00:00:50. The content that follows is out of scope for the collection: audio noise from 00:00:50 to 00:01:11, followed by dubs of commercially released music from the 1970s.
Dub compilation of sermons.
Oral chanted(?) sermons. The sound levels are very low. Discernable content on Side A ends at 00:13:28, and on Side B ends at 00:15:46.
Recordings of Johnny Brendel, of Reinholds, Pennsylvania, and William Brown, of Klingerstown, Pennsylvania. Brendel was a renowned folklorist, and Brown was a well-known Pennsylvania Dutch performer.
Because of a problem with the source audio, nothing can be heard from about 00:05:23 to 00:05:53; at other points in the recording, the audio is very low, and at times inaudible.
Hegins recordings: Aggie (Bressler) Osman, Valeria (Frymoyer) Gable, and Emma Yoder.
Occasionally, the audio is very low and at times inaudible. From about 00:30:08 to 00:30:11, ground hum interferes with the program and makes it inaudible. The source recording is likely a dub copy made from other recordings.
Table graces (or "tischgebete").
Occasionally, the audio is very low and at times inaudible. Around the 00:29:00, a high-pitched beep can be heard.
Pennsylvania Dutch (Pennsylvania German) songs by Milton Kuhns; some with piano accompaniment. Some selections are spoken-word. At least two songs are in English.
At the beginning, there is some sound distortion from the source recording.
Folksongs and prayers. Recorded at the 1st Pennsylvania Dutch Harvest Frolic. The first singer is Marvin Wetzel, second singer (at about 00:06:26) is Ferris Herzog (?), the third and fourth singers (about 00:09:26) are Mabel Snyder and Mary Dannehauer.
Sound problems with the source recording: repeated instances of bumping or other close contact with the microphone. A high-pitched squeal involving the equipment can be heard from about 00:19:16 to 00:19:21.
"Religion and Music"; a lecture by Don Yoder. According to accompanying documentation, this is "a favorite lecture of Don Yoder's." However, there is no lecture on either tape side. Both tape sides are dubbed from various recordings, including vocal performances (including sacrad harp and Shaker song) by various groups, a sermon given by an African American minister, and an African American spiritual, and other styles of religious song, occasionally with instrumental accompaniment.
Interview with Henry Cronister (b. 1881, at Martha Furnace, Centre County). Recorded at Marion Cronister's, Port Matilda, Centre County.
Recorded the night John A. Hostetler and Don Yoder stayed at Peachey's farmhouse, RR #1, Belleville, Big Valley (Kishacoquillas Valley), Pennsylvania. See SR009.
Further notes appear on accompanying documentation.
Side A
Side B
Side A
Singing of Indiana Amish, recorded by John A. Hostetler. The recording includes the 42nd Psalm, Luterbach [?], with yodeling; "Oh Where Is [sic] My Little Dog Gone," with yodeling, and other songs with yodeling. There are several gaps in the program; the longest gap is from about 00:07:21 to about 00:18:01, from the source recording, and followed by testing.
Side B
An elderly woman (maiden name: Elizabeth Swartz) is interviewed and also sings. There are other speakers and singers. About 00:23:41 there is yodeling. About 00:02:45, a train or truck with a horn can be heard passing by. There are some gaps between cuts (seemingly long pauses between sections of the recording).
Reminiscences of Foster Piper, the son of a Methodist preacher, in the Dutch County (Millheim, Centre County).
Millheim, Centre County, was all Pennsylvania Dutch then, and as a boy he tried to learn Pennsylvania German. Foster became a distinguished Methodist preacher, in the East New York Conference.
A compilation of various groups singing different types of American hymnody, probably dubbed from commercial sound discs. According to accompanying documentation, this is a tape of American Folk Hymnody, compiled by John D. Boyd. "Joe" Boyd was from Texas, and an editor of the Farm Journal. He studied with Don Yoder.
A compilation of various groups singing different types of American hymnody, possibly from both commercial and non-commercial sources. Includes sacred harp singing. According to accompanying documentation, this tape was made for American Folk Hymnody by Archie Green. Archie Green was a member of Don Yoder's first class of "Folk Studies" at the University of Pennsylvania in 1967.
Side A
Emma Yoder singing. She was Don Yoder's aunt; the older sister of Yoder's father. Songs include "Dutch choruses" (revival songs).
Side B
Clarence Wagner (1873-1961), of Annville, Pennsylvania, singing religious songs in Pennsylvania German. About 00:17:29 a woman can be heard singing; it is probably Emma Yoder.
Recording of Johnny Brendle and Willy Brown, entirely in Pennsylvania German. From the accompanying notes: Johnny Brendel had a Dutch radio program. According to Don Yoder, Willy Brown of Mahantongo (Mahantongo Valley) was the most prolific Dutch singer he recorded.
Don Yoder gives a lecture, primarily in Pennsylvania German, ending about 00:27:07. The musical piece that follows the lecture seems unrelated, and may indicate the lecture was taped over another recording. The lecture was recorded in Bern, Switzerland.
An unidentified man interviews Irving Russell, who came to the U.S. from Minsk when he was 12. The recording begins in Pennsylvania German or German, then begins again in English. The interview moves back and forth between languages. Recorded at Bennett Hall, University of Pennsylvania.
Don Yoder lecture, followed by a discussion, in Pennsylvania German and English.
Don Yoder interviews Mabel Snyder, at her home at Temple, Berks County, Pennsylvania, both in Pennsylvania German and English. The sound drops out from about 00:09:40 to 00:12:43, then is very low for a brief time, before returning to normal levels.
Phares Hurst, speaking in Pennsylvania German. He is Old Order Mennonite, from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Tape 1, side 1 [sic].
William Weaver and Phares Hurst speaking in Pennsylvania German. Significant background sounds, as if they were walking in the woods. Continued on SR108. Tape 1, side 2 [sic]
Continuation from SR107. Phares Hurst speaks about agriculture, in Pennsylvania German. About 00:54:30 there seems to be part of William Weaver's interview of Carl Weaver; see SR189, Side A. Tape 2.
Continuation of SR107 and part of SR108.
Pennsylvania Dutch church service, held at the New Bethel Zion and the Corner Church. Both pastors Merrill Q. Ressler and Clarence R. Rahn were present, and took part.
James E. Miller and Harry M. Mentzer singing a few songs in Pennsylvania German. Miller had a "semi-service store" at Valley VIew, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, and Mentzer was an Evangelical United Brethren member in Valley View.
Bush meeting hymns, sung in Pennsylvania German by John Moyer and William Yeakel. This is followed by another song partly in English, sung by one of the men ("I've a home in the woods, in the dark green woods"). Moyer speaks in English about an incident that happened during the time when he was preaching, and regarding the sixth and seventh books of Moses. Then he recites a poem in Pennsylvania German he saw in a feed store at Palm Station (?). This was followed by a talk about a church that had an old-fashioned revival. In the documentation Moyer and Yeakel are mentioned as "good singers of Dutch choruses."
Recorded at the Third Annual Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Festival. Carrie Bonser Weaver, of Emmaus, Pennsylvania, the so-called last of the Pennsylvania Dutch ballad singers, sings a ballad about Susannah Cox, in Pennsylvania German. The moderator introduced radio host Florence Baver, who discovered Mrs. Weaver. He interviews Mrs. Weaver about learning the song, who then sings a few verses. He introduces Florence Baver, of Easton, Pennsylvania, a columnist and radio host. Mrs. Baver speaks about how she came to discover Mrs. Weaver. This is followed by Pennsylvania German bush meeting songs.
This seems to be a compilation recording, with the performance occuring twice, the first time at the festival, and the second time quiet enough to perhaps be indoors, or at least under quieter circumstances. Both Alfred L. Shoemaker and Don Yoder speak. See SR118 and SR194 for similar recordings.
Recorded at the Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Festival, Kutztown, Pennsylvania. Don Yoder gives a lecture on three forms of hymnody in Pennsylvania Dutch country, with examples in song. The program ends with Emma Yoder reciting a peddlar's sale pitch for salve in Pennsylvania German, which she has revised over the years (00:58:10 to the end). See SR195, Side B, for the same program.
Emma Yoder sings songs in Pennsylvania German. Don Yoder's voice can be heard in the background, in conversation with her. About 00:16:25 she describes camp meetings: the farewell service, when camp broke up, the preachers who were present, transportation, food, meetings that lasted into the night, the duration of camp meetings, how well attended, no tents but cottages, and related subjects.
Digitization note: The recording includes instances of a high-pitched mechanical squeal, from the source tape.
Religious songs in Pennsylvania German and English. Part of the recording was made in Annville, Pennsylvania, at the home of Charles and [?]. The tape box indicates the recording is "Fasnacht - Martin, Kelly, Longenecker." This tape is either a compilation or used to record on different dates. The audio quality is variable at best, with the volume dipping and rising in several instances.
Side A
Yoder's lecture on the use of various types of Pennsylvania German in preaching; also, about Mose Dissinger stories. A group sings Dutch choruses (in Pennsylvania German), beginning at 00:46:53. The recording cuts off abruptly.
Side B
Dutch choruses continue from SR117, Side A. At 00:32:11 Don Yoder closes the program, and thanks the singers, especially Harry Tobias, Arthur Miller, and the Lykens Valley group.
Recorded at the Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Festival, in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. Carrie Bonser Weaver performs the German version of the ballad "Susanna Cox." See SR113 and SR194 for similar recordings.
Unrelated singing in Pennsylvania German begins at 00:24:29; possibly dubbed from another recording.
Side A
Recorded at the Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Festival, in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. Songs in Pennsylvania German, including bush meeting songs. Performance by Clarence Kulp and Rein Gottshall, followed by songs sung by Harry Tobias (Evangelical United Bretheren preacher at Mannheim, in Lancaster County), John Moyer, and Bill (William) Yeakel. At 00:26:26, Don Yoder introduces Mabel Snyder and Paul Brumbach for their presentation on Pennsylvania Dutch funeral customs. At 00:26:43 there is a glitch in the audio; it may be a splice point in the source tape.
Side B
Religious songs performed in English and Pennsylvania German by an unidentified group (possibly the Lykens Valley group on other recordings).
Recorded at the 21st Annual Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Festival, Kutztown, Pennsylvania.
Digitization note: the files for each side were divided into two parts, due to their length.
Side A, part 1
Don Yoder introduces the first program: an introduction to plain Dutch costume. About 00:29:37 an unidentified man (the potter) talks about what can be seen around the festival. Other tradespeople have a chance to speak: a candle maker (named George), a blacksmith, and decorated boxes (Mrs. Mabel Wells). Mrs Rohrbacher speaks about decorated tin art (continued on Side A, part 2).
Side A, part 2
Mrs Rohrbacher speaks about the sources of inspiration for Pennsylvania Dutch folk art and speaks about symbolism (continued from Side A; ends 00:26:46). At 00:30:47 Yoder introduces the seminar on powwowing (folk medicine), and members of the seminar panel: Richard (Dick) Sheiner, Clarence Reitnauer, Don Roan. The program cuts off abruptly at the end, and continues on Side B, part 1.
Side B, part 1
The program on powwowing continues from Side B, part 1. At 00:06:41 Yoder introduces the next program, emceed by Robert Bucher, on the customs of the year with the Pennsylvania Dutch. At 00:29:20 Mr. Brumbach, Mrs. Nora Betner, and Mrs. Mabel Snyder made a presentation on funeral lore. At 01:01:48, Don Yoder introduces the program on food and farm life and talks about the team Mennonites of Canada. The recording cuts off abruptly at the end.
Side B, part 2
Presentation on food begins abruptly (cut off at the beginning). At 00:14:26 the speaker and Clarence Kulp sing a song in Pennsylvania German, to the tune of "My Bonnie." At 00:16:32 the speaker talks about the culture of Pennsylvania Dutch culture. At 00:39:13 Dr. Phares H. Hertzog (90 years old) gave a presentation on Pennsylvania Dutch snake lore and sings songs in Pennsylvania German. Recording cuts of abruptly, and is continued on SR 121, Side A.
21st annual Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Festival, Kutztown, Pennsylvania: program in the seminar tent.
Side A
Continued from SR120, Side B, part 2 (presentation on snake lore). At 00:18:38 the presentation begins on Pennsylvania Dutch music and humor, emceed by Ken Brooks. The presentation includes vocal and instrumental performances. The recording cuts off abruptly.
Side B
Continued from SR121, Side A (presentation on music and humor).
21st annual Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Festival, Kutztown, Pennsylvania: program in the seminar tent. Continued from SR121, Side B (presentation on music and humor).
Ken Brooks introduces the performers: Mrs. Angus George, organ; singers Carrie Lambert, Rita Grimm, Regina Kistler, and himself. They perform religious songs, in English. This is a copy of the original recording.
Interviews conducted by Yoder at the 19th Annual Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Festival, Kutztown, Pennsylvania. The tape includes parts of presentations at the festival.
Recorded at the 2nd Annual Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Festival, Kutztown Fair Grounds, Kutztown, Pennsylvania. Don Yoder introduces Rev. Rufus Bucher, the former head of the Church of Brethren in America (formerly called Dunkard). Rev. Bucher introduces the program on Dunkard hymn singing. Then Yoder introduces Prof. Alvin Brightbill (Biblical Seminary, Chicago), who spoke briefly in Pennsylvania German. Then Brightbill provides an introduction to the way the group would sing, and he functions as foresinger. The recording was broadcast on WEEU Radio.
First Pennsylvania Dutch service, St. John's United Church of Christ, Kutztown, Pennsylvania. Preachers: Richard Druckenhood (?) and Aaron Brumbach. The recording cuts off abruptly. See SR126, Side A for further content.
Side A
First Pennsylvania Dutch service, St. John's United Church of Christ, Kutztown, Pennsylvania. At times the volume is very low. For further details about the service, see the notes for SR125.
Side B failed to record from the source tape (so there is no content).
Third Pennsylvania Dutch service, St. John's United Church of Christ, Kutztown, Pennsylvania. Sermon by Rev. Merrill Q. Ressler, Spies Church.
Second Pennsylvania Dutch service, St. John's United Church of Christ, Kutztown, Pennsylvania. Sermon by Rev. Merrill Q. Ressler, Spies Church.
Fourth Pennsylvania Dutch service held at St. John's United Church of Christ, Kutztown, Pennsylvania. Pastor: Bruce D. Hatt.
Pennsylvania Dutch church services. Dutch choir at Weisenberg Church, New Tripoli, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. (no date). Church service at Grimsville, Pennsylvania (November 9, 1958); this is probably New Bethel Zion Church. Audio has a muffled quality throughout. See SR139 for another recording made at Weisenberg.
Pennsylvania Dutch church service at Grimsville, Pennsylvania; probably New Bethel Zion Church.
Archivist's note: the name George Erb appears on the tape box; he helped create the Old Oley Union Church and the Harvest Home display at the Kutztown Folk Festival.
Side A
Side B
Partial log only.
Pennsylvania Dutch church service at Grimsville, Pennsylvania; probably New Bethel Zion Church. Reel 1 of 2.
Pennsylvania Dutch church service at Grimsville, Pennsylvania; probably New Bethel Zion Church. Reel 2 of 2.
The program on Side A cuts off at 00:12:04, and at 00:12:06 a recording of the TV program American Bandstand begins (probably recorded in 1958). The balance of the side is filled with secular music unrelated to the church service. Side B has only secular popular music.
Pennsylvania Dutch church services, Grimsville Church (November 1, 1959) and Forke Church (no date). The tape is a copy. Audio is muffled for most of Side A.
1st Pennsylvania Dutch Harvest Frolic. Don Yoder, moderator. He speaks with people working at the Frolic about powwowing and the occult (folk medicine of the Pennsylvania Dutch). Elmira Layton talks about belief in the himmelsbrief (letter from heaven), and tells a story about powwowing (both in English and in Pennsylvania German). Mabel Snyder tells a story about a Catholic powwow (told both in English and in Pennsylvania German). Sophia Eberley, a powwow (niece of Sophia Bailer) tells about powwowing and how she learned it, the sixth and seventh books of Moses, and other subjects.
Probably recorded at a folk festival. Contents include folk hymns performed by Rev. Harry Tobias (in English and in Pennsylvania German), Don Yoder give a talk on powwowing, and he talks with Sophia Eberley about powwowing and she gives examples and demonstrations.
Frank Eckert, tape 2. Subjects include powwowing and witchcraft. Recorded at Don F. Garretson's farm in Aspers, Adams County, Pennsylvania.
Church service at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, five miles southwest of Nashville, Illinois. Information on the tape box identifies this as Hahlen Church. St. Peter's (Hahlen) Church closed in the 1970s, and its members joined Trinity Lutheran Congregation, Nashville, Illinois.
Pennsylvania Dutch church service, Weisenberg Church, New Tripoli, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. See SR130 for another recording made at Weisenberg.
Pennsylvania Dutch church service, Forks Church. First reel.
Pennsylvania Dutch church service, Forks Church. Second reel. Songs; no sermon. However, the congregation is addressed by at least two people during the first few minutes of the service.
The volume begins at a low level.
Pennsylvania Dutch prayer meeting, United Christian home, in Annville, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. Tape #2 (second half of service).
The recording begins abruptly, with the service in progress.
About 00:04:04: Don Yoder's aunts, Hegins, Pennsylvania, 1947, talking and singing, mostly in Pennsylvania German.
About 00:11:09: Prof. J. Raymond Hepler sings and speaks. He is from Durham, NH (also the location for the interview), and formerly of Pitman, Pennsylvania (a native of Mahantongo). This part of the recording is undated.
This tape was submitted by a student for an assignment in Don Yoder's Folklife 550 class.
Side A
Interview with Rose B. Green, Mother Ursula; witness of St. Frances Cabrini. The recording was made for Don Yoder's History of Religion in America class. See SR148.
Side B
Content unrelated to the collection: the senior student concert by the Philadelphia Orchestra, led by Eugene Ormandy. The recording is undated.
Includes part of the radio show "Gospel Time," with Louise Williams (host) and part of a broadcast on WHAT radio (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) with host Mary Mason. This recording was submitted with the Kagan paper for Don Yoder's course "Negro Gospel"
Kagan was probably one of Yoder's students. Rev. Louise Williams Bishop had a gospel radio show for over 49 years, on WDAS radio (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania).
According to the introduction on the recording, this is a "discussion of Hebrew literature and philosophy written since the Bible," recorded by Fran Abrahamer and Barney Guttman, and submitted by a student for one of Don Yoder's classes. The recording was made during a Sunday school class at a synagogue or temple (named but not transcribed).
Church service, including spoken word and song. Side B is a continuation of Side A.
According to documentation on the tape box, Luther speaks: 1) It's a Negro Way Up to Heaven 2) went on air at 9:00 3) sermon at 9:10. Recorded by Burton L. Belsky, a student in Don Yoder's Religious Thought 522 class.
Side A
A recording unrelated to the collection is at the beginning of the recording. Relevant content begins at 00:00:43: an introduction to the subject of the evil eye, then a witness statement in Italian given by a woman who had experienced the effects of the evil eye. This may be the interview with Mrs. Rose B. Green (Mother Ursula); witness of St. Frances Cabrini. The recording was made for Don Yoder's History of Religion in America class. See SR144, Side A.
Side B
Symphonic music, unrelated to the collection. This is the end of the performance by the senior student concert by the Philadelphia Orchestra, led by Eugene Ormandy. See SR144, Side B.
Side A
Interview with Rev. Mary Martin of the Chapel of Truth, The House of Healing. The recording was made by Barbara Agre and Gail Rineberg for one of Don Yoder's classes.
Side B
Dial-a-prayer: examples of faith healing available in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The recordings include Rev. Sarah Jones, pastor of the Philadelphia Evangelistic Center, and an interview on faith healing. The recording level throughout various from very low to higher than normal.
Discussion with Mr. Daniel D. Wirt [sic], a member of the Mennonite church, on the background of Amish and Mennonite life. The tape was made by Peter F. Edelman and Alan Solar for Yoder's Religious Theology 523 class. See SR012 for another recording made by them.
Archivist's note: Rev. Daniel D. Wert died in 1969.
Holy Ghost rally. Recorded at the Met by Ronald Cohen and Kenneth Baer, possibly on behalf of Susan Rosbrow, for Don Yoder's Religious Thought 523 class.
Side A
Gospel songs and remarks by Luther Carroll. Pat Adams, and Louis Casebolt
Side B
Sermon by evangelist Louis Casebolt: "Twentieth Century Fanatics"
"Father Divine" as the subject of a paper or talk.
Recorded by Sidney M. Shenkan and Alan C. Marks, for Don Yoder's Religious Thought 522 [?] class. Reel #2.
Father Divine died in 1965.
An Introduction to Jewish Holidays. Recording prepared by Francine Pelly for Don Yoder. Songs performed variously in Hebrew, Yiddish, and English, compiled from various sources, including cantorial and secular traditions. Holidays mentioned include Rosh Hashanah, Purim, and Passover (Pesach).
Don Yoder's folklife studies lectures at the University of Pennsylvania, tape 1 of 2.
Digitization note: two files were created for each tape side, probably due to the file size limitations at the time they were digitized. The recording for Side B, part 2, begins to speed up around the one-hour mark, suggesting that the recordist changed recording speed during the original capture process. This lasts for about six minutes. The recording begins again about 01:10:18.
Don Yoder's folklife studies lectures at the University of Pennsylvania, tape 2 of 2.
Lecture on American Indian religion and healing given by John Witthoft to Don Yoder's class at the University of Pennsylvania.
Notes on the tape box state Witthoft was a professor of anthropology at West Chester University, West Chester, Pennsylvania. In fact, it was his wife Bonita who taught there. Witthoft taught at the University of Pennsylvania from 1966-1986.
Interview with G. Gilbert Snyder
George Gilbert Snyder called himself "Die Wunnerhaus," and had a Pennsylvania German radio show on WEEU, Reading, Pennsylvania.
A compilation of recordings of Doukhobors singing, recorded by Mark Mealing, in British Columbia.
Doukhobors are a Christian religious group of Russian origin. Mark Mealing did his Ph.D. dissertation on Doukhobor hymnody and folklife at the University of Pennsylvania, under Don Yoder's direction. See SR159.
Side A
Doukhobor choral music, recorded by Mark Mealing, until 00:12:22. See notes for SR158. At 00:12:29 Sacred Harp singing begins. This is followed by other forms of Christian song, including African American gospel.
Side B
A compilation of Christian songs from various sources and traditions.
Demonstration tape of Ulster dialects, presented by Brendan Adams, dialect archivist at the Ulster Folk Museum (Northern Ireland). Brendan Adams created the tape for Yoder to use in his classes at the University of Pennsylvania.
Archivist's note: Adams died in 1981.
Pennsylvania German camp (bush) meeting songs, recorded at the Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Festival, Kutztown, Pennsylvania. Don Yoder is the moderator.
Pennsylvania German camp (bush) meeting songs, recorded at the Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Festival, Kutztown, Pennsylvania. Don Yoder is the moderator. Performers include Mr. Birkenbusch [spelling unconfirmed], Clarence Kulp, John Moyer, and William Yeakel.
A Christian radio program, recorded from a broadcast. On Side A, the program was taped over secular popular music, which still can be heard in the last minute of the recording.
Notes on the tape box list secular popular music songs.
Examples of Doukhobor hymnody, recorded by Mark Mealing.
"Symposium on Rural Hymnody," hosted by Berea College, April 27-29, 1979. Recorded at session A, parts 1 and 2. See notes for SR078, Side A.
"Symposium on Rural Hymnody," hosted by Berea College, April 27-29, 1979. Recorded at session A, parts 3 and 4. See notes for SR078, Side A.
"Symposium on Rural Hymnody," hosted by Berea College, April 27-29, 1979. Recorded at session A, parts 5 and 6. See notes for SR078, Side A.
"Symposium on Rural Hymnody," hosted by Berea College, April 27-29, 1979. Recorded at session C, parts 1 and 2. See notes for SR078, Side A.
"Symposium on Rural Hymnody," hosted by Berea College, April 27-29, 1979. Recorded at session C, parts 3 and 4. See notes for SR078, Side A.
"Symposium on Rural Hymnody," hosted by Berea College, April 27-29, 1979. Recorded at session C, parts 5 and 6. See notes for SR078, Side A.
A compilation of religious and secular songs. Most of the songs on Side 2 seem to be Girl Scout songs sung by girls and women.
Unidentified people discuss the evil eye, luck, and other topics, sometimes unrelated to the collection.
Interview of a man born in Russia in 1910. Subjects include discussion of health, the evil eye, Jewish customs, etc. The interview subjects speaks some Yiddish.
Side B includes the beginning of the interview. Towards the end of Side B there is some talk-back This seems to have been corrected on Side A, which picks up a few seconds after the beginning of the interview. The tape may have been dubbed from a source recording. See notes for SR033.
Side A
A man recites the Lord's Prayer, then sings "Just a Little Talk with Jesus," "You Gotta Move," "You Can't Hide," "He Didn't Have to Do It, But He Did," and "I Had to Run to the City of Rapture."
The first song is performed a cappella, and all others accompanied by a drum.
Side B
African American gospel singing, with a man leading a choir. Songs performed include "You Better Run," "One Morning Soon," "There's a Dark Cloud Rising," "The Storm is Passing Over," and several more songs. Unrelated music can be heard faintly at times, which may be print-through from another track.
Interview of Henry Cronister by Don Yoder, in Dubois, Pennsylvania. An unidentified woman's voice can be heard, speaking from the background.
Zion Reed's Karrich: Deitscher Goddesdinscht
Pennsylvania Dutch church service. The tape box says Zion Reed's Karrich: Deitscher Goddesdinscht. This may be Zion and St. John's (Reed's) Lutheran Church, in Womelsdorf, Berks County, Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania German songs sung by Mrs. Mary Paul, 90 years old, and Mrs. Valeria Gable, both of Hegins. The recordings were made for Don Yoder's Folklife Studies 550 class.
Probably a dubbed recording, copied from another source.
Selections read from the Bhagavad Gita, in Sanskrit (?) and English.
Side A
About 00:09:07 an unrelated segment begins, featuring Don Yoder, an unidentified woman, and Roger (a young boy) speaking.
Side B
A man sings, with some input from Roger. Also, an unidentified woman speaks. Around 12:05 the woman announces the date as circa July 13, 1962.
"Dial-a-prayer; how Christian Science heals," presented by Barbara Agre Call Rineberg.
Includes phone recordings of prayers and three people discussing the efficacy of prayer.
Kristine Zakarison (speaker): sermon remembering Grandpa Yoder (Fred R. Yoder; died May 16, 1995). The sermon ends with the announcement of hymn #569, "Touch the Earth Lightly." The recording ends with the introduction to the hymn, played on an organ.
A compilation of vocal and instrumental recordings, some possibly dubbed from commercial recordings.
Jenny C. Trein is interviewed by Don Yoder, and also recites several poems she has written. At the end of the recording, Trein sings a few verses of "Stille Nacht" ("Silent Night") in German. She was a folk artist, well-known for making Moravian "putzes" (three-dimensional representations of Jesus's birth). Recorded in Nazareth, Pennsylvania.
Brief recording of Ora Cronister Yoder (Don Yoder's mother), who reads a newspaper inquiry aloud, then says she wrote to Peg Garrison about the Japanese beetles on the raspberry bushes. Recorded in Devon, Pennsylvania.
Don Yoder and William Woys Weaver interview Mary Thomas about the plain life and related matters. She was an elderly Orthodox Quaker.
Two interviews regarding the evil eye, told by Rose Volta and Julie Martino to Gregg Chapman. Recorded for Don Yoder's Religious Thought 523 class.
Archivist's note: the family tree and relationships may not be represented accurately in the interview.
Side A
Digitization notes: Side A has dropout from 00:29:49 to 00:30:20, with some shrill sounds. Recording continues on Side B.
Side B
Digitization notes: Recording continues from Side A. Shrill sound at the beginning of the recording. The interviewee speaks both in English and Pennsylvania German. The high-pitched tone occurs again at 00:13:10-00:13:15.
Recorded by (?) Zenzinger.
Milton Kuhns speaks in Pennsylvania German (possibly reading from a text), and also sings songs in Pennsylvania German, with piano accompaniment.
The date is announced on Side B, and may be the same date for Side A.
Side A
Don Yoder provides guidance for William Woys Weaver, who interviews H. Carl Weaver speaking about barn-building, especially particular dialect words, as he is make a dictionary. Weaver also talks about other farm-related topics, school, etc. Yoder also participates in the interview process. Recording made at H. Carl Weaver's house, RD 1, Strasburg, Pennsylvania.
Side B
William Weaver interviews Mary Larkin Thomas at her home in Westchester, Pennsylvania, on various topics.
On both tape sides, an unidentified man delivers a sermon (?) in Pennsylvania German, with some English. Both tape sides end abruptly.
Rev. Howard Finster talks about his paintings at the American Folklife Center; "with religious song and harmonica tune." This is a copy of a tape in the Howard Finster collection (AFC 1984/016).
A small group of men and women sing religious songs in Pennsylvania German.
From the documentation: Don Yoder Collection #1.
Bush meeting songs, sung in harmony by John Moyer and William Yeakel. John Moyer speaks in English on preaching, revival meetings, and related topics. Don Yoder interviews him. This tape may be dubbed from one or more other tapes.
From the documentation: Don Yoder Collection #2.
Don Yoder presents the story of Susanna Cox and the ballad tradition, and introduces Carrie Bonser Weaver, who sings "Susannah Cox" at an outdoor event. See SR113 and SR118 for similar recordings.
From the documentation: Don Yoder Collection #3.
Recorded at the Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Festival, Kutztown, Pennsylvania.
From the documentation: Don Yoder Collection #4.
Side A
Don Yoder introduces a program on hymnody in the Lutheran and Reformed churches, the plain Dutch tradition, and Pennsylvania Dutch tradition of the revivalist groups. This may be a copy of a recording from the "Symposium on Rural Hymnody."
Side B
The program begins abruptly. A minister leads a group in singing Pennsylvania German religious songs. This may be a recording from the Kutztown Festival, and is probably dubbed from various tapes. The balance of the recording is similar to or the same as SR114.
Recording of Emma Yoder.
From the documentation: Don Yoder Collection #5.
From the documentation: Don Yoder Collection #6.
Side A
Rev. and Mrs. Martin were recorded on January 13, 1951. The other segments are undated. Side A ends abruptly.
Side B
From 00:05:07 to 00:05:27 only faint noise can be heard, as if a previous recording had been recorded over.
From the documentation: Don Yoder Collection #7.
Side A
Don Yoder speaks at a folk festival about dialect liturgy and the various forms of Pennsylvania German and Mose Dissinger stories. Others tell Dissinger stories, variously in Pennsylvania German and English, including Alfred Shoemaker, Ray Albright, Kenneth Mauer [?], Robert Hoppes (from Northampton County), Peter Kirshner (from Reading).
The next program was the singing of Dutch choruses (listed in the program as "Pennsylvania Spiritual and Folksong Tradition." The singers were from the E.U.B. (Evangelical United Brethren) tradition. Singers include Lykens Valley Chorus, Harry Tobias, and Arthur Miller.
This recording may be copied from another recording in the collection; see SR117.
Side B
Content includes Dutch choruses, and Rev. Wesley Martin singing an old German hymn. See notes for Side A.
According to the documentation, this is Frank Eckert II, recorded by Don Yoder.
Eckart tells stories from Adams County, Pennsylvania, centered on witches.
Sound cuts in and out until 00:00:28, when the recording continues without interruption.
According to the documentation: "Evil eye remarks and interview - Mrs. Rose B. Green." Green makes remarks in English, and interviews a woman who speaks in Italian. Green provides the translation.
René Grove, interviewed by Karen Thorsen
This recording has not yet been digitized, so the content as described in the documentation awaits confirmation.
Tape 1 of 5.
Side A
Interview with Aaron Pepper (October 6, 1973). Continued on Side B.
Side B
Conclusion of the interview with Aaron Pepper.
From 00:12:51: interview with Anna Rabinowitz (October 21, 1973). Anna's husband, daughter, and Maltza Dobris are present for her interview. The interview cuts off at the end. Continued on Side B.
Tape 2 of 5.
Side A
Conclusion of the interview with Anna Rabinowitz (October 21, 1973). From 00:12:18: interview with Rubin Un (November 17-18, 1973). Present for Un's interview: Un, his wife, and the interviewer.
Side B
Continuation of the interview with Rubin Un (November 17-18, 1973). The recording cuts off before the end of the interview.
Tape 3 of 5. See notes for SR203.
Side A
Continuation of the interview with Rubin Un (November 18 and December 1, 1973).
Side B
Conclusion of the interview with Rubin Un (November 18 and December 1, 1973).
From 00:30:37: interview with Aaron Pepper (December 1, 1973). Continued on SR205.
Tape 4 of 5.
Engineer's notes: There is tape machine noise throughout both sides. Channel imbalance throughout Side A, fluctuating imbalance throughout Side B. Flutter at tail end of both sides.
Side A
Continuation of the interview with Aaron Pepper (December 1-2, 1973).
Side B
Interview with Miriam "Maltza" Dobris, born July 16, 1897 (interviewed December 3, 1973). See SR206 for the conclusion of the Dobris interview.
Tape 5 of 5. Conclusion of the interview with Miriam "Maltza" Dobris.
Susan Anderson interviews John Ruth (a Mennonite historian) about the history and meaning of plain clothing in the Mennonite tradition. Another man ("Joe") can also be heard on part of the recording.
Anderson says she is writing on plain dress in the last 30-40 years.
Engineer's notes: tape machine noise throughout both sides. Channel imbalance throughout Side A, fluctuating imbalance throughout Side B. Flutter at tail end of both sides.
Susan Anderson interviews John E. Lapp (a bishop). Another man's voice can be heard on the recording.
According to the documentation: "John E. Lapp: A Bishop Talks About Plain Clothing" ("plain clothing in the Franconia conference," the oldest Mennonite body in the United States). This interview was part of Anderson's research for a paper; see note for SR207.
Susan Anderson interviews Clarence Kulp on the topic of plain dress. A man named Joe can also be heard on the recording.
Interview with Ruth Dreamdigger (R. Raham, interviewer?).
Side A ends abruptly.
Jenny [Jennie] Kopp Kehr (born 1892), interviewed by H. Griebel. Topics include Kehr's grandfather Leonard Kopp (a potter), and Pennsylvania German song and rhyme.
Another woman is present, and participates in the interview. Side A ends abruptly. Sides A and B were misidentified before digitization, so the file identified as Side B is actually Side A, and vice versa.
J. Norman Utz (age 82; born 1903, Newmarket, Frederick County, Maryland), interviewed by H. Griebel.
Side A
Interview on his creativity: making violins, painting, writing hymns and poems; his childhood in Frederick County, Maryland.
Side B
Discusses his music, especially religious music; plays accordion and two violins he built.
Anna (Kerecz) Trescak, Theresa (Kerecz) Algeo, interviewed by Matthew W. Algeo on the subject of "Windisch Catholic Folk Practices in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania." Music unrelated to the interview and collection from 00:35:57 to the end of the recording.
Noted on the documentation (possibly from Algeo): "the quality of this duplication leaves much to be desired."
Engineer's notes: Right channel inactive on Side A, temporarily inactive on Side B. Content volume dips and becomes hard to hear throughout Side A and most of Side B.
Art Christman's interview of his mother, Sylvia Christman. Subjects include people who were healers, people who believed in healing, the evil eye, and Jewish beliefs.
Henry Schwartz family (Geneva, Indiana): English, German, Swiss songs.
Content on SR215 and SR216 is effectively the same.
Henry Schwartz family (Geneva, Indiana): English, German, Swiss songs.
See note for SR215.
Ora Watson: quilting, tape 2. Tape 1 is SR289.
Side A
From 00:03:00: Interview with Mrs. L.A. Swanson, of Clearfield, Pennsylvania, on folk medicine. From 00:09:23: the retired Rev. Keeler, of St. John's Lutheran Church, Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, on faith healing. Continued on Side B.
Side B
Continuation of the interview with Rev. Keeler.
Interview with Mrs. Walter and Mrs. Elizabeth Janke (pronounced "yon-keez"), of Winburne, Pennsylvania, on folk medicine.
"Quaker Culture in the Delaware Valley" - a one-day program at Winterthur Museum, Greenville, Delaware. Moderator: Dr. Don Yoder
Side B ends abruptly.
South Jersey Quaker History Harvest, Mullica Hill, New Jersey. Don Yoder's lecture is followed by a question-and-answer period.
Both sides end abruptly.
Don Yoder's lecture, "Oh, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing: Hymnody in Protestant Faith and Life." This lecture was third in the Spring 1981 Monday evening series at Pendle Hill, Wallingford, Pennsylvania. The series is entitled "Music and Worship: A Variety of Spiritual Experiences.
Side B ends abruptly, during the start of the question-and-answer phase following the lecture. SR223 is a lower-quality copy of this tape.
See SR222 for the better copy (according to the documentation). SR223 is the "poorer copy - drags" (according to the documentation).
Don Yoder's lecture to the Pennsylvania Folklore Society, Bucknell, Pennsylvania.
The recording begins abruptly.
The recording begins with noise level tests, and about 00:03:00, an unidentified man gives a talk on grave markers in general and ethnic traditions regarding them. The talk is accompanied by sentimental music.
According to the documentation, this should be Don Yoder's lecture on "Pennsylvania German Genealogy" (Seminar I) at LAWGS.
The recording begins with noise level tests.
Don Yoder's lecture on "Pennsylvania German Genealogy." LAWGS Seminar II.
Don Yoder's lecture on "Swiss-German Emigration." LAWGS Seminar III.
Don Yoder's lecture on "Methodism and the Pennsylvania Germans."
Audio quality is very low and the speed is variable. The recording of Yoder on Side B ends at 00:03:27. The balance of the recording on that side is unrelated to the collection.
Don Yoder's lecture on "Quakers in Early Centre County," at the FHA (Friends Historical Association) Spring meeting.
On Side B the lecture is followed by a question-and-answer period.
Don Yoder's lecture on "The Reformed Church and Pennsylvania German Culture," at a Pennsylvania college or university. The respondent (on Side B) is Rev. Richard Druckenbrod.
Druckenbrod died in 2003.
An unidentified lecture, given by Don Yoder. Topics include Mennonite meeting houses, Amish clothing, etc. Part of the presentation included a display of images. The lecture is followed by a question-and-answer period. From the documentation: "Don Yoder, #2"
Audio recording levels are very low.
Side A
From the start to 00:07:43, two men speak about an election, a union, affiliation, etc. From 00:07:47, Don Yoder speaks about Centre Valley Quakerism to an unidentified audience. Continued on Side B.
Side B
Conclusion of the lecture begun on Side A, ending at 00:37:50. Side B ends with unrelated print-through at a very low volume.
Don Yoder's lecture at Universitat Mainz, in Mainz, Germany.
Don Yoder's lecture on Quaker and Pennsylvania German genealogical research and finding ancestor's in Pennsylvania's Delaware Valley, to an audience in New Jersey.
John Witthoft's lecture on "American Indian Folk Medicine," tape 1.
John Witthoft's lecture on "American Indian Folk Medicine," tape 2.
Lecture by Baba Ram Dass, at the University of Pennsylvania Museum auditorium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Side A: relevant content begins at 00:02:04. Recording levels begin exceptionally low, and increase only slightly over the course of both tape sides.
This tape appears to be a compilation from various sources.
From the documentation: "L'Equipe de bon Vieux Temps" (Yvonne L. Lagasse). Lowell, Massachusetts. Copy of a sound reel.
Side A
A woman sings a cappella in French. This ends at 00:16:12. At 00:16:13, a group sings in French, with piano accompaniment, followed by a man who sings in French, also with piano accompaniment, etc.
Side B
Continued from Side A: songs in French, with piano accompaniment. At 00:30:45 a man interviews a woman; this part of the recording begins with the interview already in progress. The woman speaks in English and sings in French. The recording cuts off abruptly.
Recorded at the Pennsylvania Historical Association's 50th annual meeting. The recording includes Donald B. Kelley's lecture on "Quaker Ecology"
Two presentations in Don Yoder's Folklore 622 class: one by Peter Lowry and one by Glenn Hinson. Includes recorded samples of songs, as part of the presentations.
Scott Swank's lecture on "Pennsylvania German Architecture and Furniture," for the Chester County Historical Society. From 00:19:00 to the end on Side B, there is content unrelated to the collection.
Richard Druckenbrod: "Kurzweil unn [sic] Zeitverdreib." This appears to be a sermon, in Pennsylvania German.
Archivist's note: "Kurzweil und Zeitverdreib" means "entertainment and pastime."
From the documentation, this should be "Conversations with Dot Fry." However, both tape sides contain instrumental and vocal music, without an apparent relationship to the collection.
Dialogues with Dot Fry, in Pennsylvania German.
Archivist's note: Dot Fry was a Pennsylvania German storyteller and teacher. This interview may have been conducted by C. Richard Beam, who interviewed her at length and co-edited the interviews, which were published in 2014.
A recording of Don Yoder's Folklife 550 class.
Don Yoder's lecture on Pennsylvania German history and genealogy research, given in North Carolina as part of the FCGS German Workshop 2. This is tape 1; the lecture continues on SR247.
Engineer's note: fluctuating channel imbalance and high frequency loss throughout both sides.
FCGS German Workshop 2, tape 2. Continued from SR246; continued on SR248.
Engineer's note: channel imbalance throughout both sides. Flutter and wow found on Side B.
FCGS German Workshop 2, tape 3. Conclusion of Yoder's lecture and a question-and-answer period. The event continues from SR247; continued on SR249.
Engineer's note: fluctuating channel imbalance throughout Side A, steady imbalance throughout Side B.
FCGS German Workshop 2, tape 4. Lecture by Rev. Richard Druckenbrod, titled "German Names on English Ears; or, What Do You Mean Joe Black is Really Johann Jakob Schwartz?" The event continues from SR248; continued on SR250.
Engineer's notes: channel imbalance throughout Side A. Speed fluctuation opens Side A. Left channel of Side B is inactive for majority of recording. Static and high frequency loss throughout Side B.
FCGS German Workshop 2, tape 5. Continued from SR249. Side B is the beginning of a talk by an unidentified male speaker.
Engineer's note: channel imbalance throughout both sides.
Pennsylvania Dutch service, with Rev. Paul D. Yoder. Theme of the sermon: "I am the Way." (Pennsylvania Dutch Society of St. Jacob's Union Church; Jefferson, York County, Pennsylvania). The church was known as "the stone church."
Engineer's note: channel imbalance throughout both sides. Sped fluctuation opens Side A.
Engineer's notes: static noise throughout both sides. Vocal distortion finishes out Side A. Channel imbalance throughout Side A, fluctuating imbalance throughout Side B. Low Level occurs on both sides.
Side A (December 31, 1972)
Old Order River Brethren New Year's Eve talk, given by Bishop John Sauder, to young people.
Side B (1973)
Singing. Old Order River Brethren. Lining of hymns by Deacon John Strickler, Mountville, Pennsylvania, recorded at Lancaster Mennonite School, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Singing. Old Order River Brethren. Lining of hymns by Deacon John Strickler, Mountville, Pennsylvania, recorded at Lancaster Mennonite School, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This cassette was sent to Don Yoder by John A. Hostetler.
Archivist's note: for the most part the content is the same as SR252, Side B. The relevant part of the recording ends at 00:12:25; the balance is content unrelated to the collection.
Engineer's notes: static noise and channel imbalance throughout Side A. Low level at end of content. Side B is blank.
Interview of Fr. McGowan, St. Patrick's Church. Topics include life and death, purgatory, etc.
Engineer's notes: Side A is stereo, Side B is mono. Extreme channel imbalance throughout Side A. Speed fluctuation closes Side A and opens and closes Side B.
Pennsylvania German worship service, St. John's United Church of Christ, Coopersburg, Pennsylvania. The pastors participating in the service were Labert Altemose (Faith United Church of Christ, Grantville, Center Valley), Richard Druckenbrod (interim pastor, St. John's United Church of Christ, Coopersburg), and Richard Wolfe (pastor, St. James Lutheran Church, Coopersburg).
SR255 and SR256 are effectively two copies of the same recording.
Engineer's notes: channel imbalance throughout both sides. Speed fluctuation ends Side B.
SR255 and SR256 are effectively two copies of the same recording.
Engineer's note: channel imbalance throughout both sides.
African American gospel music: Chords of Harmony, recorded by Ray Allen. Selections include "Leaning on Jesus," "Steal Away to Jesus," "In My Savior's Care," and other songs.
African American gospel music: Western and Eastern Shore Singing and Praying Bands, Friendship M.E. [Methodist Episcopal] Church, Friendship, Delaware (Jon David, recordist). This tape is a copy.
Engineer's note: heavy vocal distortion throughout both sides.
Side A
Western Shore Band
Side B
Eastern Shore Band
Pennsylvania German worship. Host: United Church of Christ. Richard Druckenbrod, preacher.
Engineer's notes: vocal distortion throughout both sides. Speed fluctuation opens Side B. Slight channel imbalance throughout Side B.
Excerpts from the congregation and choirs of Sanctuary Church of the Open Door, 61st and Larchwood, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Portion of a sermon by Rev. Audrey F. Bronson, Pastor. Side B includes selections from the Philadelphia Mass Choir. Recorded by Becky Carlton for Don Yoder's Folk Religion class.
Engineer's notes: tape machine noise and channel imbalance throughout both sides. Speed fluctuation ends Side A. Volume gradual increase to level at beginning of Side B.
Engineer's notes: extreme channel imbalance throughout both sides, very low level on right channel at end of Side A. Recording stutters throughout Side B.
Side A
Dubs of commercial music, unrelated to the collection.
Side B
Recording made at the Second Pilgrim Baptist Church (location unconfirmed); primarily vocal music, accompanied by organ. See SR290.
1985 Hepler reunion. One of Don Yoder's grandmothers was a Hepler family member. This is a recording of activities that took place during the reunion. Don Yoder was a speaker at one of the events.
Engineer's notes: Channel imbalance and tape machine noise throughout both sides. Extreme low level on right channel throughout Side A, inactive on Side B.
Hepler reunion (copy). See notes for SR262.
Engineer's note: extreme channel imbalance and tape machine noise throughout both sides.
1991 Hepler reunion tour.
Engineer's note: channel imbalance throughout both sides. Archivist's note: the volume level becomes very low towards the end of Side B.
Side A (August 10, 1991)
Recording of various events during the reunion: a tour of Lehigh County (led by Don Yoder), a visit to Emmaus Moravian Church, and a visit to Zion Lehigh Lutheran Church (Lower Macungie Township)
Side B (August 10-11, 1991)
A visit to Zion Lehigh Lutheran Church (continued From Side A). Part of the graveside ceremony in Pitman (August 11).
Recording of activities during the Hepler tour 1993, tape 1 (Timothy Shipe, recordist). Don Yoder is a speaker. See notes for SR262.
Engineer's notes: tape machine noise and channel imbalance throughout both sides. Noisy background on both sides.
Side A
Side B
Recording of activities during the Hepler tour, tape 2 (Timothy Shipe, recordist). Don Yoder is a speaker. See notes for SR262.
Engineer's notes: tape machine noise and channel imbalance throughout both sides. Speed fluctuation across both sides.
Side A
Side B
Recording of activities during the Hepler tour, tape 3 (Timothy Shipe, recordist). Don Yoder is a speaker. See notes for SR262.
Engineer's notes: channel imbalance and tape machine noise throughout both sides. Heavy distortion across Side B.
Side A
Side B
Recording of activities during the Hepler tour, tape 4 (Timothy Shipe, recordist). Don Yoder is a speaker. See notes for SR262.
Engineer's notes: tape machine noise throughout both sides. Channel imbalance throughout Side A, gradual imbalance throughout Side B.
Side A
Vaihingen (continued); Lomersheim; Maulbronn; Bietigheim-Bissingen (lecture in the hotel)
Side B
Lecture in the hotel (continued)
Recording of activities during the Hepler tour, tape 5 (Timothy Shipe, recordist). Don Yoder is a speaker. See notes for SR262.
Engineer's notes: channel imbalance and tape machine noise throughout both sides. Heavy distortion on Side B.
Side A
Side B
Recording of activities during the Hepler tour, tape 6 (Timothy Shipe, recordist). Don Yoder is a speaker. See notes for SR262.
Engineer's notes: channel imbalance and tape machine noise throughout both sides. Speed fluctuation ends Side B.
Side A
Side B
Hepler tour, tape 7 (Timothy Shipe, recordist). Don Yoder is a speaker. See notes for SR262.
Side A (May 21)
Speyer; Freinsheim.
Side B (May 22)
Western Pfalz; Farm; Schloss Lichtenberg; Grumbach.
Hepler tour, tape 8 (Timothy Shipe, recordist). Don Yoder is a speaker. See notes for SR262.
Engineer's notes: tape machine noise throughout both sides. Channel imbalance throughout Side A, fluctuating imbalance throughout Side B.
Side A
Side B
Engineer's notes: channel imbalance throughout Side A. Speed fluctuation opens Side B. Sharp volume dip through to end of Side B.
Side A
Bucks County Grass [bluegrass band, recorded live], tape 1, set 1
Side B
From the start to 00:06:06: Bucks County Grass [bluegrass band, recorded live]. From 00:06:16 to the end of the recording: a woman can be heard speaking about embroidery (?), and instructs another woman on using a loom..
Bucks County Grass [bluegrass band, recorded live], tape 2, sets 3 and 4
Engineer's note: fluctuating channel imbalance throughout both sides.
Daniel Womack in concert at the International House, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Archivist's note: Side B ends abruptly.
Engineer's note: channel imbalance throughout Side B.
Música de la capilla de la Milagrosa (Easter): songs sung in Spanish during a religious service.
Engineer's notes: channel imbalance throughout both sides. Speed fluctuation during middle of Side B drops left channel through to end.
Tunes from "Hill Country Tunes" - Maggie Holtzberg
Archivist's note: according to Maggie Holtzberg this is probably her own recordings of these fiddle tunes, which include "The Road to Boston" and "Soldier's Joy." She was a student on one of Yoder's classes, which included a study of Pennsylvania traditions. She may have submitted a paper on Samuel Bayard.
Engineer's notes: speed fluctuation at beginning of Side A and end of Side B. Fluctuating channel imbalance throughout both sides.
Don Yoder's lecture on Quaker genealogical research. Before the lecture begins he calls it "lecture number 4." Side B ends at 00:36:43.
Engineer's notes: tape machine noise throughout both sides. Volume on left channel briefly dips. Left channel drops out at end of Side B.
Vanessa Merlis interviews several people on the subject of amulets.
Engineer's notes: fluctuating channel imbalance, machine noise, and vocal distortion/robotic vocal sounds throughout both sides.
Interview of an unidentified Quaker woman (born circa 1910), conducted by Anna Morris. The woman was at Woodbrooke Study Center, a Quaker college in Birmingham, England, in the 1930s. The recording on Side B ends abruptly.
Engineer's note: extreme channel imbalance throughout both sides.
Em Sterling Zimmerman Zi Leweslauf (Sterling Zimmerman's life story as told by himself). Recited in English.
Engineer's note: channel imbalance and high frequency loss throughout both sides.
An unidentified man asks questions about butchering, ham as a traditional dish at Easter, etc. Interview subjects are Irwin Yoder (Sam Yoder's father), George Yoder (Irwin's brother), and Mr. Reppert. In Pennsylvania German and English. Recorded at Sam Yoder's "place" (probably a farm), in Shoemakersville, Pennsylvania. From the documentation: Butchering (Yoder-Schlegel-Worley).
Engineer's notes: fluctuating channel imbalance throughout Side A. Side B is blank.
Country butchering on Side A, and possibly other topics on Side B; the majority in Pennsylvania German. On Side B: relevant content begins from 00:01:46 to 00:08:12, and from 00:16:01 to 00:22:49 (preceded by unrelated music). From 00:22:51 an unidentified man tells the story of David and Goliath, in English. Some opinions about folklore are included, and this version has a particularly military angle. From the documentation: Newton Bachman (Robert I. Schneider - Dr. Yoder - Folklife)
Robert I. Schneider probably was a student in one of Yoder's classes.
Engineer's notes: channel imbalance, heavy vocal distortion, high frequency loss, and speed fluctuations throughout both sides.
"Pennsylvania German (Dutch) Poems and Stories," by Ernie Bechtel. Recitations in Pennsylvania German.
Archivist's notes: it is likely that Sides A and B are switched as digital files.
Engineer's notes: channel imbalance throughout Side A. High frequency loss throughout Side B.
Don Yoder delivers a talk in Pennsylvania German at the Versammling Berks County 1983, probably at Kutztown State College. Following the end of the lecture (00:20:47) other activities can be heard, including musical performances. From the documentation: Versammling: Berks County KSU. Side A: 5/6; Side B: 6/6.
Archivist's note: A
Engineer's notes: fluctuating channel imbalance throughout Side A. Speed fluctuation ends Side A. Side B is blank.
No available documentation. The recording has not yet been digitized.
Content unrelated to the collection; probably includes audio recorded from radio and television programs.
Engineer's notes: right channel inactive for majority of both sides. Channel imbalance on latter segment of Side B.
Engineer's notes: channel imbalance and high frequency loss throughout both sides. Left channel drastically drops off from midpoint through to end of Side A, gradually returns through to end. Speed fluctuations near end of Side B.
Side A
From the start to 00:15:57: Don Yoder interviews a woman on the subject of healing. She identifies herself at 00:15:26 as Mrs. Beverly (the surname is not deciphered). From 00:16:00 to the end of the side (which cuts off abruptly): Don Yoder interviews an unidentified person on subjects including working charms, protection from evil, etc. Continued on Side B
Side B
Continued from Side A. The recording ends abruptly.
Ora Watson on quilting, tape 1. Tape 2 is SR217.
Engineer's notes: vocal distortion, channel imbalance, and tape machine noise throughout both sides.
Second Pilgrim Baptist Church, sides II and III. Relevant content on Side B starts at 00:01:30. See SR261.
Engineer's notes: channel imbalance and heavy distortion throughout both sides. Speed fluctuation ends Side A and at end of introduction of Side B. Volume dips on left channel during Side B.
First and second parts of an African American church service. See SR292 for what may be the third part of the recording.
Engineer's notes: tape machine noise throughout content. High frequency loss throughout Side B.
Side A includes the third part of an African American church service. See SR291 for what may be the first and second parts of the recording. Side B contains dubs of commercial recordings unrelated to the collection.
Engineer's notes: channel imbalance and tape machine noise throughout both sides. High frequency loss across both sides. Speed fluctuation ends both sides.
"Mir Lanne Deitsch," by Richard Druckenbrod (a guide to reading Pennsylvania German), tape 1
Engineer's note: channel imbalance throughout both sides.
"Mir Lanne Deitsch," by Richard Druckenbrod (a guide to reading Pennsylvania German), tape 2
Engineer's note: channel imbalance throughout both sides.
"Mir Lanne Deitsch," by Richard Druckenbrod (a guide to reading Pennsylvania German), tape 3
Engineer's note: channel imbalance throughout both sides.
"Mir Lanne Deitsch," by Richard Druckenbrod (a guide to reading Pennsylvania German), tape 4
Engineer's notes: channel imbalance and tape machine noise throughout both sides.
One man interviews another man, who is speaking in Italian.
This Voice-O-Graph disc probably was recorded no later than the 1960s. It was mailed to Don Yoder circa 1979.
A church service (possibly Lutheran), which may have been recorded in Pullman, Washington (at one point, the city of Pullman was mentioned).
The photo was taken the same day as AFC 2003/051: PH01.
The item looks like a double exposure
Taped at the Third Triennial Conference of the International Communal Studies Association, held at Elizabethtown College, July 25-28, 1991. The volume is low throughout.