STEPHEN FOSTER COLLINS MEMORIAL DAY and WEDGWOOD

American composer Stephen Collins died at the young age of 37 on this date in 1864.  Here is what Wikipedia says about him in part:
"known as "the father of American music", was an American songwriter primarily known for his parlor and minstrel music. Foster wrote over 200 songs; among his best-known are "Oh! Susanna", "Camptown Races", "Old Folks at Home", "My Old Kentucky Home", "Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair", "Old Black Joe", and "Beautiful Dreamer". Many of his compositions remain popular more than 150 years after he wrote them. His compositions are thought to be autobiographical. He has been identified as "the most famous songwriter of the nineteenth century", and may be the most recognizable American composer in other countries. His compositions are sometimes referred to as "childhood songs" because they are included in the music curriculum of early education."

He is buried in Pittsburgh, and there is a Memorial Building on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh, which is shown in a 1959 Wedgwood Queensware college plate.  Check it out at www.collegeplates.com.  If you have connections to Pittsburgh or just love his music, this plate might be a nice addition to your Wedgwood or college plate collection!