The research problems of this dissertation were: 1) A description of the perceived value of music in light of political undercurrents in Boston prior to and during the years under investigation, and 2) the profile of the constituency of the Boston School Committee and Committee on Music in 1837 and 1845. Questions addressed the effect of religious and moral concerns of the day on the decision by the School Committee in 1837 to try music in the curriculum, and the possible effect of religious politics on Lowell Mason's dismissal from the schools in 1845. In the minds of mid-nineteenth century Bostonians, religious and moral values were intrinsic to the very nature of music. Key members on the School Committee portrayed music as being spiritual yet nonsectarian in its influence. Therefore, the findings suggest that music was believed to provide common ground between opposing and diverse religious sects. Reasons given for Mason's dismissal by John Sargent, a member of the Committee on Music, showed parallels to H. W. Day's accusations in the press a year earlier that Mason had managed his position in a sectarian manner. Sargent's background supports the theory that religious politics were at work in Mason's dismissal. Although …

Letter from W. F. Ohlemeyer to David Duclos discussing his personal life including his ailments, and barretts that Duclos gave him, which he wore to play pool. The letter is in an envelope addressed to Dave Duclos in Massachusetts (with a postal sticker referring to a new address for Duclos) and a postmark dated December 18, 1989.

Letter from Lyda Dunham Keefe to Sweetwater Museum requesting the zoot suit and pillows she donated some time ago for speeches she will be making about WASP.

Letter from Henri Pepper to Lyda Keefe informing her that it is against museum policy to return any artifact that has been donated.