Stella's Place

Composed at the request of Detroit’s mayor John W. Smith. It was later declared the official march of Detroit.

PS: Michigan is the Wolverine state. The most popular origin of the nickname comes from the 1835 Toledo War between Michigan and Ohio. Since a wolverine has a reputation of being ornery, Ohioans called Michiganians “wolverines” as the two sides struggled over who owned the disputed Toledo Strip. Ohio got the Toledo strip, but Michigan got the Upper Peninsula.

Years later, the University of Michigan adopted the wolverine as its school mascot.

Wolverines are noted for their strength and cunning behavior. Wolverines hunt alone and at night. They are carnivores and are not afraid to attack larger animals like sheep, deer or even small bears. Wolverines have driven packs of wolves from their kills.

Even though it is named for the awful Washington Post, this is one of my favorite Sousa marches.

Composed for the award ceremony of an essay contest organized by The Washington Post. With President Benjamin Harrison in attendance, the march was premiered in June 1889.

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