The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-06-04

Today we present word pie ture of a neighbor who is perhaps more closely associated with music than any woman in Waterbury. She Is Mrs. Marjorie Soper Nash Nuhn. There is probably no one in this city who has not, at some time heard Mrs. Nuhn sing, and no one who has had this pleasure has failed to be thrilled by the silvery quality of her beautiful voice. Many of Us who know her and appreciate her great musi- cianship are not aware of the fact that she had a long and varied career in the field of musical art. This biography will unfold an in- teresting tale of a truly great artist.
 It was on Memorial day, not so long ago that daughter Mar jorie was born to Harry A. and Ada Bingham Soper in Naugatuck. Tho young lady came to her mu- Sical talents naturally, her father being interested in music as a hobby and being very active in the affairs of several amateur light opera groups in and around Naug- atuck. Her mothers brother, Seth Bingham was organist at the Madison Avenue Presbyterian church in New York and taught several courses in music at Co., lumbia University. One of her great grand fathers taught math- ematics and music at Williams college.
 When she was but seven years old, Marjorie began her study of music under the expert tutelage Of her Uncle Seth. She was in the grammar schools of Naugatuck at that time, and shortly after enter ing high school she began the study of voice under the late Lilla Wigmorc Squire, one of the out- standing local teachers of the day. Later she continued her advanced studies under Harry Ludlow Cook, who was organist at the Naug- atuck Congregational church for years.
 Upon her graduation from Naugatuck High school in 1912, the present Mrs. Nuhn enrolled n a secrctarial course at Simmons college in Boston. While in the Massachusetts metropolis, she studied under Mabel w. Daniel, we'll known composer and director of the choir and glec club at the college. During her student days, Marjorie Soper did & great deal of singing at school affairs and also did considerable work in the churches and womens clubs in and around Boston. It's inter- csting to note that since her graduation, Mrs. Nuhn returns to Simmons college to sing at com mencement, and Shc is now Q member of the corporation of the college.
 After her graduation she re- turned to Waterbury and found employment as a secretary in the offices of Hugh L. Thompson, Con- sultant engineer. Tn addition to outside engagements. she had Q regular singing position at Christ Episcopal church in Watertown.
 On May 24th, 1918 she gave her first public recital in Waterbury. That memorable event took place in Temple hall and it's interesting to note that she has sung there good many times since and gets lust as much of thrill as she did on that first evening. Just 0 few days later, on her birthday, May 30th, 1918, Marjorie Soper mar ried Samuel E. Nash. Not long after that, Mir. Nash answered the call to colors. He served over seas and received his commission as Q lieutenant at the Bandmas- ters and Musicians school in Paris. During the war she directed com munity singing in Watertown and did a great deal of work as a so- loist entertaining the soldiers at Camp Devens and in Garden City, Long Island. I nthe fall of 1918, our neighbor went to New York to take up secretarial work and to continue her studying. We iind her doing Q great deal Of singing there too, and making many friends In the musical world.
 In August. 1920. not long after her husbands return from France she and Mr. Nash moved to New Hampshire for his health. Under her careful nursing and aided greatly by the country air of New England. Mr. Nash recovered ana soon obtained q position as head master at the Newark academy, school for boys at Newark. W. J.
 On June 20th. l022. . son Lewis was born to Mir. and Mrs. Nash. He's living here in Waterbury a.a NnA'A