Musical balladeer and historian Linda Russell performing on stage at the October general program of the Community Club of Garden City and Hempstead The Community Club of Garden City and Hempstead opened its 2008-09 club season with a timely program entitled: "Songs America Voted By: Campaign songs of the 19 th Century," featuring musical historian and balladeer Linda Russell.

Performing on stage at the Garden City Casino on October 1, Russell traced elections from Jefferson's victory song through the Whigs' great singing campaign of 1840 to the ragtime melodies of Teddy Roosevelt's presidency, giving a unique look at the way voters of the past got to know the candidates running for political office in the days before mass media. She accompanied herself on a variety of musical instruments such as a flute, guitar, two types of dulcimers and even a timber-jack, part-instrument and part-toy.

Political campaigns of the past were fueled by tunes such as "Tippecanoe and Tyler Too," and were sung with great gusto from porches and taverns across the land. They livened up street corners and torchlight parades. Campaign songwriters often used popular melodies of the day, composing catchy ditties that stuck in the heads of voters as they went to the polls. And, of course, many of the songs were as negative as the ads out politicians run today.

Recording secretary Ann Heinzelmann, community service chair Pat Dalton and president Marye Heston updating the club's activities board. Born in a small town in Wisconsin where her father was the town historian and her mother the church organist, Linda Russell's love of music and history began at an early age. As a child, she performed at church functions and state fairs. For 30 years now she has explored America's past through song and her performances are in great demand at historic sites, schools and community centers across the country. She served as 18 th century balladeeer at the Federal Hall National Memorial in Manhattan as well as appearing at such New York venues as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and the Metropolitan Museum Of Arts American wing. She has recorded eight albums of traditional and historic music, including one of Stephen Foster's songs.

From left:first Vice President Emily Sair, past president Bea Mercadante, general program chairman Kathleen McCormick, performer Linda Russell, program co-chair Ruth LaBosco and club President Marye Heston enjoying lunch before the performance A lively question and answer session followed Ms. Russell's performance and everyone was invited to stay for the tea hour, where refreshments were served by members of the hospitality department chaired by Phyllis Dima. Jennie Catania and Lee Amrhein greeted members and guests at the door, Decorations were provided by Terry Ferrari and Veronica Witt handled general arrangements.

Prior to the program a short business meeting was presided over by club President Marye Heston, who invited Americanism chairman Rosemary McCarthy to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Carolyn Kaiser then gave the treasurer's report and the minutes of the previous meeting were read by recording secretary Ann Heinzelmann. Marge Goldsmith reported on the successful friendship luncheon held in September and speaker Linda Russell was introduced by general program co-chairman Kathleen McCormick.

President Marye Heston joins membership chair Ann Daly and Ruth Lacy in welcoming new member Elizabeth Senk The next general program will be held on Wednesday, November 5 th when Dr. Salvatore Primeggia, professor of sociology at Adelphi University, will speak on "Italian American Comedy: From the Immigrant Era to the Present."

To learn more about the Community Club, and its programs, trips and fine arts classes, please call our office at (516) 746-0488 on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.