CONNECTION TO BUTLER COUNTY

Graham graduated from El Dorado High School with the class of 1933.  While other boys were engaged in sports, Robert’s forte was music.  He was encouraged and assisted locally in his composition work by Mabel McCarty; he was a pupil of Wesley L. Farner of Wichita.

Outstanding work in music during his high school years proved Robert to be not only an extraordinary pianist, but also a composer of remarkable ability.  Besides accommodating all who asked his assistance on programs and carrying on his schoolwork, he wrote four operas, a piano suite and a symphony.

One of the operas was presented locally during his senior year, to a large, appreciative and awed audience.  The entire county showed great support and interest in helping this young musician during this benefit given in the early days of the Depression.  Several unsolicited cash donations were made in addition to the proceeds.  His two sisters were among those in the cast of over sixty performers, and a brother helped with the scenery.

The city directory of 1931 showed that even as a youth, Robert was involved in teaching music to others in El Dorado.  At a young age, he consistently won first place in area and state music competitions.  Considered by teachers and members of the local Music Club to be a creative genius, they marveling at the ability in both composition and rendition of such a young artist.

Robert’s father, Ora Graham, was musical in his own right.  At an early age he learned to play the melodeon and was interested in recording musical sessions.  He also studied the beneficial properties of fruits, vegetables and nuts long before it was popular.  A partner with his two brothers in real estate, two streets in El Dorado bore the names of Ora and Kate.

Ora died in 1921, leaving Kate to raise their six children.  Each of the children grew up to make significant contributions in their own chosen fields, from contracting and business to football and music.


LEAVING THE AREA

A native of El Dorado, Robert left following high school graduation to study music back east.  He never again lived in this area, but came home often to visit his boyhood home.

During a visit 1971, Graham gave his entire collection of manuscripts, scrapbooks, copies of published works and other valued memorabilia to the Butler County Historical Society for safekeeping.