Professor Hamilton's Diary: June 3, 1935

Albright Music Festival begins in Reading; Kern family gets help

It was a busy Monday for Professor Hamilton. He gave several history exams to his students, ferried Mary Elizabeth to the doctor and took her on a short pleasure ride afterward, and looked over his dissertation thesis, which had arrived in the mail from his advisor, with his critique.

The Albright Music Festival began that evening at the college stadium, with a massed choir of local singers, soloists, and an 80-piece orchestra. The professor and his wife walked over to hear it though they didn’t go inside.

This was quite an event in Reading, a reminder that though the Depression continued, many people hungered for cultural events, which were often underwritten by New Deal programs. Paid subscribers can read on about the festival.

The stunning photo of conductor Willy Richter and the choir appeared at the top of the front page of the Reading Times on June 4, accessed via newspapers.com.