Over There: Songs and Letters of World War I
Neill Hartley will visit HVL for this fully staged one–man show featuring iconic songs and letters from World War I.
Mr. Hartley will present the remarkable stories of the war, told in the words of the men and women who lived it. During WW1, Americans young and old threw their collective energy into the war effort. Patriotic loyalty and “Americanism” pervaded the country. Songs, letters and articles kept Americans abreast of the war efforts. During the war, letter writing was the main form of communication between soldiers and their loved ones, helping to ease the pain of separation.
At home, American songwriters were exempt from the national policy of paper rationing. Sheet music was as important as arms production. Songs such as “Over There” and “Pack up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag” embodied the American spirit, and have been passed from generation to generation.
Following the performance, there will be a short informational presentation about the time period, followed by a question and answer session with the audience.
Sponsored by the Friends of Huntingdon Valley Library.
Part of Huntingdon Valley Library’s America 250 series.