Mabel Lamborn Graham, 1905-2002

Mabel Lamborn Graham's name is almost synonymous with the Akron Symphony Orchestra. It was because of her support, dedication and hard work that the Symphony celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2002.

Born Mabel Lamborn on July 13, 1905, she grew up in Alliance, Ohio, a town settled by her relatives. In 1925, she married Dr. Lawrence A. Graham, a dentist of Silver Lake.

During the earlier years, Graham was very active in the Cleveland Skating Club and was an international skating judge for many years. She also spent time as a piano teacher, spreading her love of music through instruction.

In 1949, Beacon Journal business manager John Barry presented a $500 check to Graham, with instructions to start a symphony orchestra in Akron. He only had two specifications: "Make it a union, and never give up."

Graham took those words to heart and quickly started fund-raising efforts to begin what many called her first love.

In 1952, Graham chaired a fundraiser for the Akron Symphony, the Viennese Ball. This formal affair featured music by the Denny Thompson Orchestra and the Akron Symphonette. Tickets to that first fundraiser cost $3.50 per couple, and that evening raised $1500 for the future of the orchestra. The benefit has become a tradition for the Symphony, one that still continues today.

Sue Jeppesen Gillman, Graham's friend and former Akron Symphony Guild president, was always amazed at the dedication her friend and colleague showed for the Symphony.

"She devoted a lot of time to getting it started and keeping it going," Gillman said. "She wouldn't take no for an answer, and that was a large factor in keeping the orchestra going."

Fund raising was a slow and tedious job. Originally, Graham had planned on the orchestra performing for the first time in 1951. However, the volunteers of the Greater Akron Musical Association (GAMA), the Symphony's parent organization, needed $8000 to start the symphony - money that just wasn't available.

Graham didn't give up though, continuing her efforts to keep her word to Barry. Graham's efforts finally paid off when, in 1953, the first concert by the Akron Symphony was given at Central High School -- the same orchestra that still performs regularly today.

Though another president came before her, Graham has always been regarded as the founding president of GAMA, an office which she held from 1953 - 1970.

Graham had a busy year in 1953, not only serving as president of GAMA, but also taking over the voluntary position of business manager for the Symphony.

"She was our whipcracker," Gillman said. "Mabel was a great one for getting things done."

In 1970, Graham stepped down as president of GAMA. "After 17 years, she wanted someone else to take over the reins," Gillman said. Graham retained her connection with the Symphony, earning the title of Trustee Emeritus.

The Symphony wasn't Graham's only involvement. In 1977, she was elected president of the Tuesday Musical Club. She was also an integral part of bringing the first instrumental opera performance to Akron.

Graham, a member of the First Congregational Church, died on August 4, 2002. The Akron Symphony dedicated its 2003 season to Graham for her steadfast determination and enthusiastic perseverance in the creation of the Akron musical tradition.

Photo courtesy of the Akron Symphony Orchestra.

--Jennifer Petric