Gertrude Martin Rohrer

Gertrude Jane Martin Rohrer (25 December 1875 – 22 January 1968) was an American author and composer who wrote many songs, including the state song of Pennsylvania, a book, and at least one operetta. She was active in several music clubs.

Rohrer was born in Indiana to Lucretia Mott McIntosh and the Reverend Daniel Cargill Martin. She graduated from Geneva College (Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania) in 1896 and her works are archived there. She married Frederick Findlay Rohrer and they had two sons, Frederick Findlay Rohrer JR. & Donald Rohrer .

Rohrer’s songs were recorded by Victor Records (BVE-3514) and Columbia Records (W148742). She belonged to the Pennsylvania Federation of Music Clubs, the Manuscript Music Society (Pittsburgh) and served as president of the Tuesday Musical Club (Pittsburgh).

Rohrer self-published some songs. Others were published by Eldridge Entertainment House Inc., G.M. Demarest, J. Fischer & Brother, the National Federation of Music Clubs, Theodore Presser Company, and Volkwein Brothers. They include:

Operetta

Playroom at Night

Vocal

“Boy of Mine”

“Home Again”

“Love’s on the Highway”

“Memories”

“My Little House” (text by Nancy B. Turner)

“Sleepy Song” (text by Charles Buxton Going)

“Soul of Song” (text by Lillie Reed Zortman)

“Your Land and My Land” (text by George M. Demarest)