Skip to main content

Alfred Wesson papers

 Collection — Box: 1
Identifier: 5035

Scope and Contents

This small collection is comprised of articles penned by Wesson in the 1940s for "Esquire", "Liberty", and other magazines, as well as newspaper clippings and biographical information about Wesson. Other highlights from the collection include a pictorial souvenir of the 1932 Olympic games in Los Angeles, a program for "Campus Frolics of '24," sheet music by Al Wesson for "The Cardinal and Gold" and "All Hail," and a program for Wesson's retirement dinner in 1969 from Hollywood Park.

Dates

  • Creation: 1924-1974

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE: Advance notice required for access.

Conditions Governing Use

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Manuscripts Librarian. Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.

Biographical note

Alfred "Al" Wesson was a journalism student at the University of Southern California in the 1920s in addition to being a trumpet player in the Trojan Marching Band. In 1923 he penned "All Hail"-- USC's current alma mater song-- for a student fundraiser called "Campus Frolics of 1923". The other song he wrote for the opening of Frolics was "Cardinal and Gold" which also became a perennial favorite, played at Trojan football games and countless other university events. In addition to Wesson's musical ability, he served as the University's first full-time sports information director from 1928 to 1942. He left USC to serve in World War II, and later became publicity director for Hollywood Park. Wesson co-authored books with two of USC's most legendary coaches: "Football for the Fan" with Howard Jones, and ">Championship Technique in Track and Field: A Book for Athletes, Coaches, and Spectators" with Dean Cromwell.

Extent

0.42 Linear Feet (1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Alfred "Al" Wesson is best known as the composer, while a student at USC, of "All Hail"-- USC's current alma mater song-- for a student fundraiser called "Campus Frolics of 1923". The other song he wrote for the opening of Frolics was "Cardinal and Gold" which also became a perennial favorite, played at Trojan football games and countless other university events. In addition to Wesson's musical ability, he served as the University's first full-time sports information director from 1928 to 1942. Wesson co-authored books with two of USC's most legendary coaches: "Football for the Fan" with Howard Jones, and "Championship Technique in Track and Field: A Book for Athletes, Coaches, and Spectators" with Dean Cromwell.

This small collection is comprised of articles penned by Wesson in the 1940s for "Esquire", "Liberty", and other magazines, as well as newspaper clippings and biographical information about Wesson. Other highlights from the collection include a pictorial souvenir of the 1932 Olympic games in Los Angeles, a program for "Campus Frolics of '24," sheet music by Al Wesson for "The Cardinal and Gold" and "All Hail," and a program for Wesson's retirement dinner in 1969 from Hollywood Park.

Title
Finding aid of the Alfred Wesson papers
Status
Completed
Author
Jacqueline Morin and Sue Luftschein
Date
2018
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the USC Libraries Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Doheny Memorial Library 206
3550 Trousdale Parkway
Los Angeles California 90089-0189 United States