Frederick in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Library Campaign Song

(Tune-Battle Hymn of the Republic)

— By Clifford B. Holland —

Library Campaign Song Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 9, 2019

1. Library Campaign Song Marker

Inscription.
We have here in our town a colored library,
Run by those who wish to learn you; what is best to read.
Books of all descriptions you will find upon the shelves;
of the Free Colored Library. Chorus We are working for a hundred dollars strong
Who will be the first to help the cause along;
Everyone can do their bit so please don't be alarmed
for the Free Colored Library.

In Nineteen Hundred and Sixteen, at One One Three Ice Street
A few did pledge themselves upon a certain night to meet;
And success has followed in the work as you can see;
of the Free Colored Library. Chorus Books by men like Washington, Du Bois, and Dunbar;
Kelly, Miller, Norris and Joseph, Gorden, Bryant
And Many other writers too, you are sure to find
At the Free Colored Library. Chorus You will also find on file colored papers too;
Such as Afro-American, BEE and Colored Man,
Eagle and Defender, now all of this is true;
at the Free Colored Library. Chorus Fairy tales for children such as Old Mother Goose;
Who killed Cock Robin and Little Red Riding Hood.
Tales of a Winter Night and many more as good
At the Free Colored Library. Chorus

In 1917, black residents sang

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these lyrics to the tune of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" in an effort to raise funds for improving their "Separate But Equal" library.

Erected by City of Frederick.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Communications. A significant historical year for this entry is 1917.

Location. 39° 24.684′ N, 77° 24.759′ W. Marker is in Frederick, Maryland, in Frederick County. Marker is on Ice Street north of West South Street (Maryland Route 144), on the right when traveling south. The marker is embedded in the sidewalk. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 111 Ice Street, Frederick MD 21701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Free Colored Mens Library (here, next to this marker); Ulysses Grant Bourne (within shouting distance of this marker); Saints Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Braddock, Washington, and Franklin (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); B & O Railroad Station (about 500 feet away); John Kuhn (about 500 feet away); Water Level of the 1976 Flood (about 700 feet away); Jacob Engelbrecht's Diary (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Frederick.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 9, 2019

2. Library Campaign Song Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 25, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 9, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 164 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 9, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.