Clara L Scudder

Feb 25, 2022

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in 1870-1889 (Born), African Americans, Born or raised in Newark (high school or before), Entertainers, Theater and Music, Featured

1874-1930

Clara L Scudder was very accomplished on the piano and organ. She learned from her father David Scudder who was a member of Craig’s Orchestra.

She went to Scotland and Europe to play in 1901-1902 (she appears on the 1901 Scotland Census as a visitor to Mary Jane Cargill in Glasgow) and William Ashby claims she went to England as a child prodigy. She certainly appears in New York papers from 1890, when she would have been 16. She was an organist at St. Augustine Church Brooklyn likely during this time period. She was listed as an organ teacher at the St. Augustine School in Raleigh, NC in 1907-1909.

She traveled with Loudin’s Concert Company as a singer and accompanist. She was organist for 14 years at St. Philips Church in Newark. She lived in Newark from at least 1885 until the end of her life in 1930. She is listed on censuses as an organist teacher. She was also involved in the YWCA.

William Ashby wrote, “In Newark, Negroes had a distinct cultural life. Certainly its most distinguished feature was the Sunday Afternoon Lyceum. [page 13] The meetings were held on Sunday afternoon[s?]… The favorite instrumentalist was Miss Clara Scudder. She was a marvel on the piano. “

Scotland 1901 Census

Name:	Clara L Scudder
Age:	26
Estimated Birth Year:	abt 1875
Relationship:	Visitor
Gender:	Female
Where born:	USA, New York
Registration Number:	644/7
Registration district:	Blythswood
Civil parish:	Glasgow St Stephens
County:	Lanarkshire
Address:	172 Sauchichall Street
Occupation:	Fish Jubilee Singer
ED:	The Waverley Temperance Hotel