On Oct. 24, 1969, "Beautiful Ohio" was adopted as the state's song.
The original song was about the Ohio River - not the state. The music was written in 1918 by Robert King (1862-1935). A prolific songwriter who often wrote anonymously or under a pseudonym, King used the name Mary Earl when he wrote "Beautiful Ohio."
The original lyrics were penned by Ballard MacDonald (1882-1935), who wrote songs for Broadway.
In 1989 the General Assembly adopted a change in the lyrics to focus on the land - not the river. The new lyrics, written by Youngstown lawyer Wilbert McBride, now conclude: "Beautiful Ohio, thy wonders are in view. Land where my dreams all come true!"
Rebecca Goodman
E-mail rgoodman@enquirer.com or call (513) 768-8361
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