Twilight Shadows
Encyclopedia
"When Twilight Shadows Deepen", unofficially known as "Twilight Shadows" is the University of Massachusetts Amherst
's alma mater
. It was composed by Fred D. Griggs, a 1913 graduate of the school, and trustee from 1928 until his death on December 22, 1942.
"Twilight Shadows" was the 1913 winning entry in the Interclass Singing Contest held at graduation, which began in 1910. According to Joseph B. Cobb, also of the class of 1913, Fred Griggs wrote the winning entires for 1910, 1911, and 1912 as well. The University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band
plays "Twilight Shadows" during their pregame show. It was published in a 1917 Massachusetts Agricultural College (UMASS AMHERST) book, Massachusetts Agricultural College Songs second edition, edited by Ralph J. Watts, which also included four other pieces composed by Fred D. Griggs,http://www.archive.org/details/massachusettsagr00watt Massachustts Agricultural College Songs, Page 10 and became the official alma mater, replacing a song in use since 1902, in 1962 The first edition of Massachusetts Agricultural College Songs had been published in 1912, edited by Edgar L. Ashley.
And the study hour draws nigh
When shades of night are falling
And the even'ng breezes sigh
'Tis then we love to gather
'Neath the pale moon's silv'ry spell
And lift our hearts and voices
In the songs we love so well
Sons of old Massachusetts
Devoted daughters true
Bay State, ol' Bay State
We give our best to you
Thee our alma mater
We'll cherish for all time
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
Massachusetts, yours and mine
. He was one of seven children, four boys and three girls.
Griggs graduated from the Massachusetts Agricultural College (now known as UMASS Amherst) in 1913. By the time he graduated, he had served as a student reporter for the SPRINGFIELD REPUBLICAN. While in school he lettered in track, was president of the student senate, participated in the rifle team that won the intercollegiate championship for three years, and was a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa
fraternity.
His interests covered a wide range, including participation in the drama society, Toastmasters, Y.M.C.A, the Glee Club (baritone), and was the percussionist for the orchestra, and a Music Leader for the Cadet Band. During his time at M.A.C. he composed several other songs, including a class song. Some of these are included in the same publication as "When Twilight Shadows Deepen". There is a quip in the M.A.C. class of 1913 INDEX, that Griggs autobiography would be easier to write if it was limited to "Things I have not done."
After graduation he did his graduate work at the University of Missouri School of Journalism continuing his study of Journalism and Economics.
Following his year at Missouri, he was assistant secretary and publicity agent of the Hampden County Improvement League in Massachusetts.
By 1917 he was the editor of the M.A.C. quarterly, Alumni Bulletin. Around the same time, he moved to Waltham to help organize the Middlesex County Extension Service, and later, the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation. In 1922 the House of the United States Congress listed him as Secretary of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau.
Griggs moved back to Springfield in 1925, and successfully ran for State Representative, from the fourth Hampden House District. He was reelected two years later.
Public Officials of Massachusetts 1927-28, Published By BOSTON REVIEW PUBLICITY SERVICE (Richard T. Howard) 6 Beacon Street, Boston, (9), Mass. Has the following listed for Griggs:
Massachusetts Governor Alvan T. Fuller
appointed Griggs to the Board of Trustees of the Massachusetts Agricultural College in 1928. Subsequent Governors reappointed him to the board of the school (renamed Massachusetts State College in 1931) until his death on December 22, 1942 (illness).
In the February 11, 1930 special election for the Massachusetts Second Congressional District, Griggs became the first Republican in 40 years to lose that seat in the U.S. Congress.
Beginning in 1935, Griggs was executive secretary for the Springfield Taxpayers Association, and was particularly active, through that office in municipal affiars and in constructive efforts toward improved government.
At the time of his passing he was married to Gladys M. (Hinkley) Griggs.
University of Massachusetts Amherst
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is a public research and land-grant university in Amherst, Massachusetts, United States and the flagship of the University of Massachusetts system...
's alma mater
Alma mater
Alma mater , pronounced ), was used in ancient Rome as a title for various mother goddesses, especially Ceres or Cybele, and in Christianity for the Virgin Mary.-General term:...
. It was composed by Fred D. Griggs, a 1913 graduate of the school, and trustee from 1928 until his death on December 22, 1942.
"Twilight Shadows" was the 1913 winning entry in the Interclass Singing Contest held at graduation, which began in 1910. According to Joseph B. Cobb, also of the class of 1913, Fred Griggs wrote the winning entires for 1910, 1911, and 1912 as well. The University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band
University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band
The University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band is the marching band for the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The band currently has about 352 members and was directed by George N. Parks from 1977 until his sudden death in September 2010. Assistant Thomas Hannum was named interim...
plays "Twilight Shadows" during their pregame show. It was published in a 1917 Massachusetts Agricultural College (UMASS AMHERST) book, Massachusetts Agricultural College Songs second edition, edited by Ralph J. Watts, which also included four other pieces composed by Fred D. Griggs,http://www.archive.org/details/massachusettsagr00watt Massachustts Agricultural College Songs, Page 10 and became the official alma mater, replacing a song in use since 1902, in 1962 The first edition of Massachusetts Agricultural College Songs had been published in 1912, edited by Edgar L. Ashley.
Lyrics
When twilight shadows deepenAnd the study hour draws nigh
When shades of night are falling
And the even'ng breezes sigh
'Tis then we love to gather
'Neath the pale moon's silv'ry spell
And lift our hearts and voices
In the songs we love so well
Sons of old Massachusetts
Devoted daughters true
Bay State, ol' Bay State
We give our best to you
Thee our alma mater
We'll cherish for all time
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
Massachusetts, yours and mine
Composer
Frederick David Griggs was born on November 2, 1890 in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts and graduated from Chicopee High SchoolChicopee High School
Chicopee High School is a public high school located in Chicopee, Massachusetts, United States. It serves students in grades 9 through 12. Its official school colors are maroon and gold. Its mascot is the "Pacer."-History:...
. He was one of seven children, four boys and three girls.
Griggs graduated from the Massachusetts Agricultural College (now known as UMASS Amherst) in 1913. By the time he graduated, he had served as a student reporter for the SPRINGFIELD REPUBLICAN. While in school he lettered in track, was president of the student senate, participated in the rifle team that won the intercollegiate championship for three years, and was a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa
Phi Sigma Kappa
-Phi Sigma Kappa's Creed and Cardinal Principles:The 1934 Convention in Ann Arbor brought more changes for the fraternity. Brother Stewart W. Herman of Gettysburg wrote and presented the Creed, and Brother Ralph Watts of Massachusetts drafted and presented the Cardinal Principles.-World War II:The...
fraternity.
His interests covered a wide range, including participation in the drama society, Toastmasters, Y.M.C.A, the Glee Club (baritone), and was the percussionist for the orchestra, and a Music Leader for the Cadet Band. During his time at M.A.C. he composed several other songs, including a class song. Some of these are included in the same publication as "When Twilight Shadows Deepen". There is a quip in the M.A.C. class of 1913 INDEX, that Griggs autobiography would be easier to write if it was limited to "Things I have not done."
After graduation he did his graduate work at the University of Missouri School of Journalism continuing his study of Journalism and Economics.
Following his year at Missouri, he was assistant secretary and publicity agent of the Hampden County Improvement League in Massachusetts.
By 1917 he was the editor of the M.A.C. quarterly, Alumni Bulletin. Around the same time, he moved to Waltham to help organize the Middlesex County Extension Service, and later, the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation. In 1922 the House of the United States Congress listed him as Secretary of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau.
Griggs moved back to Springfield in 1925, and successfully ran for State Representative, from the fourth Hampden House District. He was reelected two years later.
Public Officials of Massachusetts 1927-28, Published By BOSTON REVIEW PUBLICITY SERVICE (Richard T. Howard) 6 Beacon Street, Boston, (9), Mass. Has the following listed for Griggs:
- GRIGGS. FRED D., 35 Eton St., Springfield, 4th Hampden House District, Republican.
- Born : Chicopee Falls, Nov. 2, 1890.
- Educated: Public Schools, Mass. Agricultural College, University of Missouri.
-
- Business : Wholesale, Lumber and Boxes.
-
- Organizations : Springfield Chamber of Commerce, Automobile Club, Kiwanis Club, University Club, Grange.
-
- Public Office: Mass. House 1925 to 1928.
Massachusetts Governor Alvan T. Fuller
Alvan T. Fuller
Alvan Tufts Fuller was a United States Representative from Massachusetts. He became one of the wealthiest men in America, with an automobile dealership which in 1920 was recognized as "the world's most successful auto dealership." He was elected a member of the Massachusetts House of...
appointed Griggs to the Board of Trustees of the Massachusetts Agricultural College in 1928. Subsequent Governors reappointed him to the board of the school (renamed Massachusetts State College in 1931) until his death on December 22, 1942 (illness).
In the February 11, 1930 special election for the Massachusetts Second Congressional District, Griggs became the first Republican in 40 years to lose that seat in the U.S. Congress.
Beginning in 1935, Griggs was executive secretary for the Springfield Taxpayers Association, and was particularly active, through that office in municipal affiars and in constructive efforts toward improved government.
At the time of his passing he was married to Gladys M. (Hinkley) Griggs.