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Forty-three letters to Witmark which were taken out of autographed books given to the University by Mr. Witmark. The letters are from leading authors and artists of the world, chief among them John Kendrick Bangs, Harry B. Smith, and Frederick Kummer. They are mostly friendly notes, some of them in connection with Witmark's requests that authors autograph books for his library. Also, eight manuscript music scores written by various composers including Victor Herbert for the wedding of Witmark and Viola Cahn; and printed matter including programs, clippings, and prospectuses, two autographed photographs, and a typescript catalog of the "Autograph Library of Isidore Witmark, Esq.".
This collection is arranged into 2 series.
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This collection is located on-site.
This collection has no restrictions.
Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Isidore Witmark papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.
Isidore Witmark Collection of Autographed Books and Muscial Scores. Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University.
Materials may have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. Contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.
Source of acquisition--Witmark, Isidore. Method of acquisition--Bequest; Date of acquisition--1941. Accession number--M-41.
Columbia University Libraries, Rare Book and Manuscript Library
Cataloged Christina Hilton Fenn 09/--/89.
2010-04-05 Legacy finding aid created from Pro Cite.
2019-05-20 EAD was imported spring 2019 as part of the ArchivesSpace Phase II migration.
Isidore Witmark (1869-1941), prominent American music publisher and composer, was born in New York City. In 1886, Witmark and his two brothers, Julius and Jay, established the music printing and publishing firm, M. Witmark & Sons, of which Isidore Witmark was president. The Witmarks' acting as their own printer proved a competitive advantage, and they soon began purchasing other publishing houses; the firm eventually absorbed ten of its competitors. Because the brothers were involved in the world of music as singers and composers, the Witmarks enjoyed a special rapport with other composers and performers. The brothers pioneered the national marketing of sheet music of popular numbers. By 1900 the firm had branches in Chicago, San Francisco, London, Paris, and Melbourne. Witmark married Viola Cahan in 1909, and they had two daughters, Marian and Carolyn. Witmark sold the company to Warner Brothers in 1928, but stayed on as an executive in the firm. He died of pneumonia at the age of seventy-two in New York City.
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