J. Elmer Spyglass facts for kids
James Elmer Spyglass (born November 1, 1877 – died February 16, 1957) was a talented American singer. He later became an important worker at the United States consulate in Frankfurt, Germany.
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Early Life and Music Career
James Elmer Spyglass was born in Springfield, Ohio. In 1897, he helped start the St. John's Missionary Baptist Church in Springfield. He soon decided to focus on music. He became a popular cabaret singer.
Spyglass was a baritone, which means he had a deep singing voice. He directed the choir at Bethel A. M. E. Church in Pittsburgh until 1901. In 1905, he finished his studies at the Toledo Conservatory of Music. He also went to Western Pennsylvania University. He once performed a famous song called "An der schönen blauen Donau" by Strauss. He sang with a large orchestra and a huge choir at Carnegie Music Hall in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Singing in Europe
In 1906, James Spyglass traveled to Europe. He became well-known for singing "Negro Spirituals." These are special religious songs that came from African-American communities. For 20 years, he performed in the Netherlands. Audiences loved his performances.
In 1930, he decided to retire from singing. He moved to Sachsenhausen, a town near Frankfurt am Main, Germany. During World War II, his house was bombed in 1944. After this, he moved to a different town called Schwalbach.
Work as a Diplomat
After World War II ended, Spyglass started a new career. He worked for the US consulate in Frankfurt. A consulate is like a small embassy. It helps people from one country who are living or traveling in another country.
James Spyglass worked as an interpreter and receptionist. An interpreter helps people speak different languages understand each other. As a receptionist, he greeted visitors to the consulate. Many of these visitors wanted to move to the United States. Spyglass helped direct them to the right office. He was very good at his job because he could speak five different European languages! He also taught English classes to local people in Sachsenhausen for many years.
In 1947, a reporter named Will Lang Jr. from Life magazine interviewed Spyglass. They talked about his life and his important role at the consulate. Lang wrote that Spyglass's friendly face welcomed everyone. The article appeared in Life magazine on November 3, 1947.
Later Life and Legacy
On November 9, 1954, James Spyglass received a special honor. He was made an honorary citizen of Schwalbach, Germany. This means the town recognized him for his contributions.
James Elmer Spyglass passed away on February 16, 1957. His ashes were brought back to Yellow Springs, Ohio. He was buried there next to his parents.
Spyglass Prize
James Elmer Spyglass left a lasting impact. On January 8, 1995, a new award was created in his name. It is called the "James Elmer Spyglass Prize." The first award was given to a student in Schwalbach. This prize honors young people who help improve understanding between different cultures.
