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Dr. Andrew Lester Swinton and his wife Alma Williams Swinton served their community for over six decades in Marquette, Michigan. After meeting at Olivet College, the couple moved to Ontonagon where Andrew practiced medicine and Alma taught piano lessons and contributed to the community in various ways. Later, they moved to Marquette where Andrew continued his medical career, focusing on industrial medicine, and Alma became president of the Michigan Music Teachers Association, teaching piano to generations of students.
Renowned Doctor and Piano Teacher: The Swinton’s Legacy in U.P.
Dr. Andrew Lester Swinton devoted 62 years to the medical field in Marquette and Ontonagon. His wife Alma Williams Swinton, a talented piano teacher, left an indelible mark on music education in U.P. for over 64 years. Their contributions are fondly remembered by locals who recall visiting Dr. Swinton for school physicals or taking piano lessons from Mrs. Swinton.
Andrew Lester Swinton
Andrew Lester Swinton, born in Kansas in 1877, relocated to Calumet with his family. Alma Williams, originating from Vermontville, Michigan, was brought up in Paris, where she began her piano studies. The couple met at Olivet College, later establishing their home in Ontonagon after their wedding in 1900.
The Swinton’s immersed themselves in Ontonagon’s community life, with Dr. Swinton serving as the local health official and vice-president of the local bank, while Mrs. Swinton delved into arts and education. Mrs. Swinton’s career as a piano teacher began unexpectedly, but she embraced it, undertaking further training at the London Conservatory of Music in Calumet.
The Swinton family, including two sons, Neil and Aubrey, relocated to Marquette in 1918, where they continued their involvement in civic affairs. Dr. Swinton’s achievements included organizing mobile x-ray clinics in 1955, reaching more than 5200 people. Mrs. Swinton continued her music education, eventually becoming president of the Michigan Music Teachers Association in 1930.
Despite their travels and achievements, the Swintons faced their share of tragedies, including the loss of their younger son, Aubrey, in a canoe accident in 1932. Their commitment to community and passion for music remained steadfast throughout their lives.
Discover more about the healing power of music at the History Center’s Senior Support Series. The first event, Music as Medicine, takes place at the Marquette Regional History Center on Wednesday, February 21 at 1:30 p.m. The program, run by the Superior String Alliance Chamber Players, features an interactive live duet accompanied by a slideshow of 1909 Marquette photographs.
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