SHEET MUSIC
CultureCanadian
Date1908
Dimensions23.2 x 13.5 cm (9 1/8 x 5 5/16 in.)
Credit LineMusic Copyright Canada, 1908, by Lawrence W. Watson.
Lyrics Copyright 1908, L. M. Montgomery.
Object numberHF.2022.32.1
DescriptionPiece of sheet music for “Island Hymn – Patriotic Hymn of Prince Edward Island” glued to a larger backing paper and folded into a pamplet. Front cover has handwritten song name. Interior page has music on one left side and lyrics on right side. Pages are tied green ribbon. Narrative
The "Island Hymn" was adopted as the provincial anthem of PEI on May 7, 2010 by the Legislative Assembly. A provincial anthem was first conceived by Professor Harry Watts of the Charlottetown School of Music. He was encouraged to contact L. M. Montgomery to ask if she would compose the lyrics, which she did in 1908.
Professor Watts asked Lawrence Watson to compose the
accompanying music and the song was first performed on May 22, 1908 at a
combined school event to mark Arbor Day and Empire Day.
Catherine Montgomery (nee Stuart), the donor's grandmother, was the original owner of this sheet music. She was a founding member of a choral society in Port Hill, PEI.
