Frances Turgeon Wiggin facts for kids

Frances Turgeon Wiggin (born October 4, 1891 – died 1985) was an American writer and music composer. She is best known for creating Maine's state song. She also wrote five books about composers from Maine.

About Frances Turgeon Wiggin

Frances Turgeon Wiggin was born in Lewiston, Maine. She loved music and learning from a young age.

Early Life and Education

Frances went to several colleges. She studied at Bates, Seneca, and New York colleges. She was part of the first class at William Smith College in 1912. There, she earned her first degree. Later, in 1952, the college gave her an honorary doctorate. This was a special award for her achievements.

Her music teachers included Anne Neily, Elizabeth Quaile, and Helen Winslow. Frances even composed a school song for William Smith College. It was called "Charter Class Waltz."

Frances married Daniel W. Wiggin. They had a daughter named Barbara in 1922. A few years later, Frances wrote both the words and music for "The State of Maine." This song became very important to Maine.

Writing About Music

Frances Wiggin wrote five books about composers from her home state of Maine. These books help us learn about many talented musicians.

• Directory of Maine Composers (1946)
• Biographical Dictionary of Maine Composers (1958)
• Thumbnail Sketches of Maine Composers (with Helen J. Dubbs; 1958)
• Maine Composers and Their Music (1959)
• Maine Composers and Their Music, Book 2 (1976)

Honored for Her Work

Frances was very active in music groups. She was on the board of the Maine Federation of Music Clubs for 50 years. For 25 years, she led their committee for Maine Composers and Their Music.

She also belonged to the Kotzschmar Memorial Organ Club in Portland, Maine. She was an honorary life member of the Maine Historical Society. This means she was given a special membership for life. She was also a member of the Portland Rossini Club and the Portland MacDowell Clubs.

In 1976, the Maine Historical Society gave her an award. This award was for all her important work. It recognized her contributions to music in Maine.

Her Music and Songs

Frances Wiggin's personal papers are kept at William Smith College. She wrote many different kinds of music. Here are some of her compositions:

Chamber Music

• Three Dances (for violin, viola, and piano)

Piano Music

• Gigue in E

Vocal Music

• "Applecumjockaby"
• Bonum Omen (for choir)
• Children's Songs (with words by Rosetti)
• Five Encore Songs (with words by Rosetti)
• "Horseman"
• "House of Dreams"
• "I've Never Been to Winkle" (with words by Vilda Owens)
• Little Hand of Pioneers (for choir)
• "Love" (with words by Charlotte Michaud)
• "Manus Dei" (with words by Marguerite Emerson)
• "Pierrot at Fifty" (with words by Garrison)
• "Queen Anne's Lace" (with words by Mary Newton)
• "Red Geraniums" (with words by Elizabeth Dillingham)
• "Someone"
• "Tartary"
• "Who Loves the Rain?"