Vol 9 No 4 Page 1 l The Ancient Times Published by The Company of Fifers & Drummers, Inc. H I Vol. IX No. 4 One Dollar and Twenty-Five Cents SPRING /983 46 Corps End '82 Season At Spirited Member Participation Saybrook Christmas Parade Fires-Up February Meeting by Bill PMcc Sailing Masters of 1812 of Essex mar- The Company of Fifers and Drum- names would appear on the ballot un Led by citizens carrying torcb(jghts ched smartly in their full dress uniforms. mers' Headquarters Building was the opposed: President, Eldrick Arsenault; and Drum Major Bill Reid, the Old "Duke' Terrerri and "Doc" Ferrante main topic of the meeting held at the IM Vice President, Arthur Ferrante; 2nd Saybrook Colonial Fifes & Drums step- led a swinging delegation of fifers and Stony Creek 1-!all on February 6. Vice President, Moe Schoos; Secretary, ped smartly onto that Connecticut drummers from New Jersey and one of Wm. F. Gallagher, the Company's Bill Alexander and Treasurer, Clarke shoreline community's Main Street at the largest New York area units was the Counsel had been requested to look Wilbor. More than ten names appear on 6:05 p.m. on Saturday, December 11 for William Bender Memorial Corps, led by deeper into the possible purchase of the the ballot for positions on the Executive the 13th annual Torchlight Parade, Bill's son Dave and Dave's wife. Polish Falcon's propet'ly in tvoryton, Committee and all corps arc urged to Carol Sing, Mini-Muster and all around Following the shon march down (Essex) Connecticut. Details of the pro- return their ballots with their choice of Ancient good time. Main Street, before thousands of en- perty were presented in the Ancient ten. With 46 units attending from several thusiastic onlookers, several of the corps Times Vol. IX No. J. The revised pur- A report on the National Muster in states, including a large New York and played short exhibition numbers and chase price is $65,000. dicated that the host corps, The Camden New Jersey representation. this turned after the Carol Sing there were light It has been determined that taxes, in- Continentals, is going all out to make out to be lucky 13 for Bill Reid and his refreshments at the local \chool. surance, utilities, heat, ground the 1983 National Muster an outstan hard working committee-for this wa\ When all the formal festivities had maintenance and mortgage payments ding one with good camping facilities, the second year in a row that "neither concluded, the real fifing and drum add up to nbout $800 pc, month, and plenty of jollification and- get this-a rain, nor sleet, nor snow," dampened ming began at what has become a much as it could be expected, 1hc reaction 10 steak barbeque! The Company Musters the festivit ies. looked forward to tradition-the this information ranged from pessimism Committee Chairman. Dave Boddie The festive aires of "Jingle Bells" and Jollification at the Knights of Colum- to optimism. Realistically, raising this again stressed the importance of being "Frosty the Snowman' could be heard bus Hall in Old Saybrook, where the amount doc.s not appear 10 be beyond as accurate as possible when stating the almost as much as Anciem favorites like cold brew nows until early morning and our reach. To emphasize that p0int, Pat number of people from your corps who "Yankee Doodle," "Girl I Left," and the drummers drum and fifers fife the Cooperman brought out the fact that will attend a muster. "Food costs are "Old Saybrook." last tunes of every A ncient year. $800 per month amounts 10 only twen ty- high and if the host corps over-prepare, Many of the drum majors were deck - The Old Saybrook Christmas Parade five cents per day per corps or for an based on your numbers, it could cost ed out in various assortments of holly wraps up the season for m05t units, and average corps about a penny a day per them plenty." said Boddie. leaves, wreaths, bells, and other holiday it is not until a weekend or two before member. The Company dance "ill be held on adornments. Some drum majors like St. Patrick's Day's date of March 17 Members of the audience fired ques- Saturday, May 14, 1983 at the Knights Kevin Brown, of the Ancient Mariners, that the first parades of a New Year take tions to Oallagher about where the of Columbu~ l lall in Ouilford. Rcsc, L.--...lllc~dLJ1wb11:ciJ:ir:.1uuowilL66.lW~j.1JUIL•llh£1[9:ll!llUllQJ..l...J(:llA.1J0~)C:J:<.LLhh&@ILL!- .JPWl!ilillilCG.... .llWU.:',C .llll...1tll:h!l:r.JSil:C:311:S~PllHUI.I.IU4W'C(dl .~10o..bh~eu111in11"-'0lllll------·.;_------...... - - -·.... ,____ _...... _ ...____ , · ------c-·1-,c-1_w_on__u_s_p_c_c~1a- p-,~,1.-c_l_o_r_l,.h... ci- , -u-n-i---sc--a-s_o_n_, a_n_d_ w_h_a_l w__ it_h_n_,c_c_t_in_g_s_o_f_T_H_E_" __"'bn;~"'~"''~"'~"'•~ro~'lll~7'~:~no:,,;"';ouupe-...w"1;'Tl;~rr, u'!["n"'~"'~"'~C",.,.hTI~OTqn~= .."'~i.,.~.,,~ --o""f"'""t~:'m;rr'h~7 ' ~:;;n;,mui,srr,------... quely decorated costumes in the 13th COMPANY usually set up in January, of whether or not The Company should name was volwueered by his wife, Annual Old Saybrook Christmas and a few reunions and old timers nights purchase the property, is determined by Kathy. Both are now working on the Parade. squeezed between the major holidays, a mail vote. event. With temperatures in the 30's, the fif. fifin' and drummin' is a year 'round In other business, the Nominating Betty Rudolph, formerly of lhe ing and drumming was crisp and even hobby-nor like it was in grandfathers' Committee reported that no other Charlton Militia Corps and now with th0 ugh it was an informal parade the day! nominations had been received for ad- The Sons and Daughters of Liber1y ministrative posts and the following Corps has been appointed to maintain the "Corps Pllcket". Any additions, suggestions or corrections should be sent 2nd Mini-Muster On The to Betty at RD 113, Old Stage Road, Green a Warm Success Ballston Lake, NY 12019. Applications for membership from by David Boddie 1.he Prince Wynn Colonial Fife and Orum Corps, Rockaway Beach, NY, If you had been on the New Haven York County Fife and Drum Corps, Green on December 4 you would have Yorktown, VA, and the Sons and witnessed the following: Ten Fife and Daughters of Liberty, Ballston Lake, Drum Corps presenting a mini-muster, NY were presented and approved. many people in shirt sleeves sitting on The meeting closed with the an the grass or in beach chairs and the nouncement that the April meeting wil l muster chairman announcing the muster again be held at the Fireman's Hall in in shirtsleeves. This was the kind of Mt. Kisco, NY, on April 10, 1983. weather we enjoyed for the second an nual Muster on the New Haven Green, East Greenbush, N. Y. ·Corps Coginchaug F & D Corps In their prize winning costumes at Saybrook. an event sponsored by the Chamber Or Hosts Its 6th Holly Jolly chestra of New England. Camden Continentals Prepare This year the corps were permitted to The Spirit of '76 Fyfe and Drum parade outside the green and warmed up Corps from East Greenbush hosted its for '83 National with a short march around Grove and sixth annual Holiday Jollilication, on The 1983 National Muster will be Temple Streets. Following the individual Saturday, January 8, 1983. The "Holly hosted by The Camden Continentals as form at I p.m. for the traditional pre corps performances many of the corps Jolly" as it is commonly known, was at- what is being called the "Steak and musier parade. Following the muster, stayed and took part in the ring of (continued 10 page 8) Lowenbrau Muster", as the host corps there will again be a jollification with a friendship started by the Stony Creek has stated that the muster dinner will be I a.m. curfew. Fife and Drum Corp, the last group on a Steak BBQ. Soon to follow will be maps and the stand. Other corps participating in The Watermans and their corps are directions to the muster town and an op this event were, The Germantown An going all out to make this the most portunity to take an ad in their muster cients, Olde Ripton, Marlborough, eventful National Muster yet. program. Cromwell Grenadiers, Westbrook Invitations or first alerts have been The National Muster Committee is Seniors, Sgt. Daniel Bissell, The Milford sent and ten corps, including two from rounding up· it's crew to "work' the Volunteers, Chester and the Junior Michigan, have already indicated that muster and it should be a good Colonials. they will be there. one... both the crew and the muster! Plans are already underway for the The camping area will be open Friday Don't forget the dates, J uly 29, 30 1983 event which will probably take at 8 a.m. and will close on Sunday at 12 and 31. place the Saturday after Thanksgiving. noon. The camping area will be equip If for some reason you have not Hopefully, we will be able to enlarge the ped with quality rest rooms, running received an invitation, (all Company event to include more corps. Corps in water, and showers will be available Corps must be invited) contact The terested should contact the Muster Saturday and Sunday mornings. Camden Continentals Fife and Drum Chairman, David Boddie (preferably in A jam session starting at 7 :30 and en Corps, 8864 Meadows Road, Taberg, writing). We can't promise that the ding(?) at I a.m. will start the festivitjes. NY 13471. Call days at 315-337-0320 or weather will be as balmy, but we can Midwinter Circle of Friendship at the On Saturday morning, the corps will evenings at 315-245-0125. assure you of a lot of fun. ~•East Greenbush, NY Holly Jolly. Vol 9 No 4 Page 2
Page 2 Spring 1983 The Ancient 'Rmes second-hand drums or even shells and "Who Am !?". counter hoops in the $JOO to $125 range, I am also a very loyal member of the The Ancient 1imes ii would be more than helpful. Charlton Militia Fife and Drum Corps. Published by Sizes could be preferably I 6x20, At this time, I would appreciate it Th• Company of Flftt1 & Drumm•rs I 6x 19 or I 7x20. All would be very much if you could publish my Inc. acceptable. poem, copy of which is enclosed, in the The Company of Fifers and Drummers is Any help or leads would be Ancient Times for others to see. incorporated in the state of Connecticut as a Kenneth L. France Char~able and educational, non.profit appreciated. Institution ~nd Is officially and legally Editor: Sincerely, recognized as such by the U.S. Treasury Sorry the pictures were not better, but David Davidson Dear Editor, Department. The Company's purposes are to at least there is some proof we were As a way of saying tha nks to our perpetuate the tradition of Early American Ft. Sutter F&D m~rtlal muslc, to encourage greater together. When is the next conven membership for one of the best years knowledge of the historical significance of fife tion?- Hope this doesn't die! Leitir Ceanainn ever, a nd to the Company of Fifers and and drum music and to foster the spirit of Ireland fellowship among the fifers and drummers The best to all of you out East from Drummers for its growth and expansion everywhere. us out West. to include a variety of ideas, the Board Harvey Veit Dear Friend: of Directors of the First Michigan Col Colonial F&D. of Alton I got your address from the American onial Fife and Drum Corps, has approv EDITOR ...... ' ...... Moe Schoos Embassy in Dublin. EDITORIAL STAFF ...... Ed Olsen ed subscriptions for the Ancient Times The Deanyby Fife and Drum Band, Bill Pace, Phil Truitt Dear Company of Fifers & Drummers, for all our participating families. T his ART Dlf!ECTOR ...... Bob Riley Please begin my subscription with the here, are interested in paying a visit to will, in a small way, thank our people PHOTO EDITOR .. .. Mal Hinckley fall issue of 1982, and please excuse the the States, sometime in the next two for a j ob well done this year. It will also ADVERTISING MGR ...... Neil O'Brien tardiness of the renewal due to a busy years. They range in ages from 12 to 22 serve to show our support for the paper CIRCULATION MGR...... Judy Pape schedule. years. They would like to hear of a band that continues to change and expand BUSINESS MGR ...... Moe Schoos Keep up the fine work and accurate that would be interested in having a beyond the confines of the New England CORRESPONDENT~ coverage along with the stories from all similar visit to Ireland or maybe come boundaries. We ARE interested in what NORTHEAST: Dave Boddie, Art Fer over the world. I look forward 10 receiv to the Donegal Garltacht. rante, J ack O'Brien, Ron DaSilva is happening in the rest of the Ancient Do you kow of any bands that would SOUTH: Ann Feder, Bill Krug ing each issue to read about friends and world of fifing and drumming and we have plans to come to Ireland in the next MIDWEST: Bill Baugh, Mark Logsdon new faces. wish our membership to be so inform EUROPE: Alfons Greider, Robert Goute, Thanks, two years? I would like to hear from you ed. Enclosed please find the names and Anne Marie Bruder Linda Grieten or get any information that you can give addresses of 25 families that CARE. me. Also, accept our check to cover their Ancient Times: THE ANCIENT T IMES, tht' MWSp&ptt of THE I look forward to hearing from you. new subscriptions to the Ancient Times. CO..\fPANY OF FIFERS ANO DRUMMERS, IS Thanks for the subscription renewal PUBLISHED QUARTERLY TO KEEP MEMBERS AND God Bless You, Along with this goes our best wishes for i i-IE PUBLIC INF"ORMEO ,._BOUT Anac:nt Drum Corps post card. It's a great idea.·Enclosed is Jaime T lic Niallcus continued growth and success. ~ .Mtia and subj~s rc:lt.ted Omc:to. an exira dollar to help cover the extra The nc:wapap("r mcourasrs 1tw: rtproduc,:ion of its BOR• . Arus Cholmcille With a Musical Spirit copyriJhtcd COl!lc:nt, . Bylines mun be retained and the: end.ii expense. Ard-na-g Ceapaire should read "from The Ancitnt Timu, thc: quarttrl)' Mark & Mary Logsdon newspaper of THE COMPANY OF FIF'ERS AND Ed Bednarz Doire Beag DRUMMERS.'' The oplnlona upmsed In sJ1ned articles arc: not neeusarity Leitir Ceanainn 1h0Jt" of The Aneitt11 Tl111e1. Men,ion or • prOdixt snvkc: or Dear Mr. Schoos, Tir Chonaill Dodie McGrath Joins p,oftsdor\al In our c:oful'l'l tU Is no! 10 be considc,-cd lll tr1d0rkment by THE COMPANY. Greetings from far away. Just a note Ireland Ancient Times Staff Direct t.11 mail 10 P.O. Box 311, We:Jtbfook, Ct, Send to say how much I enjoyed meeting you (The Colonial Musketeers and the Delores "Dody" McGrath, a fifer in cdito,ial material- typed double spa<:cd, upptr and lowtr cue-to Moc Schoo1. For reasons of space a lKI dari1y. and attending a K.G. rehearsal a nd to Prince Wynn Colonials have indicated the Westbrook Drum Corps and a can- mattrial may be edited. For Adl'ffli1in1, c;:onU.ct Nril O'Brkn. Dlr«1 04.her bwlncss ask for help. interest .. Ed.) didate for a position on the Company's to M~Schoos. We are currently in dire need of two Executive Committee at the coming elec- snare d rums, As we are financially Waterbury, CT. tion, has joined The Ancieni Times staff ...____ _. _ ..s"'J"'.2"'5'-"p ._.e_•~C-O.;.p~y-$4-"".oo-""'-'P•..r~) .." C~awr,_, _~_.__:::sl:.:.r.::u.!!.gg:::l:.:.in:.:!g~,:..:n.::e:.:w.:....::o.::n.::cs::..:::ar:..:e:..:O::..:U::..:l...:O::..:f:..:l:.:.h:.:e...:q!.:u:::e:::.s-__J.J.C:ai:...;:u r..;_~ ...... ------..llll"'-'.W.J..Ulll section, Jim drummed with the power- . peacefully in his sleep and was buried ful St. Anselm (B'klyn) BDC before with his sticks and a small replica of the enthusiastic supporter of the open, WWII. During the war he served with "Betsy Ross Flag." He will leave a void American style of rudimental field the Army and after his discharge join within the alumni of his fabled corps but drumming, Larry Connolly was a snare ed the 2nd Naval Battalion for a "free" it is hoped that his example will keep drummer since his boyhood days. Ac course in radio. Little did he realize that, them together in the spirit of THE tive in the NY State Drum Corps upon the outbreak of the Korean con COMPANY'S Jaybirds - for Jim was Association in the late l940's, he was a flict, he would be swept into the Navy that pursuit's strongest supporter. contemporary of Jay Tuomey, now of - (a service to which he could never Lancraft, and also formerly of the relate) - for a longer tour than he had Yonkers Oty Fife, Drum & Bugle experienced with the Army, Corps. Married, and the father of three, Following a time with Cypress Hills Connolly was a captian in the Yonkers NY's Bennett Post FDB, he joined the MUFF Sons and drummed with them from the days of their eventual recognition to the l'$ ,,.. ~:~;:;;:;;;:time of h;, ,DRUM .. bitter end. Seriously ill and hospitalized a number of times over the years, Jim died Lawrence Connolly, Sr. A NARRATIVE of the Captivity & Snare Drummer t Sufferings ofEben ezer Fletcher ofNew- N.Y.C.P. Emerald Society Pipe Band lpswich, written by himselfand publish Westchester Cty Pol. Soc. Pipe Band ed at the request of his friends. Printed Yonkers City F.D.&B. Corps by Charles Kendall. Windso,~ (Vt.) 18/3 October 22, 1982 "I, Ebenezer Fletcher, listed into the , Continental Army, in Capt. Carr's · . 1 Company, in Colonel Nathan Hale's* John Culkin, 62 ( : '\ / : Regiment, as a fifer, and joined the Ar- Snare Drummer t· / my at Ticonderoga, under the command Long Island Minutemen FDC of General Saint Clair in the Spring of November, 1982 Lawrence W. Connoly I 777, at which place 1 was stationed till A great friend of the Ancients, and an the rel reat of the Army on the 6th of Ju- Jimmy Graham, Jr. (co111i1111ed 10 page 8) Snare Drummer Sons of Liberty F.& D. Corps January 12, 1983 Jim Graham delightedly d.isplays plaque Life, Health, Disability Group Insurance George Watker, 55 awarded him - by his fellow ex-Sons Color Guard of Liberty - for his devotion to the Annuities, Pension Plans Green Mt. Regiment cause of keeping the old unit's memory February 5, 1983 alive. Personal and Busin_ess Insurance Members, Mi llion Dollar Round Table Russell Stokes, 95 Russell Stokes Organizer Members, National Association of Life Underwriters Westbrook Drum Corps Russell Stokes, 95, of Salt Island February 13, 1983 Road, died Saturday February 13 at the ,...... ______.:.,_.;;..;._.;..;.;;. ____ ...... _--i:;,.,. ... ~ .•o- - · . illi Oid Some corps continue active because of the driving force of one dedicated member or, at best, a small group of George Watker such members. More unique is the On February -S, 1983, the Green disbanded unit kept from total oblivion Mountain Regiment and the Ancients NEIL O' BRIEN by the efforts of a single, devoted once lost a good friend with the passing of member. George Watker (SS) a member of the NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE CO. Jim Graham played that role in the Color Guard of the Green Mountain shadowy ranks of Brooklyn's long Regiment. dissolved Sons of Liberty. George was an active and enthusiastic He maintained contact with most all member of the Green Mountain Regi of the former "Sons" and was as ment of the past several years and he 40 West High Street responsible for their getting together at and his son Wayne Watker, a snare East Hampton, Ct. 06424 last year's Westbrook Muster, as for drummer with the GMR, could be Bus: 267-8250 & 278-3930 organizing their initial reunion some found whenever the GMR performed. Res: 267-9742 years back. Funeral services for George were held A product of Brooklyn's Bay Ridge II in Barre, Vermont, on February 8, 1983. THE GREATEST BARGAIN IN ANCIENT RECORDS and PURE PLEASURE!! ''PRIDE and JOY'' the only live recordings of the American Bicentennial years 19 76-19 77 * Three · beautiful records 2 hours of listenin~ * The last recordings of the great Connecticut Yanks! *45 Different Tunes- Fife Solos - Drum Solos! * Full color cover and special photo Insert! * Featuring many of the finest corps ever assembled-recorded Now only $10.50 for the first time! ...postpaid! * Full money-back guarantee if not totally satisfied! Make check payable and mail to: COLONIAL MUSIC SOCIETY LTD. 16 Garabrant Street Mendham, N.J. 07945 Vol 9 No 4 Page 4 Page 4 Spring 1983 The.Ancie WINTERA In 1981, it was REALLY cold in Saybrook- Photo by Mal Hinckley "You better be good, you be,ier be nice .. .'' Pboto by Mal Hinckley But in 1982 ii was hot? They say ti.at you don't have to be crazy to be a Mariner but it helps. Photo by Mal Hinckley Coginchaug's fifers blew up a storm. Photo by Mal Hinckley Individual Member Cathy Olsen and Ancient Mariner Cannoneer George Bernard face the Frigid temperature each in bis/ her own fashion. Photo by Ed Olsen Saybrook's Christmas Torchlight Parade & Muster Prince-Wynn's Drum Major, Kevin Trudden is awed by the goings on at his first Christmas After a few years of inactivity, Rhode Island's Independent Light parade and muster. Photo by Mal Hinckley Dragoons were welcomed back at Taunton's Liberty and Union Day Parade and Muster. Photo by Mal Hinckley Vol 9 No 4 Page 5 Spring 1983 Page 5 TIVIl'IF.S I i\\ .. ;t ~\'1 . ~,~\ ..~ ~ l~~\ The Spirit of '76's drum line puts on a show at their Holly Jolly. Photo by Mal Hinckley "Santa Clause is Coming to town" ... Photo by Mal Hinckley HOLLY JOLLY CONTINENTALS FIF'E & DRUM CORPS East Greenbush, ~, N.Y. ,,,~ m 1m. NH\ YUl! K ,,G rm The Camden.Continentals' twins lei all know who they rcprc•st•nr. r 1w1u \ I=... Holly Jolly Host Drum Major Charlie Alonge leads his corps to din ner. Photo by Mal Hinckley Olde Ripton's banner in the shape of a giant Christmas stocking attracted the attention of the shoppers and par ticipants alike. Photo by Mal Hinckley Muster on the Green New Haven, Ct. e Holifield, left, and Color Guard Sgt. Sgt. Daniel Bissell adds to the color and sound on the Green. Photo ag made for the occasion by Marilyn. by Mal Hinckley Photo by Mal Hinckley Vol 9 No 4 Page 6 Page 6 Spring 1983 The Ancient 'Rmes SOUTHLAND !ICIEHTS by Ann M. Feder Corps, served as Groomsmen for their Attention, Southern corps: Please brother, and the groom's parents are, of forward any news items about your course, Bob and Mabel Painter, well corps to Ann Feder, 3842 Columbia known directors of the John Hanson Pike #l02, Arlington, VA, so that events Patriots. This was an exciting event for of more than one or two corps can fill both corps. this space. • * • These I nstruments are meticul ously • • • Patowmack Ancients recently elected John Hanson Patriots of Indian Allen Reed, who has served the Corps Crafted and are by no means a COPY or Head, Md., and the Patowmack An previously as instructor and music a Production item, the finest of Gren cients of Arlington, Va., were "joined master, to the post o f director. Avon in matrimony", so to speak, on Sept. Revilla was elected business manager - adilla Uood i s used, this SUPER JOH 11, I 982, when John Painter, Drum Ma and Ann Feder was elected treasurer. jor for John Hanson and Beverly War Cathy Amburgey is the Corps' new quQlity is used exclusively by the le rington, a fifer for the Patowmack An treasurer, with James L. Hicks, Jr., ser adi ng f·,anufacturers of Clarinets , Oboes, cients, were married at Arlington ving as quanennaster and Ross An Presbyterian Church. Denise Am drews as music master. Ross was with Piccolos,Flutes,Gagpipes,Etc.,the BO RE burgey, a Patowmack Ancients fifer, the Hanaford's Volunteers of Underhill, Vermont, before joining the Old Guard of the FIFE is OUflfiI SHE O a nd SEAL C:O , was Maid of Honor, and Christine Kuser, another P.A. fifer, was a as a drummer and signing on as an in this is due to the llea ted Tool that Bridesmaid. Andrew and Charles structor for Patowmack Ancients. Painter, drummers in the John Hanson Christine Kuser was re-elected Student draws a portion of t he Uil from the Wo od Representative to the Board. and 3E AL S it PE;([-1 AHEtHLY, t his I i·,S Ufl E:.i the TUJE in ;iny Tompe r .i ture cha nge. JERSEY JOTTINGS Ask the Person tha t ha s a FER~A RY. By Phil Truitt The Battle of Morunouth Fifes & H. [ J. FL dfl 11 fl Y All season long people have been ask- Drums are rebuilding thls year, but have ing me if the Jersey corps still are active been busy at parades throughout the 126 .Jenni s on fld. since there were no musters here last state. The corps is planning to definite- year. The answer is a most definite ly reactivate their muster in late June of Es sex, Conn. 06426 "affirmative". 1983 and plans are already under way 20:S - 767-1790 In Hacketstown, the Colonia l for that affair. Duke Terreri has been Musketeers of Ed Feeney have had an belping the drummers and the results active season in competitions and show his touch. THE GOOD LIFE TAVE ~ N fireman'sparades,buttheywereonthe Duke's St. Lucie's Fifes & Drums ,, ...i A ' 1 ou.r ~o""e. wa.y move a ll year. The corps took state Jr. looked very sharp at parades in F'r- o m HO M e '' Ancient honors and went to the Mendham and Newark. The corps is not ,______, ,::;;;...._____ .1.--..lJ L---~ ,.______..._ _ _.N..o ... r.. t ..he ... as "'- te....m~~ -·t,_,,.,,_he..__l;'._.~~i--n~is.. ~..~._.,.,th __~ .. ~d _ _ o_n~l...~ - ~-e-a_lt_h,;.y-i~n,.. n.. u_ m_ be_r~s:....,_ b_u_t _ta_I_e,_u...... a s...... i ..... _ .. judging they received, but the corps is this year. now eagerly tuning up for a return bout Mi scella neo us in the newly instituted National com I used to think the Connecticut petition that will go late in the fall. The Fireman's Convention affair was big, Musketeers were at the National Muster but New Jersey's is even larger. Many in April and also toured upstate New more units and apparatus go in Jersey, York with their fire company. but the difference is that far fewer com New Jersey Colonial Militia 0 panies hire bands. Windsor Locks' F & Down the road in Morristown, the D unit from the fire company came to New Jersey Colonial Militia has had an visit us for the Wildwood parade and i active and successful year. Muster had a warm welcome. attendances included the National We ran into the New York Ancients f Muster, Deep River, the Htintington several times during the year as they Muster and Westbrook. Civic ap came to enjoy the N.J. parades. West f pearances and parades have been Virginia's Williamsburgh F & D joined prevalent and the NJCM took two us also at two late summer parades giv t trophies plus a second place finish in the ing us a chance to jam a bit after the ; ,,.P enormous state Fireman's Convention trek. I Parade at Wildwood. I -..... - So the Ancient spirit runs high in the I -- Pete Huber has had ei Tfl(> 1\ncient 1imes Spring 1983 Page7 ,,,--~'.ct,-r-=-= -----· 't ,-,;...-;::~~..;r.:',~~';4~;,... ~.,. ,_,.,,,.r .{ f / {t__ ~ _ ...... \ ~I<~ ,'._~ \' _-.,-,.-:-:-:~s..~ ~ N --:t ' > 1 1 ., < ''A Moeller Recollection'' I I He pushed the Sherwin Williams T hat "look of Eagles" penetrated the I painter's hat further up on his forehead, steel rimmed glasses, "your left hand ( drew twice on the corn-cob pipe, then looks fine," he said, "good long '( authoritatively, but quietly said, "the posture, flexed at the wrist, don't forget, I 1"'~~ right hand stick always pivots on the lit- always "feel yourself reaching with the I tie finger." thumb and middle finger when :,laying, ~ t-S-ANF · Forgetting my recent World War II also, elbows out when you are playing tour with the U.S. Infantry, I concen- up-strokes." These few invaluable sug- trated o n this first of the series of gestions hardly topped the iceberg which refresher lessons with the "Boss" and had long been accumulated from his as in the past, silently cussed-out the teaching. Two hours of lessons then ttt81»DN "cookie jar" which Mr. Moeller just concluded with the inevitable small talk caught in my hand. and again those glances at his collection Preceding the above episode, when J of newspaper clippings including shots arrived at the Moeller's residence earlier, of his famous solo march to Boston Two Year Old Corps Joins the Company Mrs. Moeller in her usual way said, 'ja, from New York and pictures of him div- he's down in the big shop" (the base- ing through a hole cut in the Hudson The Prince-Wynn Colonial Fife and St. Camillus' Over-the-Hill Drum and mcnt). Now o nce again, the "Boss" sat River ice, while a member of the Polar Drum Corps, formed in December of Bugle Corps, she plays the drum and in front of his pupil and in his effective Bear Club. 1980 made its debut performance in trumpet. way, quietly reviewed his classic College and intensive professional May 1981 in the Broad Channel Ann O'Malley, assistant director, has methods for properly executing studies cut short my refreshers with the Memorial Day Parade. It attended its been a member of the St. Camillus rudimental drumming. "Boss" and due to those capricious first muster, the Yankee Tunesmith Drum Corps for 15 years, playing the Fleeting glances around the shop winds of responsibility and a relocation, muster, in June 1981, and by September fife and trumpet. revealed no changes, thin planks of ash I rarely saw him, subsequently save for it had won its first trophy at the St. Joseph Korber, fife instructor, is still stored in theceilingrarters awaiting a few very brief times. Strangely, his in- Camillus Band Review, being for first presently a competing member of the conversion 10 shells for his incom- fluence as a dedicated musician-teacher place, color guard. Yankee Tunesmiths. parable hand made drums, off to our craftsman, historian, and citizen con'. The corps is sponsored by the Prince Cormac Quinn, bass drum instructor left, in orderly disarray, were drum tinucs to serve as inspiration. Wynn Post 260, V.F.W. in Broad Chan is also a competing member of th; hoops, gathered gut snares, C-clamps, Fifteen years later, a final view of nel, New York Tunesmiths. leather for dog ears, glue and razor him, (via the tube), was in a New York Director, Patricia Russo, attributes Jimmy Florence, snare drum instruc- sharp chisels and other tools. Just Army Day Parade, and though heavier much of the success of the corps to the tm, is with the New York Ancients and behind us, with silent awesomeness, the of stature and marching in a Spanish- tireless efforts of her assistant director, Ahce Ott, color guard instructor, is a huge drum making machine, which Mr. American War u niform, there was no ----.u~lruc fou and 10 tho camnort ofJ h.a comoojng_mcmhcc or 1be....C.t_Cru_nil~"" TWO-PIECE CLOOS REPRODUCTION Tunable, B flat ONE-PIECE Concert Pitch CLOOSREPRO Easy third B flat Concert register, strong DEEP RIVER pitch, long Low register , .' ferrules. Easy beautiful /)' 3rd register. tone ; Ebony or Rose quality. ' wood, $25.00 ppd. Rosewood, Ebony . Or try them, then $35.00 pp buy them at Leo Brennan's, Sutler. Baroque & Irish Flutes; Tabor Pipes; Flageolettes, Antique Flutes. Send for • brochure and/ or antique INN flute list. SWEETHEART You're a stranger here but once! FLUTE CO. PHONE 526-3500 32 South Maple Street Your hosts Enfield, Conn. 06082 BERNIE & BRIDIE McKEON Telephone (203) 749-4494 18 Main Street, Deep River, Connecticut Vol 9 No 4 Page 8 Page8 The Ancient Times Nonprofit Org. P.O. Box318 U.S. POSTAGE Westbrook, CT. 06498 PAID Warwick,R.1. The Ancient 1(mes Permit No. 336 i Publbhed hr Th• Cofflpdhr df FUeN A b rumm•n. In,:, I Vol. IX No. 4 SPRING 1983 "Confederate Yankee Doodle" DID YOU KNOW .. . (I) Yankee Doodle soon found our Here are two of the eight verses: . . .The "origin" of the spirit-stirring that Bull Run was no trifle; British Grenadiers fife tune is unknown, for if the North knew how to steal, but it dates back co the 16th century. the South knew how to rifle. The al lusion to the use of hand the "Battle Hymn of the Republic", he was given an Actor Fund Allowance Yankee Doodle, doodle-doo, grenades, would then place the words or were written by Julia Ward Howe. of $5 a week! Yankee Doodle dandy, lyrics at the end of the 17th century! Chaplain Charles McCabe of I 12th . ..t hat "Bonnie Blue Flag", these 'Tis very clelr I took too much, ...When England entered into the Ohio noticed that Che words filled cond most popular song of the Con of that infernal brandy! religion of Puritanism, all music other perfectly to the camp meeting song. It federacy, was named for a blue flag with chan hymns and psalms were considered was sung before President Lincoln and one white star, as South Carolina seced (2)Yankec Doodle wheeled about profane. Even the English army had ro he rose to his feet, tears streaming down ed from the Union. The melody is the and scampered off at full run, give up the fife, which was banished his checks and asked them to sing it traditional Irish air, "The Irish Jaunting And such a race was never seen, 0 from the service and the drum-major again and called it the song that saved Car. as that he made at Bull Run. also Chen considered an unnecessary the Union. . . . that the Battle of Bull Run on Ju Yankee Doodle, doodle-doo, duly. . . . that during the Civil War, the ly 21, 1861 was the first major military Yankee Doodle dandy, . ..When archeologists excavate an- South's national anthem, "Dixie" was encounter of the Civil War and ended I haven' t time to stop just now, ciem ruins, flutes are found at the side written by a Northern Yankee, Daniel in a complete rout of the Union force. to take a drop of brandy! They made a headlong retreat back to of a skeleton o r mummy and were plac- Decatur Emmett in 1859. It was publish- For the "Green Mountain Regiment" ed there as a charm in order to guarantee ed on Manhattan Island in New York Washington. The Rebels called them Muster in Vermont on Augusc 13, 1983, rebirth, a new life after death! City. Emmett was only 15 years old "Yankee Doodles". To mimic them, the I would deem it an honor for this corps . . In the days of the Azcec empire, when he wrote "Old Dan Tucker". At Rebels had their own "Confederate to play my fife tune, "Green Moun as the slaves were senc ro have their 17, he joined the army as a fifer. Yankee Doodle" cune. Words: tain". The drum pan can be gotten hearts cue our by the high priests, they In the sixth U.S. Infantry during the Anonymous, Music: Yankee Doodle. from Ken Lemley, Deep River always played flutes so that their souls Black Hawk War, Emmett learned the would be preserved. They broke a bone drum so proficiently that he wrote the flute on each step of the temple as they first drummer's manual for the U.S. Ar- ascended! my, "Emmett's Standard Drummer." 1t,i1f Ir,fflcf ,;;;rr;:ar 1tTtritt'ii~ I(• ...t hat during the Civil War, the The Yankees often shouted out requests iHf music of the North's "Battle Hymn of for Dixie from the Rebel camp and the Republic", one of the most stirring when the Confederates requested it from 111 songs ever written, was in fact taken Northern bands, il made "Dixie" com- 11,y 1frfIIl1G-~tr1&t1p ur1&Flctff.tfffitJ(#ijnr from The Rebel South. It came from an mon property! Emmett was penniless P .S. Anyone who is or has been con- "Jay-Bird" . . . That's me, January 3, old Southern camp meeting song, "On and had ro write our copies of "Dixie" nected with a corps and has reached his 1983! C eooon'- u•--u C:a..,.. ...1 1 l (n.. ,--- a,sb><...,~in-, . .. --.r-.~- ---~ ""-~- - _::_::..:;,:,::..::_,::.:;:;_:_;:..:;:.:,,!;.:..,:.:.:=..::,::::....:.=::.:::::...:,:.::,______...... _ _. .rrpwac DJ Uy lhc Muslers Chairman ly following." YES KIDS - THERE WILL BE A MORE. Ebenezer Fletcher was severely KEEP RIVER MUSTER THIS YEAR! Of the fifteen corps contacted for par- wounded in the battle of Hubbardston, In a direct telephone conversation ticipation in the coming Boxborough after the retreat from Ticonderoga, in with Steve Tavernier, the Musters Chair- muster, only five corps have responded the year 17n, and taken prisoner by the man has learned that there will be a to the invitation. One corps declined and British at the age of I6 years; and after muster in Deep River this year at the the others have accepted. In addition, recovering in part from his wound, usual time and place. Notices and invita- th rec corps from outside of made his escape, and returned home. tions should be going out shortly, so Massachusetts have expressed a desire to "Some of the enemy were very kind; save your dollars for gas money and be a part of this event which marks the while others were very spiteful and what have you and get set to attend the anniversary of the death of the first fifer malicious. One of them came and took Annual Deep River Muster as always. to be killed in the Revolutionary War, my silver shoe buckles and left me an old BEARDED REUNION - A far cry NEW CORPS TO HOLD FIRST a Boxborough resident. The celebration pair- of brass ones and said exchange was from the old days were the hirsute MUSTER - lO CORPS WILL BE committee has asked The Company no robbery; but I thought it robbery at adornments of Danny (Hugo) Mullens INVITED Musters Committee to organize and a high rate. Another came and took off and Brian Moore as they reminisced The Young Fusiliers, a relatively new supervise the event and had requested my neck handkerchief. An old ... came about their tour with the Old Guard Fife corps from LaGrangeville, N.Y., will that all the corps come from and took my fife, which I considered as and Drum Corps where bare faces are host a ten corps muster on Saturday, Massachusetts. the greatest insult I had received while still matters of necessity. Scene was at June 11, in its first auempt at such an Because of the lack of response from with the enemy." the annual Convention of the Conn. FD event. Limited to ten corps because of the Bay Staters, the committee has open- John Scarchuk Ass'n (Durham, Aug. 7) where Dan the novelty of a muster in their area, ed the muster to out of state corps. *Nor the Covenrry Narhan Hale. He drummed with Torrington's St. Peters they hope that the attending corps will Corps wishing to attend this event was hung Sept. 22, I 776. and Brian kibitzed. put on such a grand performance that should contact the Musters Chairman, the town will enthusiastically support a Dave Boddie. The date is June 25; more larger muster in the coming years. The information will be sent to the corps Musters Committee is standing by to responding. Interested corps should rep- I !ICIEITS !CTliITIES I help as much as possible. The date again ly immediately and not later than the April 22 23 24 JOHN HANSON July 29, 30, 31 CAMDEN CONTINEN- is June 11. first of April. PATRIOTS MUSTER Indian Head MD TALS FIFE&DRUM CORPS sponsors the BOXBOROUGH MA. MUSTER For further information about Contact: Robert A. Painter, 205 india,; N~TIONAL MUSTER, in Camden, NY. Ave., Indian Head, MD 064o ( ) This 1s an OPEN muster. SHAPING UP - SEVEN CORPS musters, see the Ancient Activities 2 301 743-5836. LINED UP, ROOM FOR EIGHT Calendar. August 13 GREEN MOUNTAIN REGI It's the C?>.md.en May 14 COMPANY DANCE, Knights of MENT muster, vr. Corit·,"ent.a l& *HOLLY JOLLY Columbus Hall, Guilford, CT. Details First M1,;.~ter (continuedfrom page J) forthcoming. August 14 OLDE RIPTON FIFE & DRUM tended by the Village Volunteers of CORPS muster, Contact: May Wentz, 49 _.,,,""<'"1A- Ju.ly 29th -30th Brownson Drive, Huntington, CT 06484. 1,83 Delmar, NY, The Charlton Militia June II YOUNG FUSILIERS FIFE & Corps from Charlton, NY, The Con DRUM CORPS MUSTER, Legrangeville, NY August 20 BARTON'S RAIDERS FIFE & tinental Marines Corps also from DRUM CORPS Muster, Tiverton, RI. Con Delmar and a group of irregulars June 12 5th ANNUAL YAN KEE tact: George Levesque, 83 Evergreen Ave., ~ spearheaded by a contingent from The Tiverton, RI 02878. Camden Continentals. TUNESMITHS MUSTER, New York City. This is an OPEN muster. Contact: Ernest P. ,, Following sterling performances in ~ Kiburis, 94-16 Woodhaven Blvd., Ozone September 24 SUDBURY FIFE & DRUM side the Red Mill School gymnasium, Park, NY 11416. COMPANIE Muster at Longfellow's ~ the corps lined up and paraded to the Wayside Inn, Sudbury, MA. This muster is • Commmunity Hose Fire House where a June 25 BOXBORO, MA., Parade by INVITATION ONLY. -~ spaghetti dinner was served with all the trimmings. It is a great time and is June 26 BATTLE OF MONMOUTH FIFE ...Additional information for the Ancients Calendar should be sent to: Janice presented before a very appreciative au & DRUM CORPS Parade and Muster, Hooghkirk, 149 Leete's Island Road, 'O,.\.io~ To dience. Charlie Alonge is the Drum Ma Freehold, NJ. This is an INVITATIONAL !low Guilford, CT 06437. Please try to give the jor of the host corps and next year will muster. Contact: Regina Finn, P .0. Box 1972, Tennent, NJ 07763. date, location, type of event, whet.her or not be looking for more corps to take part it is invitational, and the name of a contact in this event. person.