Record Group 047
Date Span c.1914
Extent 1 item
Biographical Sketch Mrs. Addie Wilson (née Anderson), known as Miss Addie, was an influential figure in Dothan, Alabama, and a prominent musician and songwriter. She was born in Lawrenceville, Houston County, Alabama, and moved to Dothan as a child. Mrs. Wilson attended Brenau College in Gainesville, Georgia, and studied under composer Bruno Michaelis. She married W. S. Wilson, from Cowarts, Houston County, Alabama, owner and operator of A F and G Railroad in Dothan. Miss Addie formed the first music school in Dothan, organized the Harmony Club in 1909, and established a children musical band called Dothan’s Toy Orchestra in 1924. “Welcome to Dothan” published in 1914, was the first song she wrote. She also wrote “Under the Rose” which was performed by the U.S. Marine Band and played over national radio during World War II. In 1949 she became Dothan’s first Woman of the Year, and the National Federation of Music Clubs recognizes her for her contributions to American Music. Miss Addie died October 8, 1966, at Dothan Nursing Home.
Scope Content The collection contains sheet music for the song, "Welcome to Dothan," written by Addie Anderson Wilson. Published by Alabama Printing Company of Dothan, AL, in 1914.
Provenance The musical score was in the possession of Mrs. Lois Cherry Long, who is Ms. Addie Wilson's daughter. Mrs. Long sent the sheet music to, local Dothan historian, Mr. Wendell Stepp and ask that he determine the appropriate place for this piece of Dothan history. Mr. Stepp contacted Dr. Olliff to discuss the musical score's placement with The Wiregrass Archives. Dr. Olliff contacted Mrs. Long and the donation and gift agreements were finalized.
Preferred Citation [Item], Addie Wilson Collection, RG047. The Wiregrass Archives, --Dothan Campus, Dothan, AL.
Date processed: 06-05-2005
Processed By: TB
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