Harris Broadsides

Broadsides are single-sheet publications, often issued as ephemera or announcements. The Harris Broadsides Collection is a comprehensive collection of American poetry published in broadside format from colonial times to the present. The collection offers materials covering a broad spectrum of American life, and includes poetry of every description: 18th and 19th century ballads, verse describing newsworthy events, poetic effusions of sentimentality and patriotism, comic verse, and much more. When completed, this digital project will include over 20,000 titles.
This collection is part of Brown University Library, hosted by Brown University.

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Items in this collection

Orthodox doings

Orthodox doings

Brown University

Printed in three columns divided by curvilinear lines. At end of text: Anonymous.

Original version of the John Brown song

Original version of the John Brown song

Brown University

The author of the original John Brown song is H.H. Brownell, of Hartford, a nephew of Bishop Brownell. Poetry. At head of text: Words that can be sung to the "Hallelujah Chorus." "Brownell was not, nor did he claim to be, the originator of this Civil War song. He claimed only this version which begins: Old John Brown lies a-mouldering in the grave. Other versions had prior publication."--BAL. "... 'John Brown's body' was not composed originally about the fiery abolitionist at all ... the namesake for the song ... was Sergeant John Brown, a Scotsman ..."--Silber, Irwin, Songs of the Civil War (New York, 1960), p. 11.

Original ode

Original ode

Brown University

Within border of type ornaments. Poem in five four-line stanzas. Stamped at end of text: John J. Russell.

Original ode

Original ode

Brown University

Poetry in 6 eight-line stanzas printed within border of type ornaments. To be sung to the tune: Auld lang syne. At end of text: Printed at the Jeffersonian Office, Portland. Suggested range of publication dates from internal evidence.

Original ode

Original ode

Brown University

Within border of type ornaments. Poem in five four-line stanzas. Stamped at end of text: John J. Russell.

Original mission hymn

Original mission hymn

Brown University

by Mrs. Sigourney. Within curvilinear border. Text of hymn in five four-line stanzas. Suggested range of publication dates from internal evidence.

Original hymns: anniversary, 1857

Original hymns: anniversary, 1857

Brown University

Text of three hymns for child inmates of a "Shelter Home." Text of three hymns for child inmates of a "Shelter Home." Printed in two columns divided by single line within border of type ornaments.

Original hymns sung at the tea party, at the house of Madame Gile, in Milton: February 6, 1844

Original hymns sung at the tea party, at the house of Madame Gile, in Milton: February 6, 1844

Brown University

Text of hymns implies that Madame Gile is the widow of the late pastor of the church in Milton. Text of hymns implies that Madame Gile is the widow of the late pastor of the church in Milton. Printed in two columns divided by curvilinear line within border of typw ornament sections. At end of text: Andrews, Prentiss and Studley, Printers, 4 Devonshire St., Boston.