Lyr Req: 'California, golden-sandaled, decked...'

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'California, golden-sandaled, decked...'
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 28 Nov 11 - 02:14 PM

From Catalogue of the Pacific Theological Seminary

From the program of The Seminary's Quarter-Centennial, Celebrated Oct. 2, 1894:

6 SEMINARY HYMN - - - J. A. Benton, D. D.
Tune, "Formosa."

California, golden sandalled,
    Decked in robes of living green,
Flashing gems are in her girdle,
    On her brow a snowy sheen.
Throned upon her hills of beauty,
    Flowers and fields before her strown,
Waves her hand in wide dominion,
    Isles and oceans are her own.

Speed the day of her redemption.
    Haste, brave heralds of the truth,
Tell ye out Life's gracious story,
    Hallow now her radiant youth,
Hail the joy of her salvation,
    Reapers, bring ye in your sheaves.
Sing of faith in love, triumphant
    O'er a realm that Christ receives.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'California, golden-sandaled, decked.
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Jun 08 - 11:44 PM

Wow, thanks, this is great!   I knew these lyrics had to be out there somewhere.   You guys are awesome!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: California Golden Sandal
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 11 Feb 08 - 11:28 PM

Here's a longer quote from Joseph Augustine Benton: In Memorial, San Francisco: "Printed for the Trustees of the Pacific Theological Seminary" 1892:

This man, who could inspire us with such glowing
words as—

California! golden-sandaled,
Decked in robes of living green,
Flashing gems are in thy girdle,
On thy brow a snowy sheen.

Bright shine thou in holy beauty,
Hallowed thy great future be!
Prospered in the sphere of duty,
Church, and school, and family.

—though dead, will never cease to speak.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: California Golden Sandal
From: Peace
Date: 10 Feb 08 - 07:37 PM

California, land of beauty,
Decked in robes of living green,
Shady trees and fragrant flowers
In thy gardens may be seen.

Fruitful fields and sparkling water--
Luscious fruit and healthy clime--
Flashing gems are in thy mountains,
With radiant brilliancy they shine.

Grandly dressed are all thy mountains
With various trees of evergreen;
Throne-like, towering towards heaven,
On their brows a snowy sheen.


from a Google of

The Golden State and Its Resources - Google Books Result

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: California Golden Sandal
From: Mick Pearce (MCP)
Date: 10 Feb 08 - 07:31 PM

I found two references, one that is almost exact; sadly they're both from restricted access Google books.

The best was from Joseph August Benton: In Memorial 1892, which had as words I could see:

  California! golden sandaled
  Decked in robes of living green
  Flashing gems are in they girdle

The other reference was three verses (IIRC) in The Golden State and Its Resources, John G Powell, reprint of 1874 edition. They didn't have the sandal, but did have:

  California, land of beauty,
  Decked in robes of living green,
  Shady trees and fragrant flowers
  In thy gardens may be seen.

Mick

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: California Golden Sandal
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 10 Feb 08 - 12:13 PM

Refreshing an old thread here. I couldn't find anything either.

Subject: RE: Song: 'California Golden Sandal'
From: Sorcha
Date: 28 Jul 01 - 07:25 PM

I'm not finding anything.......anybody else want a go?

Subject: Song: 'California Golden Sandal'
From: GUEST,Kris Norvig
Date: 28 Jul 01 - 12:27 PM

I heard my dad (who's 72) singing a song today that I had never heard. He claims it's called "California, Golden Sandal". He says in the 1930's the kids all learned it in school, and that during the '30's it was slated to become California's State song. Curiously, I could find no mention of it on the Internet. Here's what he remembers of the lyrics (and the melody sounds like it's pretty good)

California, golden sandal, Dressed in robes of living green, With a wreath about her forehead ...

Does this ring any bells with anyone? I would sure be glad for additional (or full) lyrics. Thanks!