Archives West Finding Aid

Series I consists of Ted Mesang’s handwritten music manuscripts for more than 30 marches, published music by Mesang, and royalty contracts. Some of Mesang's pieces were professionally published and distributed in several March Books. The series contains several pieces of published sheet music, including a 1959 concert march, The Oregon Trail, which presumably was written with the Oregon Centennial in mind. Several of Mesang’s music royalty contracts are also included in this series.

Series II consists of newspaper clippings, congratulatory correspondence, performance programs and an undated half-time performance script. Of special interest are materials relating to the OSU Marching Band’s participation in the 1957 and 1965 Rose Bowl parades and football games.

Series III consists of a typewritten eulogy and obituary, correspondence, condolences, newspaper clippings and memorial programs. The materials are related to Ted Mesang’s untimely death following an October 1967 marching band rehearsal at OSU.

Series IV consists of diplomas and certificates related to several milestones in the life of Ted Mesang. He registered in Wisconsin with Selective Service on October 16, 1940. Following World War II, Mesang received his Bachelor of Music and teaching certificate at the University of Wisconsin on May 25, 1946. Mesang was awarded an honorary membership in the Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity on February 3, 1950 and became a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers on February 17, 1955.

Series V consists of various photographs which document Ted Mesang’s career as a teacher and music director from his early days in Wisconsin to his final years at Oregon State University (OSU). There are several formal studio portraits of Ted Mesang in his band uniforms, including a handtinted portrait, along with group shots of Mesang as a member of the collegiate North Woods Dance Orchestra and raucous Hop’s Syncopated Aces of the Garland City. He also appears in group shots as the director of the Largest Boys Band in the World, the Beaver School Flagolet Band, the Ashland Senior Boys Band and the Ashland High School Band all based in Ashland, Wisconsin. This series also includes photographs of Ted Mesang during his years at OSU taken by Corvallis Gazette-Times photographers and others. Several images of the Oregon State marching band on the field at Parker Stadium are included. There are also four autographed portraits of fellow conductors and band directors, including Charles Brendler, Ray Dvorak, and Anthony Mitchell. The bulk of the images are black and white prints; one color photographic print is included. Several of the images are oversize prints.

Series VI consists of several small items Ted Mesang used to direct the band and prepare his music manuscripts. Artifacts include his cork-handled conductor’s baton, an engineering pencil, fountain pen, pink eraser, pocket knife and a small copper-colored plaque with a raised image of Beethoven on it.