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Obit: Margaret MacArthur (1928-2006)

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Splott Man 18 May 10 - 03:39 AM
GUEST,Debbie Kwiatoski 17 May 10 - 12:35 PM
ECB 07 Jun 06 - 10:27 AM
GUEST,Paul Stamler 30 May 06 - 05:05 PM
GUEST,Paul Stamler 30 May 06 - 05:00 PM
Jeri 30 May 06 - 04:06 PM
Jeri 30 May 06 - 03:59 PM
open mike 30 May 06 - 02:41 PM
GUEST,Ellie Knickman 30 May 06 - 11:52 AM
Bill D 29 May 06 - 10:51 AM
MaineDog 29 May 06 - 09:41 AM
GUEST,brother Jim in Taos 29 May 06 - 09:29 AM
GUEST,Bro Jack 27 May 06 - 04:28 PM
black walnut 27 May 06 - 04:25 PM
kytrad (Jean Ritchie) 26 May 06 - 07:13 PM
Nancy King 25 May 06 - 09:54 PM
GUEST,Deborah Tollefson, Sonoita, Arizona 25 May 06 - 09:17 PM
Jeri 25 May 06 - 08:19 PM
GUEST,Dave and Mary Goulder 25 May 06 - 06:35 PM
GUEST,Megan MacArthur 25 May 06 - 05:25 PM
GUEST,Lorraine at work 25 May 06 - 12:54 PM
Charlie Baum 25 May 06 - 12:51 PM
GUEST,R.D. Eno 25 May 06 - 10:57 AM
kendall 25 May 06 - 04:41 AM
GUEST,Knitpick@mac.com 25 May 06 - 03:36 AM
GUEST,The Copper Family 25 May 06 - 01:25 AM
GUEST,Linda Schrade 25 May 06 - 12:45 AM
GUEST,Art Thieme 25 May 06 - 12:32 AM
karen k 24 May 06 - 09:52 PM
Desert Dancer 24 May 06 - 09:13 PM
KathWestra 24 May 06 - 08:27 PM
Sandy Paton 24 May 06 - 08:23 PM
Ferrara 24 May 06 - 07:19 PM
Bat Goddess 24 May 06 - 06:45 PM
AllisonA(Animaterra) 24 May 06 - 06:39 PM
Sorcha 24 May 06 - 06:12 PM
katlaughing 24 May 06 - 05:35 PM
GUEST,DonMeixner 24 May 06 - 05:29 PM
RoyH (Burl) 24 May 06 - 04:37 PM
GUEST,Chris S. 24 May 06 - 04:09 PM
GUEST,Julia 24 May 06 - 03:47 PM
CeltArctic 24 May 06 - 03:26 PM
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KathWestra 24 May 06 - 02:54 PM
WFDU - Ron Olesko 24 May 06 - 01:08 PM
Big Mick 24 May 06 - 11:07 AM
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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away-May 2
From: Splott Man
Date: 18 May 10 - 03:39 AM

I met Margaret once in the 70s, she was in the UK, and came to a small folk session we had at a remote youth hostel in Surrey. A charming woman with a wealth of knowledge. it was only later that I learned of her importance as a collector.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away-May 2006
From: GUEST,Debbie Kwiatoski
Date: 17 May 10 - 12:35 PM

Can't believe it's been four years since Margaret passed. Don't know why I've been thinking of her so much lately...

Dear friend and mentor, I miss you so very much. We had such a wonderful time the last time we saw you, that last concert you gave in the Hudson Valley (wasn't it the last?). Who ever could have known it would be the last time you and Ev and my family would get to gab into the night again?


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away-May 2006
From: ECB
Date: 07 Jun 06 - 10:27 AM

Beth and I will always remember the many gifts Margaret MacArthur shared with us and with our audiences. They began with her recordings to play on our radio show in the old days. Then the joy hearing her music and stories at countless festival concerts and workshops. The marvelous concerts she did at our uNi Coffeehouse series, once bringing Megan & Dan, another time introducing our audience to the special music of Dave Goulder. Finally, sharing her insights on topics ranging far beyond music as she rode back in our car from Eisteddfod NY. Margaret will be sorely missed but never forgotten in the folk music community.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away-May 2006
From: GUEST,Paul Stamler
Date: 30 May 06 - 05:05 PM

In answer to Laurel -- along with the recordings Margaret published herself, including the superb "Ballads Thrice Twisted", her first Folkways record "Folk Songs of Vermont" is available on CD-R from Smithsonian/Folkways, and individual tracks are available as downloads for $0.99 apiece.

Peace,
Paul

P.S. I've posted the lyrics to "Marlboro Merchants" in a separate thread as a tribute to Margaret. Marlboro Medley


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away-May 2006
From: GUEST,Paul Stamler
Date: 30 May 06 - 05:00 PM

Like many of those who have posted, I met Margaret only once, when she played at the Focal Point in St. Louis, but I called her a friend from that moment on, and we corresponded about various things -- mostly songs and politics -- until not long before her illness. I will miss her terribly, and am grateful for the gift she gave us all.

Peace,
Paul


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away-May 2
From: Jeri
Date: 30 May 06 - 04:06 PM

Big 'D'oh' for Jeri. The 'Ballads' CD is the subject of 'Margaret MacArthur's new and finest CD', linked to up at the top.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away-May 2
From: Jeri
Date: 30 May 06 - 03:59 PM

Margaret MacArthur web page: Recordings. Her ewest recording, Ballads Thrice Twisted got some wonderful reviews, and I seem to remember a thread on Mudcat.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away-May 2
From: open mike
Date: 30 May 06 - 02:41 PM

This woman seems to have touched so many..
Can anyone tell us (those of us who have
not had the pleasure of hearing her) if
there are any recordings of her available?

I was not able to tune in to either of those radio
shows as I jsut returned from a festival myself.

thanks for replies...also you can contact me
at veraloe@gotsky.com

Laurel (who would like to include her music in my radio show.)


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away-May 2
From: GUEST,Ellie Knickman
Date: 30 May 06 - 11:52 AM

Always hospitable, always generous, always anxious to pass on what she knew!

We loved Margaret's music. We corresponded and saw each other infrequently, but she always remembered us, even long after we left Fargo and our folk dj gig.

God bless you, Margaret, and God sustain your family and your music.

Doug Kurtze & Ellie Knickman


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away-May 2006
From: Bill D
Date: 29 May 06 - 10:51 AM

Last night, a few friends gathered in the "folk ghetto" in Silver Spring, MD for a Memorial Day cookout, and as the evening turned to music, thoughts of Margaret surfaced, as a number of us knew her. Songs were sung, including "Them Stars", "Old Green Sweater"...and as a special tribute, "Only Remembered".

Only Remembered

Up and away like the dew of the morning,
Soaring from earth to its heavenly home,
Thus would I leave from this world and its toiling:
Only remembered for what I have done.

cho: Only remembered, Only remembered,
      Only remembered for what we have done;
      Only remembered, Only remembered,
      Only remembered for what we have done.

Shall we be missed when others succeed us,
Reaping the fields we in spring time have sown?
Nay, for the sower shall pass from his labor,
Only remembered for what he has done.

Only the truth that in life we have spoken,
Only the seeds that on Earth we have sown,
These shall pass onward while we are forgotten,
Only remembered for what we have done.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away-May 2
From: MaineDog
Date: 29 May 06 - 09:41 AM

I remember first meeting Margaret at Fox Hollow. She was a wonderful singer, and an accessible person.   Many times since then our paths have crossed at concerts and events, and she always seemed to remember me, although we really didn't know each other, that's just the kind of person she was. I'm sure we'll meet again where there is no parting!

Jim


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away-May 2006
From: GUEST,brother Jim in Taos
Date: 29 May 06 - 09:29 AM

Dear Toodles, I tried to play one of your songs today, but my heart was too heavy. The vacuum will be filled by the legacy you left behind. Your children and grandchildren will carry on the folk tradtion. You and John did it right.


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Subject: Margaret MacArthur
From: GUEST,Bro Jack
Date: 27 May 06 - 04:28 PM

Out in the meadow we did mow,
Scythes swinging hillside to and fro,
   Then we all fall down,
   All fall down,
   Life's blessing
   Bundled as we grow
Out in the meadow we did toil,
Gathering harvests from the soil,
   Then we all fall down,
   All fall down,
   Life's blessing
   Covered in the snow
Out in the meadow we did dance
Children followed as we pranced
   Now we all fell down,
   All fell down,
   Life's blessings
   Bundled in her words
Here in the kitchen we prepare
The last meal for us to share,
Wondering how this day did end,
Recalling songs of our dear friend

Bro Jack
May 24, 2006


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away-May 2006
From: black walnut
Date: 27 May 06 - 04:25 PM

So glad I had a chance to hear her live not too long ago, in Toronto. She will be missed...

~b.w.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away-May 2006
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 26 May 06 - 07:13 PM

Margaret and family, Love and peace to all:

Goodbyes are so hard, but while we live,
Memories shine like gold, and all around us
   Fold us in their blessings...we take your hand
    And sing with you, in wonder and delight-
       Margaret, how grateful for having walked the world with you,
         And for the blessed times
          Our paths have crossed- I wish you could tell us
             What the next world is like! What a song to sing-
               It must be wonderful- enter in with joy!
                                                      Jean Ritchie


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away-May 2006
From: Nancy King
Date: 25 May 06 - 09:54 PM

A very sad loss indeed! I met Margaret only once, but somehow was always aware of her presence in the music. What a wonderful legacy she has left us in her songs, and what fine memories of a beautiful lady with a cheerful smile and a gentle voice. Like Jeri, I never imagined she wouldn't be around forever. My thoughts are with her family.

Nancy


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away-May 2006
From: GUEST,Deborah Tollefson, Sonoita, Arizona
Date: 25 May 06 - 09:17 PM

The news of Margaret's passing has come as a great shock to all of her dear friends in Southern Arizona. She joined our Tuesday hiking group two years ago and was much beloved by all of us. It is hard to believe that this fine lady who hiked with us just in March, who was so full of life and joy, who we were so looking forward to having join us again next year, is now gone. Oh, Margaret, how you will be missed! Your friends in love, Deb, for Molly, Faith, Edith, Ruby, Jill, Elke, Mary, Brenda, Elizabeth, Della, Rod & Marilyn, and Sally.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away-May 2
From: Jeri
Date: 25 May 06 - 08:19 PM

Margaret's June 21, 2005 performance at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage is archived at their site. Click here and search for 'macarthur'.

I remember the Niskayuna High School retreat, and I remember Margaret's infinite patience and warmth, and her love for the music. I remember the way she talked about the little harp zither, the 'MacArthur harp'. I didn't know her very well, but she was always a part of folk music for me, and I never thought she wouldn't be around forever. My condolences to Margaret's family and friends.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away-May 2006
From: GUEST,Dave and Mary Goulder
Date: 25 May 06 - 06:35 PM

We see Margaret every year on our annual trip to the US. Me (Dave) and her go back a long way, and I've always regarded her as one of my truest friends. On my early musical tours here she was so supportive, opened doors and arranged introductions, hauling me round on her own tours. I've so much to be grateful for. On my (Mary) first trip here with Dave she was so welcoming and took the time to not only tell me how pleased she was for us, but to tell Dave too. She was well aware of how important her opinion was to him. I always loved her for that support! Our sincerest wish is that she did not have to endure too much at the end and our love goes out to the whole Macarthur clan.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away-May 2006
From: GUEST,Megan MacArthur
Date: 25 May 06 - 05:25 PM

Hi everyone, and thank you for all of your sympathy and wonderful thoughts. It means a lot to our family to know she was so well loved. Please note: the obit that is posted above was intended for the local paper, and although we will welcome all of my mom's friends at the service, it is NOT a public event. Please help us to spread that word, as we really can not handle the masses.

peace to you all,
Megan


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away-May 2006
From: GUEST,Lorraine at work
Date: 25 May 06 - 12:54 PM

Such a wonderful gentle, kind and thoughtful lady. I have met her on numerous occassions through the years, often through Kath's generous invitations. One such time was following her performance at the Kennedy Center's Millinimum Stage where she was honored as a Vermont National Treasure. We gathered at Kathy home and I brought Champange. She laughed and enjoyed the bubbles with her long time friend who also lived in the area. She joyfully gave me the words and the verse that had been left out of Them Stars- and what a fine song that she had discoverd and set. So talented, wise and kind woman. I shall miss her very much. Love to her family. Such a present that I got to know her as much0or as little, as I did. Good bye Margaret.
~Lorraine


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away-May 2
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 25 May 06 - 12:51 PM

From the Brattleboro (VT) Reformer:

Folk music legend Margaret MacArthur dies
By DARRY MADDEN, Reformer Staff

Thursday, May 25

MARLBORO -- Margaret MacArthur, renowned musical historian of Vermont traditional song, died Tuesday in her home. She was 78. See obituary, Page 14.

MacArthur grew up hearing traditional folk music, first in northern Arizona, later in Missouri, then in southern California. MacArthur moved to Vermont in 1948, and devoted much of the rest of her life to collecting, recording, preserving and performing this genre.

She was the recipient of numerous awards and commendations, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Vermont Arts Council in 2002 and was named a "New England Living Art Treasure," by the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1985.

She was invited on several occasions to perform in Washington, D.C., by Vermont Sen. James Jeffords, most recently to sing at the Library of Congress and the Kennedy Center last year.

"I am deeply saddened to learn that Margaret MacArthur has passed away," Jeffords said Wednesday in an e-mail. "Margaret was a wonderful teacher, collector and performer who helped us better understand and appreciate Vermont's musical history. Liz (Jeffords) and I will not soon forget Margaret's beautiful performance at the Library of Congress last summer. Vermont is lucky to have benefited from Margaret's great work."

MacArthur moved to Newfane in 1948 when her husband John took a teaching job at Marlboro College. When she arrived, she bought two books about Vermont folk songs, the first of many she would collect.

By 1951, the couple had moved to Marlboro, and MacArthur and a friend had a weekly, live folk music show on local radio station WTSA.

In 1961, she was singing at local parties when Folkways Record Co. asked her to make a recording. While most of the songs she had been collecting were British, there was "one great, local song," she told the Reformer in a 2002 interview.

The lyrics to that song were written by a Brattleboro man and dated 1718. It indicated that it should be sung to the tune of "Black Joke."

MacArthur set the words -- lists of wares that peddlers brought into the colonial village of Marlboro -- to the tune. "The Marlboro Medley" became the backbone of her first recording, "Folksongs of Vermont."

"Now comes the Baskets & the Rakes/ Enough to supply the Thirteen States/ Besides a large pile of new made Chairs/ Pails, Pipkins & Tubs for washing and brewing/ Great wooden-platters to take up your stew in ..."

She went on to record eight more albums and compile two books, "How to Play the MacArthur Harp and All Numerical Harp-Zithers," which offered instruction starting with "Mary Had a Little Lamb," and moved on to more difficult pieces. She also authored "The Vermont Heritage Songbook," 40 songs about Vermont history, with the help of the state's schoolchildren.

MacArthur preferred not to be called an "entertainer." She called herself a "musical historian." She sang, accompanying herself on dulcimer and zither, but wanted the songs -- the stories -- to be the entertainment.

"I want (audiences) to see the songs as meaningful," she said in the 2002 interview. "It's a long thread of history."

Andy Kolovos, a folklorist and archivist at the Vermont Folklife Center, said Wednesday that there is not anyone right now who is carrying on her work in the way that MacArthur continued, in some ways, the work of Helen Hartness Flanders.

MacArthur, he said, was unique.

"She skirted that line of performer and researcher," he said.

But also, said Kolovos, "This kind of singing was deeply embedded in her family history." Contemporary folklorists like himself, said Kolovos, sometimes come at traditional art and music from a suburban background.

MacArthur was a friend of the FolkLife Center since its inception, said Kolovos.

"Our kinship with her was more than just performer and organization," said Kolovos.

In addition to collecting and performing songs, MacArthur made field recordings of Vermonters -- all this while raising five children.

Kolovos said the voices of her children could sometimes be heard in the background as she recorded someone in her kitchen. But by 1971, most of them were accompanying her in earnest; 1972's "On the Mountains High," featured he husband and all but one of her children.

She considered playing with her children one of her greatest and proudest accomplishments, she told the Reformer in 2002.

One son, John, lives in New Mexico; another, Patrick, died in 1995. But three of the children, Dan, Gary and Megan have raised their own families in Marlboro.

"She wasn't from Vermont," said Kolovos. "But she certainly is of this place."


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away-May 2006
From: GUEST,R.D. Eno
Date: 25 May 06 - 10:57 AM

Margaret snatched the old songs of Vermont from the brink of oblivion -- the tradition had practically died away like the lost languages of so many native peoples. But she did more than sing them; Margaret represented their spirit in her spirit, in her person. Looking out my window at our hills in their new greens like children freshly dressed after their bath, I think of Margaret glowing with pleasure to be among us. When I wave to my neighbors on the road or stop to visit with them outside the store or the post office or salute their forebears as I pass them in the graveyard, Margaret comes to mind, holding Vermont's lyrical heritage cupped in her hands for protection. Margaret wasn't born here, but she adopted Vermont and lived up to its best nature and reflected it and gave it voice, and every Vermonter, born or adoptive, who met or heard her her recognized the best of Vermont in her. She made us no longer strangers to each other, and I hope her wonderful family will forgive me for thinking of her as the State Mom. I hope we're living up to her, or trying to, and that her memory will be a blessing to us all.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away-May 2006
From: kendall
Date: 25 May 06 - 04:41 AM

Jacqui and I are in "Old Blighty" and we just saw the obit for Margaret. This is indeed sad news.

I first met Margaret in 1969 at a party aT GORDON BOK'S house along with a group of folkies. Some how I ended up with a heated room to sleep, and Margaret had on the was not heated. It was mid winter, and I offered to switch rooms with her. I'll never forget her reply: "Don't worry about me, I'm from Vermont" That says so much for the character of this fine lady. She will be sorely missed.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away-May 2006
From: GUEST,Knitpick@mac.com
Date: 25 May 06 - 03:36 AM

I am so sadden by Margaret's passing. What a wonderful person, so warm and open and giving to all who were privileged to meet and know her. I always think of her when I sing the song "Old Green Sweater," of her singing it to me, and then into my recorder, so that I could learn it -- a wonderful song for a knitter to sing!

And such songs she passed on, found, for all of us. My heart goes out to her family.

jennifer woods in DC


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away-May 2
From: GUEST,The Copper Family
Date: 25 May 06 - 01:25 AM

Sweet Margaret. We met her several times in the USA and also over here in England. A charming, self effacing and dignified woman who became an instant friend to us all. Her music was woven into her so completely which is why, I guess, we got on so well. And then her deep love of family...there were many parallels. We can only imagine the sense of loss they must feel. If anyone is in touch please transmit the sentiments of condolence and heart filled sympathy we feel from over here. It was a privelege to know her.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away-May 2006
From: GUEST,Linda Schrade
Date: 25 May 06 - 12:45 AM

I met Margaret in the early 70's at Fox Hollow Folk Festival. I loved her the moment i met her. Such beautiful rosy cheeks, wonderful smile and wit and a knowledge of music that I had just begun to learn and love. She told incredible stories each time she sang.It was a beautiful time and I will always remember you Margaret. love, linda


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away-May 2006
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 25 May 06 - 12:32 AM

So very sad. Nothing but wonderful memories. My condolences!

Karen, I will resurrect the thread about the BIRD ROCKS that ran here at Mudcat for quite a while. Please watch for it.

Art Thieme


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away-May 2006
From: karen k
Date: 24 May 06 - 09:52 PM

Years ago, sometime in the 70's, I heard Margaret sing a song called Bird Rocks. I asked her for it and she graciously sent it to me with both the words and the music. I've sung it several times over the years. Last year at Old Songs Margaret told me that she had recently sung Bird Rocks in a concert. She then told me that while she was singing the song she thought of me. That really touched me and is something I will never forget. But that is the kind of person Margaret was. She was a treasure and my life is better for having known her.

My condolences to Margaret's family. Margaret, rest in peace. Say hello to Helen and all our other friends up there. Always keep singing. Thank you for the friendship and the songs.

love,
karen kobela


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away-May 2
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 24 May 06 - 09:13 PM

Two members of Ballad-L posted these notes about upcoming radio shows that will feature Margaret's music:

Paul Stamler, www.kdhx.org: Sunday, beginning at 2:00 pm central daylight time.

"Margaret was a dear. Her smile could raise the sun at midnight. Last June she performed at the Library of Congress and I'll be including selections from that concert on my show this Saturday, some time between 8 pm & 1 am." -- Mary Cliff, TRADITIONS, WETA Radio - 90.9fm, Washington DC & WETH, 89.1fm, Hagerstown, MD & streaming at www.weta.org/fm.

~ Becky in Tucson


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away
From: KathWestra
Date: 24 May 06 - 08:27 PM

One of my favorite songs of Margaret's was "Them Stars," a wonderful cowboy poem she unearthed in a Colorado archive and for which she set a terrific tune. I will imagine her now as one of those stars "glimmering at sixes and sevens" on every clear night. Shine on, dear Margaret. Kathy

The following obituary was posted today on the public sector folklorists' listserv. It originated with the Vermont Folklife Center, which is the designated beneficiary of memorial donations in Margaret's name:

Margaret MacArthur

Margaret C. MacArthur, 78, of Marlboro [Vermont] died Tuesday, May 23rd at home after a short illness. She was born in Chicago and lived throughout the United States while growing up. At the age of 16 she attended the University of Chicago where she met John, her husband of almost 60 years. They moved to Newfane in 1948, started a family and moved to their farm in Marlboro in 1951.

    It was while living in Missouri as a child that she first started hearing the mountain ballads that were to become her life long passion. As she raised her family in Vermont her interest in the old songs continued to grow, especially songs that told stories of times past. She devoted much of the rest of her life to collecting, singing and recording these songs, as well as writing and performing songs of her own about New England folk life.

    For her work with preserving the oral traditions she received many awards during her lifetime, including being designated a New England Living Art Treasure in 1985, being presented with a Senate Tribute by Jim Jeffords in 1997, and, most recently, being invited to sing at the Library of Congress and the Kennedy Center in 2005. When Margaret wasn't on the road performing she was mass producing her phenomenal home made bread, working in her beautiful gardens and living the simple life.

    Besides her husband John of Marlboro she leaves four children,
Johnny, of New Mexico, Dan, Gary and Megan of Marlboro, six
grandchildren, and three siblings, Jim, Jack, and Sally of New Mexico. She was predeceased by a son Patrick in 1995.

    The family will hold a memorial celebration June 11th from 2:00 to 5:00 at the family farm in Marlboro - family friends are invited to bring a special bread and a memory. Donations in Margaret's name may be sent to the Vermont Folk Life Center, Margaret MacArthur Collection P.O. Box 442 Middlebury 05753, to help preserve and perpetuate her work with Vermont folk songs.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 24 May 06 - 08:23 PM

The flags of the State of Vermont, if not the entire nation, should be at half-mast. She was truly a national treasure. She will live on, though, through her wonderful family and through the music she has given to all of us.
    Sandy and Caroline


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away
From: Ferrara
Date: 24 May 06 - 07:19 PM

Oooohhhhh.... We will miss her so much....

Kath, thank you for your very sweet post about her last days. A hospice nurse once told me that people die the way they live. So true in this case.

Oh, we will miss you, lovely Margaret, we will miss you.

Rita


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 24 May 06 - 06:45 PM

How sad, how unfair, and what a loss. I have no words.

But her music and her research and her legacy will definitely live on.

She influenced so many of us. I'm privileged to have known her although not that well.

Her presence will be missed.

Linn


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 24 May 06 - 06:39 PM

Go in peace, Margaret.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away
From: Sorcha
Date: 24 May 06 - 06:12 PM

My condolences....at least she didn't have to suffer long.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 May 06 - 05:35 PM

There are too many of them leaving us these days. I am glad they have left legacies, but what losses, regardless.

My best thoughts to her family and friends,

kat


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away
From: GUEST,DonMeixner
Date: 24 May 06 - 05:29 PM

Many years ago Margaret played at a Coffee House I was a part of Auburn, NY. She was on stage playing, "The Hills of Dover" and she notice my future wfe sitting next to me working on a quilt. When she finished the song she spent a few minutes discussing quilting with my wife.
During the break she let me mess about with her now famous Barn Harp while she and Cindy swapped quilt patterns or stitches or whatever those quilters will do.
Pleasant memories, a sad loss.

Don


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 24 May 06 - 04:37 PM

I feel honoured and grateful to have known Margaret MacArthur. I have admired her music and her attitude to life for many years. A visit with her family at sugaring time in Vermont is one of my treasured memories.   All who knew her will miss her and her lovely music. We have her recordings, and the singing of the many who were inspired by her, so the legacy lives on. Rest Peacefully dear Margaret. Thank you for your music, and your presence among us. My deepest sympathy to her husband and family.
Roy Harris.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away
From: GUEST,Chris S.
Date: 24 May 06 - 04:09 PM

Margaret now sings among the saints. May her music now and forever enrich the heavenly band.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away
From: GUEST,Julia
Date: 24 May 06 - 03:47 PM

What a blessing she was to all of us- so much would have been lost but for her! Raise a song in her honor- she sings on in our voices.

Julia Lane


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away
From: CeltArctic
Date: 24 May 06 - 03:26 PM

I feel blessed to have known her. I wish I had been able to meet her more often. Thankfully, the Internet allowed us to keep in touch, but it isn't the same.

I always feel a profound sorrow when someone I consider an elder has died. By that I mean someone who is an invaluable source of ballads, stories and knowledge. People like Margaret always seem to leave a tremendous vaccuum in their wake.

I realize there are always people who carry on the traditions - at least, there are in Margaret's case - but nevertheless...

Moira Cameron


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away
From: Amos
Date: 24 May 06 - 03:10 PM

She was a jewel. May she continue in happiness.


A


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away
From: KathWestra
Date: 24 May 06 - 02:54 PM

Margaret's struggle was, blessedly, very brief. From her diagnosis with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease a little over a week ago, to her peaceful passing between 9:30 and 9:45 p.m. on Tuesday evening, May 23, Margaret was at home in Vermont on the farm she loved, surrounded by her husband, her children, and her grandchildren. Her family was with her--and singing for her--to the end.

My heart is filled with sadness that I will never see Margaret again, but she will remain a warm part of many cherished memories, both musical and personal. What a wonderful woman. She lived her truth, and touched so many. Kathy


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 24 May 06 - 01:08 PM

She will not be forgotten. She left a wonderful legacy. My condolences to her family. We will all miss you Margaret and cherish our memories of you.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away
From: Big Mick
Date: 24 May 06 - 11:07 AM

What can one say? If we look only at her leaving then surely we are sad. The world seems not as bright. But when we look at the candles she lit, the folks that she inspired, and add the light of friendship she brought to so many, then we know surely that she left this world much brighter than what she found it. Well done, Margaret MacArthur, well done.

God be good to her,

Mick Lane


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away
From: SunnySister
Date: 24 May 06 - 11:04 AM

I'm so sorry to hear this and worse, that she had to suffer before passing. The world has lost another bright light that was so very much needed.

- SunnySister


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 24 May 06 - 10:59 AM

What terrible news. She was one of the finest, and will be well remembered.

Dan Schatz


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away
From: catspaw49
Date: 24 May 06 - 10:55 AM

My best thoughts.....a true loss to the world.

Spaw


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Subject: RE: Obit: Margaret MacArthur has passed away
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 May 06 - 10:53 AM

My condolences to her family and all who loved her; her long, hard struggle is ended and she is at rest now.

~Susan


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