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March of the Mitten Men
March of the Mitten Men March from The Complete Marches of John Philip Sousa: Vol. 6

 

March of the Mitten Men (1923)

 

Thomas E. Mitten was top executive of the Philadelphia Rapid Transit Company, whose trolleys transported throngs of visitors to and from Willow Grove Park. This march was dedicated to both Mitten and his employees; hence the title. Mitten’s favorite hymn, “Onward Christian Soldiers,” is the basis of the march’s trio.

The title was changed from “March of the Mitten Men” to “Power and Glory” for a second edition, and the heading “A fraternal march” was added. This came by direction of James Francis Cooke, president of the publishing company, and he reported that sales then rose significantly.

Paul E. Bierley, The Works of John Philip Sousa (Westerville, Ohio: Integrity Press, 1984), 70. Used by permission.