(Birth and death dates not available)
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Elizabeth Carmichael resided in Charles City, Iowa during the early 1900s, around 1909 she moved to Fort Dodge, Iowa where she probably remained until her death. Carmichael remained active in MENC following the first meeting in 1907. She contributed to the Journal fund, was elected MENC secretary in 1921. She was a State chairman in 1922 and 1923 and contributed to the Journal fund. Years of attendance and membership in MENC include, 1914, 1916-1919, 1921-1927. As a music supervisor in Charles City, Carmichael taught vocal music. Her husband, J. T. Carmichael was the state Deputy for MNR Insurance Company. In March of 1926, Carmichael became seriously ill, and two other music teachers took over her choral and orchestra positions. Elizabeth Carmichael is spoken of fondly in "The Dodger", the Fort Dodge high school yearbook.
No one has given more untiringly of her time and ability than our music instructor, Mrs. Carmichael. Through her effort and devotion, to the Fort Dodge High School she ahs "put us on the map" in a musical way. We are represented as strongly in this line as in any of the activities in which Fort Dodge High has participated. Our music department has, under her supervision, grown to be a large and flourishing one. Her spirit is most unusual and her "pep" is inspiring to all (The Dodger, 1918, p. 48).
The Fort Dodge high school had an active boys' and girls' glee club as well as a band and an orchestra. Carmichael is credited with creating a traditional all-school music assembly. Students and teachers were encouraged to perform during this weekly assembly. The assembly is depicted as a successful and enjoyable event.
It is an inspiration to stand in such a gathering, in these stirring times, and sing our national Anthem. The students sing wholeheartedly. They are exceedingly fond of singing "Jingle Bells," "Seeing Nellie Home" and "Nancy Lee." We are perhaps the only large school in the State that has such a period, but we feel that the benefits derived doubly repay us for the half hour a week which we devote to music (The Dodger, 1918, p. 48).
Music
The music of the Girls Glee Club has added immeasurably to the various clubs, societies and gatherings of the school during the past school year. Not only has the Glee Club been very much in demand for school activities but it has also been popular with the public of Fort Dodge.
Under the splendid supervision of Mrs. Carmichael the operetta, "Once in a Blue Moon," excelled as the musical attraction of the year.
The Girls Glee Club took an active part in making the operetta, "Once in a Blue Moon" a success. It has been several years since Mrs. Carmichael used both of her glee clubs in the annual operetta, but it proved to be a highly pleasing experiment.
When twelve years ago Mrs. Carmichael started out with a high school orchestra of six members, little did she realize that in the year 1925 she would have an almost complete symphony of about forty members.
With its growth in quantity, it has also attained quality. It has played not only for many High School entertainments, but also for activities outside the school.
The Dodger, 1925, p. 79.
The Dodger, Fort Dodge high school yearbook, 1918.
The Dodger, Fort Dodge high school yearbook, 1924.
The Dodger, Fort Dodge high school yearbook, 1925.
The Dodger, Fort Dodge high school yearbook, 1926.
Floyd County Directory, Fort Dodge, Iowa: R. L. Polk Company, 1908.
Music Supervisors Journal, 8(5), 1921.
Music Supervisors Journal, 9(3), 1923.
Music Supervisors Journal, 8(2), 1921.
Music Supervisors National Conference, Journal of Proceedings. 1910-1938.
Special Thanks to Vonda Cummins and John McBride for their help in this project.
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Submitted by
Audrey Berger
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