J. Louis Sayre papers

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: ARCHS-128

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection is comprised of sheet music, correspondence, event programs, photographs, scrapbooks, and miscellaneous personal papers and files of Augusta-born composer, J. Louis Sayre. The collection primarily consists of professional materials,including both administative and publicity-based, documenting Sayre's time as a conductor and composer in the Augusta area, especially with local churches and arts-based organizations. The photograph albums depict family life, his career, and miscellaneous publicity.

Dates

Created: 1916-1957
Acquired: First Accession: 1983
Acquired: Second Accession: 1992

Conditions Governing Access

No current access restrictions on this collection. Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

The Augusta Richmond County Historical Society is the owner of the physical collection and makes reproductions available for research purposes only. Materials within the collection are subject to the copyright law of the United States and item condition. The Augusta Richmond County Historical Society may or may not own the rights to materials in the collection. It is the researcher's responsibility to verify copyright ownership and obtain permission from the copyright holder before publication, reproduction, or display of the materials beyond what is reasonable under copyright law. Researchers may quote selections from the collection under the fair use provision of copyright law.

Biographical or Historical Information

J. Louis Sayre (August 8, 1879 – March 28, 1962) was a local Augusta celebrity, known as Augusta’s Music Man. From his education in Davidson Grammar School, Sayre had no other formal education, however was able to work his way up through the city government as a secretary, clerk, stenographer, commissioner of public works and finally secretary to the Mayor. In 1904, Sayre was appointed the organist and choirmaster as St. John’s Methodist Church. He served there for thirteen years before moving to Atlanta to accept a position as organist and choirmaster at St. Philip’s Cathedral. During this time, Sayre was also elected into the American Guild of Organists. In 1921 Sayre accepted an appointment as organist for the Modjeska Theater. From there his professional career only continued to rise as he devoted himself solely to music. In 1925 he was appointed director of the Academy of Richmond County Band. That same year Sayre was appointed conductor of the Georgia Railroad Concert Band. However, Sayre was not only a prolific and well-respected organist and church choirmaster. In 1902 he began teaching music as well. He organized the Georgia Railroad Band. And in April of 1935, Sayre illustrated his exemplary penmanship by preparing the scroll which was presented to “Princess Augusta” in Augusta, Georgia during the celebration of the 200^th anniversary of the foundation of the city. Among Sayre’s other accomplishments are several musical compositions for which he is accredited, including “Ever Sweetheart of You” and “Camp Hancock March.”

Note written by

Extent

4 boxes

1 folders

Language

English

Additional Description

Overview

A collection of materials documenting the career of Augusta-born composer, J. Louis Sayre.

Arrangement Note

This collection was arranged alphabetically by material type at the folder level, then chronologically.

Other Descriptive Information

Decision was made in 2012 to combine accessions 1983-25-1, 1983-25-2, and 1992-08 as well as unarranged material in the custody of the Augusta-Richmond County Historical Society into one collection `992-08. It is the belief of the Sayre family that all material was donated to the Augusta Richmond County Historical Society by their eldest brother and no evidence was found to contradict this belief. As such, all materials were reunited into one collection.

Collection reprocessed by Aaron Hayes and Elaine Benton, 2026.