Edith Wire facts for kids

Edith Louise Wire (born July 1899 – died June 26, 1973) was a talented American woman who loved music, writing, and history. She was a composer, which means she wrote music, and also an author who wrote books. Edith was also a skilled pianist, playing the piano for many people. She was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and lived in her childhood home her whole life. She lived with her brother, Lester, until he passed away in 1958.

A Talented Musician

Edith loved music from a young age. She studied at the Utah Conservatory of Music, where she learned a lot about playing and creating music. She also took lessons from a famous teacher, Dr. Georg Liebling, in Los Angeles, California.

As a pianist, Edith was very good! She performed in many concerts in Los Angeles, playing for large audiences. Imagine playing the piano for hundreds of people! She also played on local radio stations, so even more people could hear her beautiful music.

A Passion for History

Edith Louise Wire had a deep interest in American history. She was especially interested in the early days of America and the people who helped build the country. She joined and led several groups that focused on preserving and celebrating American history.

In 1937, Edith helped start a local chapter of the Daughters of American Colonists in Salt Lake City. This group honored the early settlers of America. Later, she became an honorary national vice president for the organization. She also led other historical groups, like the Colonial Dames of the 17th Century in 1949 and the Utah State Society of Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America in 1963. These groups helped people learn about and remember important parts of American history.

Remembering Her Brother, Lester Wire

Edith had a special bond with her brother, Lester Wire. Lester was famous for inventing the first electric traffic light! After his death, Edith wanted to turn their family home into a museum to honor his amazing invention. She worked hard on this project, but unfortunately, the museum wasn't finished before she passed away.

However, Lester's legacy was still honored. The Utah State Department of Transportation used money from Edith's estate to create a different memorial for her brother. They built the Lester Farnsworth Wire Memorial Library. This special library is located in the new Department of Transportation building in Salt Lake City, helping to keep Lester's memory and his important invention alive.

Her Creative Works

Besides her music and historical work, Edith Louise Wire was also a writer. She wrote two books and composed several pieces of music for the piano.

Books by Edith Wire

• Lester F. Wire: Savior of the Highways (1973)
• The Enchanted Island or The Adventures of Miss Sassyfras (1939)

Piano Music by Edith Wire

• Caprice
• Dusk in My Garden
• Figurine Coquette
• The Lotus Blossom