Alice Slee
Born: 1875Death: 1956
Alice MacDonald Slee (1875-1956) was known for her work with the Buffalo Chapter of the American Red Cross during WWI and WWII as well as her dedication to the House of the Friendless serving as both as a member of the board of directors as well as treasurer. In 1946 Buffalo Business magazine named her "Frontierswoman" and in 1952 the Buffalo Evening News designated her a one of "WNY's outstanding citizens."
Both Alice Slee and her husband Frederick were devoted to music. Frederick Slee was an accomplished pianist, violinist, violist and cellist and would often perform for friends in the Slee's music room in their house on Saybrook Place in Buffalo. It was largely due to Slee's efforts along with Cameron Baird and Samuel P. Capen that the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra was formed. After Frederick's death, Alice Slee sponsored the first performance of the Beethoven Cycle in 1955 performed by the Budapest String Quartet. In a joint will, the Slees left the bulk of their estate to the University's Music Department to continue the classical string concerts. Now an annual perforance, the Slee Beethoven Cycles are very popular today.
Affiliation(s): Buffalo Connection Only, Benefactor
Record Group(s): 3, 3
Biographical File Contains:
- Obituary
- Photographs