| In 1909, the University of Minnesota was having a contest for a new football song and William T. Purdy decided that he would enter the contest. He composed the music for the song, but then ran into Carl Beck, a former University of Wisconsin student. Beck persuaded Purdy to dedicate the new song to the University of Wisconsin instead of the University of Minnesota and Beck contributed lyrics. The earliest performance of the song was on November 10, 1909 when it was sung by the University of Wisconsin Glee Club. The next day, Purdy performed the song at a giant pep rally before a the "Minnesota game." The song was an instant hit with the students and the next day the University of Wisconsin Band performed the song at the game. The legend of "On, Wisconsin" was just beginning. Among the delegates at the centennial celebration of the Battle of Lake Erie, in 1913, were Judge Charles D. Rosa and Beloit Free Press editor J. S. Hubbard. Thinking of the University of Wisconsin football song's future as an official state song and inspired by the celebration, Judge Rosa and Mr. Hubbard wrote new words more fitting for an official state song. In 1918, William Purdy sold the copyright to the song and yet another version of "On, Wisconsin" was released with words by Dr. Philip A. Forsbeck and published by Flanner-Hofsoo's Music House, Inc., Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For years "On, Wisconsin" was thought of as the song of Wisconsin, but it had never been officially proclaimed as such. In 1959, when State Representative Harold W. Clemons found out that Wisconsin was one of only ten states that had no official state song, he decided to fix the problem. Representative Clemens introduced a bill in the Legislature to make "On, Wisconsin" the official state song of Wisconsin. When it was found that different sets of lyrics were circulating for the song, the Wisconsin Legislature made sure that the adopted lyrics were included in the official text of the law. The song, "On, Wisconsin", words not attributed and music by William T. Purdy, was adopted as the official state song of Wisconsin on July 11, 1959. Governor Gaylord Nelson signed the legislation. The song that John Philip Sousa called "the finest of college marching songs" was finally made. |
On, Wisconsin! - Columbia record (A1762) played by Prince's Band State Lyrics On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin! Grand old badger state! We, thy loyal sons and daughters, Hail thee good and great. On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin! Champion of the right, "Forward!", our motto - God will give thee might! University of Wisconsin lyrics On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin! Plunge right through that line! Run the ball clear down the field, boys touchdown sure this time. (U rah rah) On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin! Fight on for her fame Fight! Badgers! - fight, fight, fight! We'll win this game. On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin! Stand up, Badgers, sing! "Forward" is our driving spirit, Loyal voices ring. On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin! Raise her glowing flame Stand, Fellows, let us now Salute her name! |
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