Guide to the John J. Brueggemann Collection
Scope and Content
This collection is a rich source of information about musical culture in Sweetwater County from the 1920s to the 1950s. Among the records are newspaper articles, programs, correspondence, publicity notices, and minutes. Besides his own work, Brueggemann also collected records and references about civic and religious musical events and organizations in which he was not a participant.
Dates
- 1922-1966
Creator
- Brueggemann, John J., 1887-1974 (Person)
Language of Materials
English
Access Restrictions
The collection is open for research.
Copy Restrictions
Limited duplication of print materials allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.
Biographical Note
John J. Brueggemann was an accomplished musician in Rock Spring from 1921 until the early 1960s.
Brueggemann was born August 20, 1887 in Mount Vernon, Indiana. He graduated from the Indianapolis Conservatory of Music in Indianapolis in 1909 and then spent several years playing in and directing orchestras across the US and Canada. During World War I, he served as a member of the 109th Infantry band. After his discharge at Fort D.A. Russell, he and his wife Mildred moved from Montana to Rock Springs, Wyoming, where he became the orchestra leader for the newly constructed Rialto Theatre. Brueggemann was a charter member of the local VFW, American Legion, and a member of the Eagles lodge and Musicians Union.
Throughout his life in Rock Springs, Brueggemann sought to bring his joy of music in the Rock Springs-Green River area. In addition to conducting the Rialto Theatre orchestra, he taught orchestra and band in the grade and high schools in Rock Springs, Green River, Reliance and Superior, organized various musical performances for civic groups and the public in general, and managed a school of music in Rock Springs. He also directed high school musicals, several drum and bugle corps, an all women's and girls' orchestra, and the Rock Springs Symphony Orchestra, the first orchestra in the state of Wyoming.
Brueggemann retired in 1964 and passed away in 1974 after a long illness. He and his wife are buried in Rock Springs.
Extent
3 cubic feet
Abstract
Musical culture in Sweetwater County from the 1920s to the 1950s. Among the records are newspaper articles, programs, correspondence, publicity notices, and minutes. Besides his own work, Brueggemann also collected records and references about civic and religious musical events and organizations in which he was not a participant.
Acquisition Information
Donated by Mrs. John J. Brueggemann in 1974
Separated Material
Two postcards of Jackson, Wyoming, restaurants transferred to P98-39.
Processing Information
Finding aid prepared in 1998 by Carl Hallberg.
- American Legion
- American Legion. Department of Wyoming
- Brueggemann, John J., 1887-1974
- Churches--Wyoming
- Dance orchestras
- Drum and bugle corps
- Fraternal Order of Eagles
- Fraternal Organizations--Wyoming
- Green River (Wyo.)
- Green River High School (Green River, Wyo.)
- J.J. Brueggemann School of Music
- Lions Club (Rock Springs, Wyo.)
- Music education--Wyoming
- Music ensembles--Wyoming
- Music--Wyoming
- Musicians
- Orchestras
- Reliance (Wyo.)
- Rock Springs (Wyo.)
- Rock Springs High School (Rock Springs, Wyo.)
- Superior (Wyo.)
- Symphony orchestra
- Union Pacific Coal Company
- University of Wyoming
- Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
- Veterans--Wyoming
- World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Wyoming
- World War, 1939-1945
- Wyoming Federation of Music Clubs
Creator
- Brueggemann, John J., 1887-1974 (Person)
- Title
- Guide to the John J. Brueggemann Collection, 1922-1966
- Status
- Edited Full Draft
- Author
- Suzi Taylor
- Date
- © 2019
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- Finding aid is in English
Repository Details
Part of the Wyoming State Archives, Wyoming Cultural Resources Division, Wyoming Department of State Parks & Cultural Resources Repository
Barrett Building
2301 Central Avenue
Cheyenne Wyoming 82002 United States
(307) 777-7826
wyarchive@wyo.gov