R. Ritchie Robertson is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in Springfield’s musical history. As director of the local Boy Scout Band, he was prominently featured in a large reunion of the 35th Division in Springfield, on September 29 and 30, 1928. Held on the tenth anniversary of the Meuse-Argonne offensive, the largest American operation of the war, the guest of honor was General John J. Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Force.
Robertson was born in Scotland, on March 31, 1870. His father was a shoemaker and both of his parents instilled a deep love of music in their son. Robertson taught himself to play virtually every instrument available, with the exception of the bagpipes. Soon he was actively involved with many musical groups throughout the community of Burntisland. He ultimately managed up to seven orchestras, but the work took a heavy toll on his health and doctors advised he immigrate to America for the warmer climate. He left his native country in 1900 and, after living in Louisiana and Kansas, came to Springfield in 1916 as the director of music in the public schools.
In addition to his work with the schools, Robertson was actively involved with the Frisco Band, the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Band, and the De Molay Band. During World War I, he wrote the music for “The Laddies From Missouri,” a song that honored the thousands of Missourians who were heading for combat in France. Robertson’s greatest fame came from the Boy Scout Band which he established in November 1920. Under his leadership, it became one of the best bands of its kind in the country and was asked to perform in major cities throughout the South and Midwest.
During the reunion, Pershing stayed at the Kentwood Arms Hotel where Robertson presented the general with recordings of performances by his Boy Scout Band. On September 29, 80,000 spectators watched as General Pershing and the current Secretary of War, Dwight F. Davis, rode in a parade down Commercial and Walnut Streets. That night, 5,000 people attended a meeting at the Shrine Mosque. The Boy Scout Band opened the ceremonies with a concert, but most of the dignitaries had not arrived when they finished. As the crowd waited, Robertson played a number of songs on a pipe organ to enthusiastic applause. In his speech, Pershing told the crowd all citizens were in a partnership with their government and everyone had a responsibility to protect it as they had in the war. Pershing also attended a banquet at the Colonial Hotel that day where he told the audience when considering who won the war, “as a Missourian, I’ll award it tonight to Missouri.”
In addition to “The Laddies From Missouri” and the Pershing photographs, the Springfield-Greene County Library holds additional material related to the Boy Scout Band. Photographs and items owned by Robertson help the Library preserve the memory of this Scottish immigrant and his musical legacy in Springfield.
Sources:
Williams, Walter. Missouri: Mother of the West. Chicago: American Historical Society, 1930.
