Finding aid of the Alfred Wesson papers 5035
Jacqueline Morin and Sue Luftschein
USC Libraries Special Collections
2018
Doheny Memorial Library 206
3550 Trousdale Parkway
Los Angeles, California 90089-0189
specol@usc.edu
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
USC Libraries Special Collections
Title: Alfred Wesson papers
creator:
Wesson, Alfred
Identifier/Call Number: 5035
Identifier/Call Number: 1308
Physical Description:
0.42 Linear Feet
1 box
Date (inclusive): 1924-1974
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.
Container: 1
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.
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.
COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE: Advance notice required for access.
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.
[Box/folder# or item name], Alfred Wesson papers, Collection no. 5035, University Archives, USC Libraries, University of Southern
California
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Alma maters (Songs) -- Archival resources
Clippings
Printed ephemera
Sheet music
Wesson, Alfred -- Archives
University of Southern California -- History