Blum, Elias 1881-1957

BLUM

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 1/19/2015 at 07:39:33

The Grinnell (IA) Herald-Register
Oct. 10, 1957

DEATH CLAIMS
ELIAS BLUM, 76,
HERE WEDNESDAY

Elias Blum, 76, widely known Grinnell musician, died at a local hospital early Wednesday morning. He had been in ill health for several months.

Memorial services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday from Herrick Chapel with the Rev. Leland Mann officiating. The James Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Born Feb. 22nd, 1881, in Hungary, he came to this country when he was 10 years old. While a boy he began to work for a Boston music company where he gained much of his musical knowledge. His talents later attracted the attention of a prominent publisher who supervised him in his musical studies.

Mr. Blum studied extensively, both in this country and abroad, and later worked with the Boston Symphony orchestra. He was appointed director of music at Whitman college in Washington in 1909 and came to Grinnell college in 1917 where he remained until 1944.

Following his retirement from Grinnell college in 1944, he taught briefly at William Penn college in Oskaloosa. Nationally prominent in musical circles, Mr. Blum was twice listed in "Who's Who."

For many years, he was the organist at the Grinnell Methodist church.

He is survived by one daughter, Elizabeth J. Blum of Chicago. His wife, Jennie preceded him in death in February, 1956.