The Ancient Times I

Vol 9 No 1 Page 1

,· The Ancient Times I -. Published by The Company of Filers & Drummers, Inc. Vol. IX No.1 SUMMER 1982 NATIONAL MUSTER IN INDIAN HEAD OPENS '82 SEASON- SPIRIT AND SPECIAL MASS FOR MIKE CHIODO FEATURED ''Long'' John McGuire, Jim John Hanson Patriots Lay Out Red Carpet for Corps from 8 States Colleran Honored By Lancraft By Phil T ruitt the c rimson clad John Hanson corps off the mark. In their wake came the Long By Bill Pace When you ha, e had the pleasure of en ago, was on hand. "Sig" like Earl Sturtz island Minutemen, the Powtomack An The usual festive air that always per· and many of th joying the hospitality or Bob and ~abel e panicipanis had been cients from Alexandria, Virginia, the vades L.ancraft's Oldtimer's Night was sub Painter, John Willet and the rest of the previou~ly honored as L.ancrofl Men of the Yankee Tunesmiths and the Village dued on Thursday evening April 29 as Year. John Hanson organization. the annual trek Volunteers from New York. Connecticut's fifers and drummers gathered to ho nor F.X. O'Connell, a former Lanc to Maryland each Spring is eagerly raft fifer delegation brought out Samuel Comstock their own. One of the honorees, "Long' ' and past president awaited. The Painters arc masters of those of the <'FDA, presented F & D, Ray Arnow's Milford Volunteers. John McGuire had passed away only day~ his Man of the Year Plaque special touches and cons,derations that to Lancrart the Westbrook Orum Corps. Olde Ripton before (see story in Muffled Drum). along make everybody feel "elcome and ready with his CFDA prc,,idcnt's medal for F & D. the Deep Ri,er Seniors and the Several Lancrafiers and invited gue5ts had 10 put forth an extra effon. The weekend permanent display in the trophy case. Nutmeg Volunteers in a solid traditional stopped in New Haven 10 of April 23rd-25th brought 19 corps from pay their respects Eldrick Arsenault was master of performance. 10 the gracious "Long" John before eight states 10 the eastern shore of tlte driv ceremonies for the evening and Lancraft The Andrew Lewis Volunteers from ing 10 Potomac, whose landscape was brightly ar the Nonh Haven Club. President and bass drummer. Joe Patton Williamsbu,g proudly and ably represented Despite their loss, the men of Lancraft rayed 111 a full dress of Spring blossom,. bid everyone a special welcome. West Virginia a, the al"ays cnjO)'able Ne" were most cordial to their invited guests The occasion was the National Muster of Jimmy Colleran accepted his engraved Ark F & D. under Mary Osborne which included immediate Past The Company - the first

1/ie 1lncient Times SUMMER1982

entertain the tourists. Dear Editor: ing campgrounas to 10 be able to attend This letter was scheduled 10 be written We sure would like the First Annual Convention of "The last fall at the end of our season; however, Tfie Ancient 1fmes at Burlington, VT this sum things being as lhey arc and my being a Company" mer, but, being in a tourist area and with P■bllshcd by procrastinator, it is now being written this majority of our members involved in ne Company of Flfen & Dn1mmen spring at the beginning ofour 1982 season. a tourist businesses, summertime is when we Inc. Have been awfully glad 10 get the copies have to stay home and work. We do ap and Drummers Is of The Ancient Times albeit a litlle ir The Company of Fifers preciate all the invitations to musters incorporated In the state of Connecticut as a regular, as this is really our only contact and hope those who send them out cnantable and edueatlonal. non-profit Dear Editor: with the world of Fifers and Drummers. received instltutoon and is officially and legally I am in the marke1 for a good used bass understand why we never show up. Besides Treasury We sympathize with Mr. Heckathorne recognized as such by the U.S. drum. Since my snare drum is made by 1he most musters being in the summer, the Department. The Company·s purposes are to down in Pasadena. Texas, who is also sort ap 11 distance is also something to consider. perpetuate the tradition of Early American Eames Orum Company, I would of a loner." enclosing a picture of our corps martial music. to encourage greater preciate finding a bass drum made by 1he Isolated or not, our Hill City Fife and Am of fife last summer. We knowledge of !he hlstoric

SUMMER 1982 The Ancient Times Pqe3

corps and their wives for dinner in a nice restaurant . 11 Ahhhh ,0 he'd say, "This is the life." Or when the corps would adjourn to the Lancraft clubhouse for an after parade party with all the members' families, Bill Liebe sitting down at the piano and Long John leading the singing. These were among the most golden times for him. For us all. By BILL KRUG It's ironic that he died only a day or so George llurch, I 7; Thomas McUonougn, before he was 10 have been honored as 17; George Eubank, 16; Frederick Harris, The First Regiment, Virginia Infantry, Man of the Year jointly with his good 17; Henry Hardester, with the Richmond friend of many years and fellow Lancraft on May 3rd, 18ffi enlisted Smith's Armory Band and also provided for the formation Grays_a_1 Norfolk, 17; James W. Strang, member Jim Colleran at the corps annual 17; W1lheStreet, 15; Henry Solomons 16· Old Timers' Night. His passing came so of a fife and drum corps for the regiment. and William F. Sweeney, 17. ' ' close upon the actual date that it was im The Drum Major chosen was Sgt. Charles R.M. PohleofCompany K of the Virginia In the First Regiment history, Charles possible to notify all those invited of a Loehr recalled that "our fine Band and Rines. Charles was the only son of General cancellation out of respect for Long John, F_ife and Drum Corps added 10 the an occurrenoe he would have deplored Carl Gotlieb Von Pohle, Military Gover nor of Mayence in the city of Delitzsch display," when the Regiment appeared on anyway._ His first thought always was, and Dress Parade. The Corps continued to play unquestionably would have been. "Have near Leipzig, Prussia. • Sgt. Rudolph Maximillian Von Pohle their part now and then in the Virginia fun, guys." And sure enough we did men's fighting. In October, 1861 the Oliver Fred Bengtson 93 was born on April 17, 1821 and came to despite the certain heaviness in all ou; muster rolls ratect the Corps military ap the United States in 1844. A t first he was Middletown FDC hearts at the loss of his buoyant and in pearance as "nol very good" . at this time an actor with thcGerman theatre at Palm's vigorating presence among us. the Corps was in want of jackets and pants. April 8, 1982 Opera House in New York City. ln May Born June 24, 1919 in New Haven, Long T he nine musicians then comprising the 1846, he enlisted in Captain William H. John started in drum corps in 1929 as a first Regiment Fife and Drum Corps were snare drummer in the St. Francis Jr. Fife Duff's Hussar Troop, New York State Ar discharged in the summer of 1862 by order & Drum Corps of that city where· he tiHery altached to the Sixth Brigade, First of the Secretary of War. John P. McGuire 63 studied drumming with the great Dan D1v1s1on of Artillery, N. Y. S1a1c Militia. . He later served as a musician in the U.S. English. His brothers Jim and Joe also I' ll miss Mike Chiodo and his unselfish Drum Major Navy and was discharged from the USS belonged to St. Francis, though not all at dedication - he was like a father to me Lancraft FDC the same time. A great many others on the Pennsylvania on August 12, 1852. Bill Krug Lancraft roster through the years were Following his discharge he was con April 26, 1982 alumni of that school's drum corps. Long nected with the Medical College in Rich John joined Lancraft as a snare drummer mond, Virginia and in 1856 worked as a in 1937 and later switched to rudimental painter at the Tredegar Locomotive bass, winning the Northeastern- States in Works. For many years, Pohle was a LONG JOHN McGUIRE dividual championship in that catego;y on member of the Richmond Cornet Band at least one occasion in the early. J940 's, which often paraded with the militia com before succeeding Sig Hellstrom, who panies j n that city. Charles was also a Mild, genial and salubrious like the retired after 39 yeaFS as Lancraft's drum violinist and an inventor. His final years climate of Ireland was Long John major. Thus, for the past. 65 years only were spent in the Confederate Soldier's McGuire, Drum Major of the Lancraft these two men have held that position in Home in Rkhmond. Ancient Fife and Drum Corps since J 956 the venerable corps founded in J888. : · Just before the war, The Daily Dispatch, and a member from 1937. During World War II Joh·n entered the on November 14, 1859, reported - "A ; Long John died April 27, 1982 follow U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942, transferred drum corps has at great length been form- These instruments are meticulously ing a lengthy stay at the Yale-New Haveri to an lnfant,:y unit in '44 and served in the cd for the Regiment with C.R.M. Pohle as Crafted and are by no means a COPY j~ Infirmary where his loving wife, Peg, re Philippines. UPOn his dischar.11e in 1946 he Drum Major." Presumably, these musi- or a Produaion item, the finest of mained constantly at his side and his son, cians were from the volunteer militia com-Grenadilla Wood is used, t his , Jack, and other members of the immediate panies which usually included drummers SUPERIOR quality is used exclusive- ~ family, along with a number of close

~~~~ a.1.1.... _,. ' friAod.a WN'AwahlAIO ha wilh him frao1utntl --• ~nda.f_if1 -~------"'"ly'""'"~:uy' ,~.:!,_'~~~'.~!~ ~1r_s_o_f_ .____ .... the ompany; a ter Moriarty, Jim Col• a visit to White Sulphur Springs. The r I t 1e 1 rom t 1c oo an Jeran, Hugh Quigley and Bill Liebe. Dispatch also announced that the fife and SEALS it PERMANENTLY, this IN The nurses and other staff people at the drum corps wanted 12 boys over sixteen SURES the TONE in any infirmary, who had known Long John as years of age. Most of the original members Temperature change. a superintendent of maintenance at Yale of the corps were apparently too young to Ask the Person that has a University, were so fond of him and so im enter military service. On May 25, 1861, FERRARY. pressed with his gallant, uncomplaining the fife and drum corps was mustered for good humor and well aware that his six one year on the day that the First Regiment H. ED. FERRARY foot six inch frame was such a familiar left for Manassas Junction. The corps 126 Dennison Rd. figure in countless New Haven parades, members and their ages were: Sgt. Major Essex, Conn. 06426 had planned to have him participate in the C.R.M. Pohle, 40; Frank Bannon, 16; 203-767-1790 recent St. Patrick's day parade via an am Alexander Berry, 17; William Bolton, 15; bulance directly in front of his beloved Lancraft corps. Long John didn't get to make that par ticular trip but events were to occur which would engrave that day, by his own ac count, as one of the most memorable in his long and distinguished drum corps career. As they left the line of march at Grove and DEEP RIVER Orange Streets concluding the scheduled event, Lane.raft, Stony Creek, the Ancient Mariners and the New Haven Police Dept. Emerald Society formed their own parade up Hillhouse St. to the front lawn of the returned straightaway to active participa infirmary building. The nurses arranged to tion in Lancraft. He was a Past President have Long John sitting in a wheelchair in of the corps in addition 10 holding other the lobby where .be could enjoy the con offices. For the last 5 years was business cert the massed corps put on for him and manager, and for a number of years made afterward to delight in reo,,iving all of the it his personal responsibility to be, along assembled corps members who filed in to with Walter Moriarty and Eldrick visit him. Arsenault, among the principal caretakers Everyone in Lancraft aereed that it was of the corps clubhouse and property. And an occasion which would live indelibly in this he did, as with every task Long John their hearts and that the bonds of affec McGuire ever undertook in life, whole tion always fck for Stony Creek and the INN heartedly, with exemplary vigor and cheer Mariners over many y= were profoundly fulness. As his brother Joe commented renewed and invigorated that day by their "The Good Lord finally discovered An warm tribute to an old friend. cient Fife and Drum Corps; He had to have You're a stranger here but once! No Pollyarma or saint, Long John could a Drum Major, so he called Long John." get his Irish up occasionally as he would when some errant colleague in the corps PHONE 526-3500 would periodically seek to modify one or another time honored Lancraft tradition. SUBSCRIBE TO No way were they to violate the ground I rules with Long John up front. . ;THE ANCIENT TIMES He was, nevertheless, a devout Catholic, l YR. $4.00 Your hosts devoted family man, a gentle giant not 2 YRS. $7.00 given to excesses but who enjoyed simple BERNIE & BRIDIE McKEON 3 YRS. $9.00 pleasures, quietly yet fully. Lord, how he 188 Main St. exulted in a good parade or muster perfor P.O. BOX 318 mance by the corps, the camaraderie out Deep River, Ct. on the field and the music. Then, after all WESTBROOK, CT. the shouting had died down, to get together with a number of old friends from drum 06498 Vol 9 No 1 Page 4

Page4 11ie Ancient Times SUMMER1982

NATIONAL MUSTER 1982 INDIAN HEAD, MARYLAND

Father Gade and Mable Painter welcome the corps following the Friday e,ening Torchlight Parade... John Hanson Indians in background bow lheir beads during prayer. Mal Hinckley

The Big Guns al work. Announcer John Gallagher, John Hanson Orum Major John Painter, Muster Master Bob Painter, Aide de Camp, John Willetl and Company Musters Chairman Oa,e Boddie at lhe announcer's table. Mal Hinckley

. . ~ ~ Ste>e Phipps, Old Guard Drum Major In mum before the muster. Can that be lhe "Detail, Hah!" The Colonial Musketeers Color Guard from Hacketstown, N .J. display their precision. Phil Truitt

The "Prez0 mans 'Ille Company Store. .. "Hey, you, come here and give me a hand." Phil Truitt LANCRAFT'S 1 ,, TIMERSNIG:

Ed Ferrari looks over the wares at the An cient Flea Markel. Wall Rynkcwicz and wife Connie explain the. virtues of 211 item to two prospective buyers. Phil Truitt

The Westbrook Drum Corps in Ancient repose-It's been a long trip. Honored as the oldest of Phil Truitt Old Timers was Frank Benh 91 years of age. A membe the old Bethel (Conn.) Co Frank admitted to ha• played bass "like him," dicating Swat Saum... "I' The Duke of Terreri looks over his do better than him!" he ac main with a critical eye. upon abrupt reconsiderali, Mal Hintkley F.d Vol 9 No 1 Page 5

SUMMER1982 The r\ncient Times Pages

A group from John Hanson's Patriots lead the pr-Ion for the Saturday evening Mass Saturday Mass was held "ith Bishop Thomas Lyons of the Arch Diocese of Washington on lhe Muster Field. officiating. The Mass was In memory of Mike Chiodo. Mal Hinckley Mal Hinckley

Howard Schoonmaker- of Andrew Lems F&D, Ed Ferrari of Ferniri Fife, Tim ' Lewis of the Old Guard, John Belles of the N.J. Colonial Militia and Com- pany President Eldrick Arsenault listen to an unseen Ancient make a point at . . SPRING MEETING-MT. KISCO, N.Y.

Accepting tbe Postbumom Lancraft Man of the Vear Award, for Long John McGuire is fellow corpsman and long lime friend, Bili Liebe. II had been suggested that Old Timers Night be post• poned, falling as it did, the same night as John's wake; however, John's widow Peg, wouldn't hear of it. Ed Olsen !!!!!!!!!!...-. "Let's have a little quiet, Doc is explaining something." President Arsenault raps for order al the Mt. Kisco Spring Meetine. Mal Hinckley

the m, of ps, ing in Jim Colleran accepts bis Lancnft Man of the w, Vear Award from Joe PaUen. Long the ed Corps' Treasurer, Jim was credited with keep JolUflallion at tbe Mt. Kisco Fl.re House following lbe meeting rocked lbe building and regislered n. ing Lancraft's bead above water all these 5 on the Richter Scale. Olsen years. Ed Olsen Mal Hinddey Vol 9 No 1 Page 6

Pace6 The Ancient 1imes SUMMER1981

drum corps and the good times enjoyed ly FDC?" Didn't sound bad, either .· .. " therein. A few lines would undoubtedly be commented Chuck's old dad Charlie (now welcome. a resident of Greenville, South Carolina, Wonder how many marchers in Connec but once a member of Brooklyn's far fam. ticut's May 2nd Loyalty Day Parade ed Kirk Corps). remembered the host community, The reunion further revealed that Willimantic, for its active days in the An• Chuck's sister Karen may be the first of the cient sphere? Two former local units, of family to get back into an active unit. She's traditional persuasion, come most readily discovered a Buddhist FDC out in Denver, to mind. One: The Thread City Continen· Colorado ... near her home . .. and is tals, was named for that city's major in• presently obtaining photocopies of The ALL THE NEWS THAT FITS, WE PRINT. dustry and was active until 1922. It was Strubbe Book so as· to give the nedgling founded in 1918 by former members of group some historical direction. Old news to many, but - Bob Redican t~<;reat, ~ut, on July 4th, they will par- several different corps ... Nathan Hale (Ancientdom's most famous retread) suf. IICtpate m Zurich's fi rst American In• (no connection with current corps of the * * * fcred a severe heart seizure following New d:pendencc 'Day celebration where they same name), Mansfield, Moodus, Hebron Haven's Saint Patrick's Parade, o n March will be hosted by that city's "American and the Wind hams. The other: The Odell 14th, and is now resting comfortably at Community." The rest of the time will be M. Chapman Continental Drum Corps home. Drop him a card a t 81 Pearl Sr.. spem carousing in the Basel area, with their was sponsored by the drum maker of the Meriden, CT. 06450. He's up a nd around brother corps The Swiss Mariners. same name and finally united with the but will be taking it slow for some time 10 Highlight of these latter activities will be members of Thread City in 1922. Jo its come. Fortunately for Bob some members a combined cqncert at a Roman Am• prime during the 1920's, The Chapman of the crazy corps, with which he was phitheatrejust a few miles down the Rhine. Corps even included Work) Champion drumming - (The Ancient Mariners) - * * * Drummer Frank Fancher in its ranks. He were trained in the art of saving lives, and Looking for work? West Point Band. was a Chapman member at the time he at• it looks as tho' the quick action of Kevin man Allen Benson found the following tained his 186th first prize for individual Brown, with an assist from Toby Lazor, ·"curious notice" in The Newport Gazette, snare drumming. did just that. Thursday, Aug. 21, 1777 ..." Wanted. True to nostalgic masochism this year's * * * A fifer for the Alarm Galley. Good wages parade was a trek to remember "Three Back from his a nnual hibernation in :,vill be given." * * * Constantly research• miles long and all up hill." Seems as tho' Florida, former Exec. Committee member mg the development, and expansion, of the the state V.F. W. have been sponsoring Flash Alexander spoke glowingly of Pitts• field of fifing and drumming, North these patriotic marches long enough to burgh's Freedom High School drum line Western Correspondent Jerry Heermans c9me up with so_mething better than that. dazzling the spectators at last February's has uncovered further depictions of our And how about those unimaginative police Edison Pageant of Light, at Ft. Meyers. craft's westward expansion. In 1905 The "closing the town off" ai noon, when " Marched in front of the band, in Ancient Anaconda Drum Corps was oortraved some_,units weren't slated to step off 'till uniforms, and drummed 'Half-time.'" Do "Practicing rolls and ruffles behind the Ci· 3 p.m. Why can't the state cops take a you suppose The Commonwealth FDC had ty Hall" at Cripple Creek, Colorado - less()Jl from ihe cooperative Bridgeport anything 10 do with that? * * * Recent The fabulous "Queen of early mining Polit~ who' have the Barnum Festival written refe rences to "Patty On A Hand. towns." ***Had you expected 10 see Par.aderunning.likeclockwork each year? car" - and "St. Patty's Day force an an Ancient Times feature dealing with the Perhaps one of these days all the corps will awareness of just how far the woman's r ise, and surprise disbandment of refqse to sh9w up-ahead of time and we'll movement has come. With so many distaff Chatham, New Jersey's popular Morris see~ parade-sans. music. That might do it. types in today's ranks we can probably an• County Militia FDC? So had we . . As ·. * . * * ticipate feminization of all the old stan• a matter of fact, A.T. photographer Ron Errant members of the noblest of ex. Tom Connoly In his 11.Utnlate role as 11 dards .. Would you believe: "Grand- DaSilva was all set to do the honors but periments, T)le-Japan Mariners, who might snare drummer. Is that a step up, or down, mother's Clock"? How about: " Old Nan for some reason, was dissuaded by the re~d this piece, should be delighted to learn for one who plays the bass drum? Tucker"? * * * T he Ancient .Mariners unit's powers•that•were. * * * Back ttiat one of'their own is now a nying of- are impatiently awaiting the debarkation home from his literary stint in Saudi fice,r in the U.S. Navy. Chuck Riley recent- Perhaps it was a jinx, our mentioning day of their visit to Switzerland's Quadren• Arabia, and seriously ill, former Exec. I~ earned his wings at Corpus Christi, Tommy Connolly's 28th straight presiden- nial Tambourfest (drum festival) at Committeeman Tom O'Keefe is staying Te.xas, where he will be stationed for the cy of The Norwood Mass. Colonial Boys Schwyz. Not only have they been invited close to home, 920 Pelhamdalc Ave., next 3 years as a night instructor. FDC, for - comes this issue - and he's i.------~,_...,....,_..,.;,.....,o_..,-n-..:...-- .._:~•..;..: ..;...... :.:;_..;,;. .:.;, ___ •_ - --- ...:..•-~--- -~_;_~ ____....____..._. ._.__,_,_..______~ __ ....., n.,1on~.__._._...,.tu,._,__..-,.__ _ ...____ ..i.._.,. GlOGS FIFES ARE BACK!

TWO-PIECE CLOOS REPRODUCTION - Tunable, B Oat Concert !;>itch Easy third register, strong The Odell Cllapman FDC. Chapman Is attond fram left, I■ niii nnk, and Fnnk Low register Fancher Is fourth from left. beautiful ONE-PIECE tone CLOOS REPRO Luther Blanchard Boxborough's quality. B Oat Concert Rosewood, pitch, long $35.00 pp ferrules. Easy Famous Fifer 3rd register. Luther and Calvin Blanchard, the sons rived at the Davis' home, enabling Davis Ebony or Rose of Simon Blanchard, were born in Box 10 start the Company moving. Luthtt rais wood, $25.00 ppd. borough, Massachusetts, then a pan of Lit ed his fife and began playing "The White · Or try them, then tleton. The date of Luther's birth is Cockade." buy them at Leo unknown. The journey 10 Concord's North Bridge As a young man, Lui.her lived with was short compared 10 the distance travel Brennan's, Sutler. Johnathan Hosmer of Acton, from whom ed by the others. Afterwards, when he and his brother learned the an of everyone was assembled near the bridge, masonry. the officers from the various companies As talk of war became louder, the three had a short meeting. While this was hap boys joined the Acton Minutemen Com pening, smoke rose from the direction of SWEETHEART pany. Luther enlisted as a fifer. It was an the Concord village. When the Acton important position, since he had to keep Company approached the bridge, -the FLUI'E CO. the pace steady and the morale high. British fired. Captain Davis asked, " Have On April 18 a rider made his way from balls been fir«I?" The reply was, "Yes, for Acton and surrounding villages proclaim Luther Blanchard is WOWlded." Luther 3:! So111h \faple Strc,·t ing that the British were coming. Captain was taken to the house of Colonel Barrett Enfield. Conn. 06082 Isaac Davis' Company was among the first where the Colonel's wife dressed the to respond. wound. It appeared slight at the time, but T ,•kphout• I ~O.l I 749-4494 At approximately seven o'clock a.m. on it eventually proved fatal. Luther Blan f. April 19, a sufficient numbe- of men ar- chard died on April 22, Ins. [ Vol 9 No 1 Page 7

SUMMER 1932 The 1\ncient Times Page7 I Midwest Happenings I By Mark Logsdon

I am pleased to report that the Ancient program, to see my own corps, the 1st world is spreading faster in this area than Michigan, featured on center screen while anyone could have foreseen, or predicted. on the screens surrounding, shots of other Word was recently received of a new ven fife and drum units were shown. Among mmon ture into the world of fifing and drumm them were the 14th Virginia, Tippecanoe, One of America's First Musters - A Comparison ing from the Buckeye State (Ohio), near Concord Minutemen and the Kentish The American troops moved into Phildelphia at a steady pace starting in mid the Akron area. With the 1812 corps that Guards. There were also many re-created August, 1777. is building up its repertoire in Toledo. Ohio regiments including the 64th Regiment of Phildelphia, at that time, was our nation's capitol and the British were known to is establishing the beginnings of a healthy Foot which I belong to. be planning a major offensive to drive out the Americans and capture Phildelphia. Ancient Community. There is also a new Commander-in-Chief, George Washington, was determined 10 defend Phildelphia corps forming in Downer's Grove, Illinois. The Janesville Fife and Drum Corps held and had ordered the assembling of all available troops at Phildelphia while main As previously reported, the Anthony a school of music for its members the week taining constant cavalry patrols in outlying sections in order to determine at what Wayne Ancients of Fort Wayne Indiana of March 20. Members oft he 1st Michigan location and from what direction the British would attack. are alive and well and have played their volunteered to make the trip to Janesville Thus, the scene was set for a major confrontation betwee'n Great Britain and first engagement. Gary Kuntz called after 10 help in the areas of fifing, drumming America (Ultimately, "The Battle of Brandy Wine Creek"). the event to relay the group's excitement. and drum maintenance. During the hot and dusty final week in August "77" some unusual events occur I think that everyone has felt that thrill at red at a time of imminent crisis in our "young republic". least once in their lives. "Washington", realizing the value of spiritual uplift created a parade of all able Volume I of the 1st Michigan Album has troops who received enthusiastic applause from onlooking citizens. all but sold out in less than a year, far sur SUBSCRIBE TO Husbands, wives, children, and craftsmen alike turned out to enjoy the spectacle passing anyone's expectations, except our the first of which occurred on the 24th. Noting the town's enthusiasm the next day own. Volume II is now in the process of THE ANCIENT TIMES being edited, for choice of music, and we "Washington" then ordered the massing of all Fifes, Drums, and other musicians 1 YR. -$4.00 to form a giant parade with intermittent stops along the route through the streets will keep the many of you who have asked of Phildelphia for impromptu concerts. It has been suggested that this parade had about ii posted on its progress. 2 YRS. -$7.00 an agreeable effect on the morale of Phildelphians and the goodwill was reciprocated Recently, your correspondent went to 3 YRS. - $9.00 for our early musicians. Grand Rapids, Michigan, on business and We might say that the action by those Fifers and Drummers paved. the way for while there decided to take a tour of the P.O. BOX 318 what we now consider a typical "Muster". Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library. It is Some oft not considered reflections' In .1777 our military musician was ill equip-. a rather unique place, made even more uni WESTBROOK, CT. 06498 ped in the area of uniforms and musical instruments, was ill fed, and prior to later que because of its many Audio-Visual training by the charismatic Baron Von Steuben at Valley Forge, ill trained in field mini-theatres. These little niches are each maneuvering and marching. We may also assume that musical proficiency likewise dedicated to a specific theme of President ex isted on a lukewarm level. Ford's term of office. One of these dealt Milford Volunteers Our Revolutionary War military musician presented a very sorry appearance in with the year 1976. it is a multi-slide show Honor Members deed, often without a full uniform and in many cases, what did exist was in rags. that is shown every 20 minutes. I was presently surwised. while watchinR t he He was lean, tired, and conditioned to living in a comparative hostile environment. By Geri Iliff With regard to the musical instruments they were not the "precision° reproduc• tion of today. Fifes were often of differing musical pitch, dn1111s had split heads and NATIONAL MUSTER on Tuesday, March 23, 1982, the torn cordage and dog ears were frequently missing. Doubtless, they all would marvel Continued from page 1 Milford Volunteers Ancient Fife and Drum at seeing and hearing a modern corps, what with our spotless uniform just out of very meaningful tribute 10 an old friend Corps held a dinner for Betsy McGuire and the cleaners, fifes all in uniform pitch, and our musicians with what must be a con- and also, 10 many, the impact of how much Daryl Hine, honoring ,heir upcoming mar- siderable improvement in musical expertise. he will be missed. The ceremony and the riage. The couple was presented a hand- What our forebearers lacked in physical perfection, they more than made up for sincerity of its presence was done with a made quilt sewed by the members of the in spirit and patriotism. taste that the John Hanson organization Corps . ..,.____ _..,..._,_,,lLl ____ _...~~---1-~ .u..ei,..l_.~,--...... ,._ ____ ~._~---'-~'- ---=------;_- ~ -'------....i--=._=-_.."'""_'" THE GREATEST BARGAIN IN ANCIENT RECORDS and PURE PLEASURE!! ''PRIDE and JOY'' the only live recordings of the American Bicentennial years 1976-1977 * Three beautiful records 2 hours of listenini * 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 Nowonly $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 1 Page 8 ,.

Page8 The Ancient Times SUMMER1982

MUSIC COMMITTEE drum beats, 24 " stock beats", duets, microfilms, music from both corps and in is currently being presented by Ari quartets, and drum solos for both snare Continued from page I d ividuals, instruments and other artifacts Schrader, itinerant tinker, songster and and bass drum and also Swiss and French and memorabilia, plus a complete catalog one-of-our-own-kind. Music Associate and ed for the rudimental field drummer; the beats. Many fife tunes a ppear in 2, 3, a nd ing, with cross indexing, of all available Ballad Singer at Mass. Old Sturb ridge most prominent books, each with many 4 part harmony. material. This will unquestionably be o ne, Village, from 196 1 to 1979, Ari is respon parts and solos, were those by G. Moeller, In 1981, through the Committee's ef o f the most valuable and treasured assets sible for the Village's "Martial Band" .. J .B. Moore, W. Ludwig, H. Bower, Clark , forts, The Company published a book with of The Company. . a Federal period FDC. Write him at P.O. Gardiner, M. Goldberg and DeVille. Other three Camp Duties - Ashworth's, Bruce The Comittee spends countless hours in Box 122, Sturbridge, Mass. 01566 for in books emerged in the past fifty years by and Emmett's and Strube's, along with a research, letter writing, reports, phone formation about his many enjoyable pro Earle Sturtz, Eric Perriloux, Les Parks a nd 90 minute cassette recording. calls, travelling , a rra ngemen ts and grams. Maybe you'll be fortunate enough Ray Brodeur. These demonstrate vario us Several years ago, the Committe transcribing music. The Anc ients have a 10 witness one. * * * Swiss Mariner styles, techniques and rhythmic patterns. prepared a formal for fife a nd drum unique st yle and the Committee can think Drummer, (and former Deep River In addition 10 these books, there were workshops or clinics. This was done to im of no beuer way 10 preserve this than by Junior), Mike Quinn made spectacula r use unpublished drum ara ngements written by prove the workshop by dividing the ·groups follo wing the above programs. Com pany of his a lternate avocation - Magic - at individuals well schooled in the art of into three categories which would facilitate members can lighten the load by respon Dino, Switzerland during his present home rudimental drumming. matching the student's capability to the ding when requests are made. town's pre-Lenten Carnival. He not only With this problem clearly understood, proper class of instruction. A summary of the Music Commi11ee's dazzled the locals with feats of levitation the Music Committee, thro ugh the frater Most recently, the Commi11ee was ask ac1ivities is: but even sawed a woman in half. No nal spirit of The Com pany of Fifers and ed 10 set up a program for "Achievement I) Research and collect music reports on.the ultima te results of the lat Drummers, sought o ut the works of these Awards for Proficiency in Performing in 2) Record ing the history o f tunes ter. Rumor has ii that Stony great rudimental stylisis, teachers and in * * * I the Fife and Drum". This assignment is 3) Publicatio n o r music C reek's other Californian , Jack Doyle, has I novators a nd published two volumes 10 now being reviewed by the Executive 4) Taping of music disco\'ercd a Gaelic-type FDC that moved help preserve the unique style of the Comm iuee. 5) Assist the Workshop Committee 10 the West Coast-, en masse, from Min 1, ' Ancients . Future undertakings will include the tap. I 6) Prepare for Music Library nesota back around the tu rn of the century. Over the cemuries. many tunes have ing of music from Volumes I and II. Such The Music Committee is a unique source He found their music most intriguing and : changed in both style and title. As the years recordings will be an invaluable 100110 bet- of data on music, especially for newly we have hopes of hearing more a bom them I passed, some tunes were "filled-in" and 1~r preserve our music and to assist newly formed corps. For all corps, The Commit 11 in the near fu ture. ' up-tempoed" to add to their perfor organ ized corps. Funds permitting, tee represents the vehicle which will record, mances. Because of the con.'ilant sratc or vid oetapes may be undertaken 10 for posterity, their music for tlie enjoyment Financial Planning change, the Music Committee seeks 10 demonstrate drumming techniques. Here and benefit of future Ancient generations. locate all fife and drum music fl-om the again this would be invaluable to new and Personal Service beginning 10 the present, and furthermore, corps. GERONIMO to categorize it into three basic segments Now being compiled is Volume 111 of Cont inued from page 6 ~1/IUVJ<(' $u}U/J<-(l,Jl("f' INC. - H istorical. Traditio na l and Com1cm our music book. It is entitled "Medlie", p0rary. In this manner. tunes are accurate Special Arrangements a nd O ld Favorites", re la tes that he's now only a bystander on est. 1955 ly recorded as to their authenticity and an,d will include material that was p layed the Bay State asphalt. As happens all too evolution, as far as time is concerned. by disbanded corps that were acknowledg often .. . the separation was not without ALL TYPES OF The first Music Committee. (1965) was ed as highly proficient in the Ancient style. rancor but time has a habit of healing and Et] INSURANCE chaired by George Ripr,erger whose "ast The sr,ecial arrangement section will in we can only hope for the best. Unable to drum corps experience and musical clude music for the more advanced student wander far from home, because of a series / 959 Boston Post Road background helped publish two music and Lhcre will be music in 2, 3, 4, 5, and of back operations, Tom nevertheless pamphlets. A lso on the first Committee 6 part harmony. Although a fair amount delights in the advancement of his newest Madison. Connecticul were Geroge Carroll, Mi ke C hiodo, Ed of this music has been collected, the Com project The Union Brigade Jr. FDC - out 245-7327 Classey, Phil Pearson and Dic k Ru quist. mittee would be most pleased 10 hear from fi tted in Yankee Blue and raring 1◊ go. II NEW HAVEN PHONE 624-8509 Upon George Ripperger's death, the Com some of those who have been asked to con will seem strange to view The "Wild" Col miuee was then c ha ired by Mike Chiodo, tribute ma1erial. onial Boys without the wildest of all among Representing Leading Stock a lso an individual with many years of drum Another future program is the writing and Mutual Companies them. * * * "The Connecticut Peddler, a corps experience . Mike's cornmiuee grew of histories of tunes associated with ba11lcs, brand new program of songs and stories, to large numbers in order to p ursue the marches, encampments, events, individuals many different programs that the Commit a nd groups. Funds did not r,crmit these tee was to undertake. The people in the histories in past publications. Cornm iucc changed from time to 1im~ Onc___Qlhcr prog-ram is being considered, !ICIEITS ACTI'llTIES -- I 11 Art hrra111c, [)ave Mooghkirk, Rick funeral services for their own deceased (Cranston/Warwick. Rl) . The parade and 267-5260. Klimiwicz, George Keusel, Norbert members. The Commi11ee feels that there mus1cr are by invitation only. The colonial ball nlanger, Ken Lemley, Man Lyons, Jim is a need for this as it does perlain 10 drum is an open c,•em. For mroe informa1ion, con• AUGUST 20-22

McEleney, Buzz Olsen, Hugh Quigley, corps history. ract: W. Terrence Murphy, 19 TalbOl Manor1 REENACTMENT OF T HE BATTLE OF BEN Connie and Walt Rynkiewicz, Tom Perhaps lhc most impor1an1 undertak Cransion. RI 02905. (401) 467-4870. NINGTON, 8cnning10n. VT. Comac1: Jam~ Safranek and Duke Terrerri have been call ing in 1he fu1urc will be 1he prcparatio11 for JUNI:: 6 Dassaui, Green Mountain S1a1e Militia, Uox 578, \Vilmington, VT 05363. ed upon 10 lend 1heir knowledge and ex a music library. Many Company members YANKEE TUNESMITHS 41h Annual Mus1er, pertise. The Com111i11ce mets 2 10 3 times have in I heir possession , old fife and drum "Orum'- U nder lhc El." Parade time: 12 noon. AUGUST 21 each year 10 cJjscuss new projects and make books and music used by drum corps but INVITATIONAL muster. Contact: Ernes1 P. Kiburis (Director). 94-16 Woodhaven Blvd., BARTON'S RAIDERS ANCIENT PARADE assignmen1s. never published. Each year more malcrial Ozone Park, NY 11416. AND MUSTER, Tiverton, RI. This is by IN With the recent passing of Mike Chiodo, is uncovered in The Committee's never en• VITATION only, bul you may conrnc1 1hem 1f A lfred "Duke" Terreri has taken over as ding search to preserve and perpetuate JUNE 18-20 you wish to be invited. Camping is available , Chairman of the Music Com111i11cc. them. When the Company's plans 10 have 2ND ANCIEITT NEW ARK MUSTER on 1he August 20-22. Contact: George Levesque, 83 Past accomplishments have been two ils own building become reali ty, the music campus of the University of Delaware. This is Evergreen Ave.; Tiverton, RI 02878. (401) • 625-5375 . music pamplets with 22 tunes and drum library will house a va luable collection of by INVITATION only. Contact: Paul S. Ur parts, Volumes I and II of The Company fife and drum books,,publications, private baniak. 50 Madison Or.. Newark, OE 1971 1. AUGUST 28 Music Book, with a total of 250 tunes with collections, records, cassette tapes, JUNE 19 WESTBROOK MUSTER. Westbrook, CT. Hudson Valley 'Firemen's Convention and Sponsored by the Westbrook Drum Corps. This parade, Colonic, NY. muster is STRICTLY BY INVITATION ON LY. Contact: Dodie McGrath (Mrs. Charles JUNE 25, 26, 27 McGrath), 1146 Old Clinton Rd., Westbrook, Life, Health, Disability Group Insurance 1ST NATIONAL CONVEITTION OF THE CT. 06498. (203) 399-6436. Annuities, Pension Plans COMPANY OF FIFERS & DRUMMERS on 1he Campus of 1he University of Vermont. Burl SEPTEMBER II ington, vr. Regjstration form required for each SOT. DANIELL BISSELL J R. FIFE& DRUM person attending. Contact: Convention Commit- CORPS MUSTER and muster parade, Wind Personal and Business Insurance 1ee, P.O. Box 318, Westbrook, CT 06498. sor, CT. This is by INVITATION only. Con Members, Million Dollar Round Table tact: Francis Dillon (Director), P.O. Box 255, JUNE 26 Windsor, CT. 06095. (203) 688-2822. ' Members, Nati9nal Association of Life Underwriters PORTLAND FIFE & ORUM CORPS MUSTER, Portland, CT. Parade steps off a1 I SEPTEMBER 12 p.m, This is an OPEN event. Contact: Robert MARLBOROUGH MUSTER, Marlborough, Dufour (Busines.. Manager), P.O. Box 295, CT. More informalion is for1hcoming. Portland, CT 06480. (203) 342-0817. SEPTEMBER 19 JULY 9-11 NAYAUG MUSTER, Giasionbury, CT. This is REENACTMENT OF THE BATTLE OF by INVITATION only. Contact: W, Clarke HUBBARDTON, Hubbard1on, VT. Contact: Wilbor, P.O. Box 293, Olasionbury, CT. 06033. James Dassaui, Green Mountain State Mili1ia, (203) 633-7676. Box 578, Wilmington, VT 05363. OCTOBER 17 (tenlalive dale) JULY 17 TAUNTON COLONIAL MINUTEMAN DEEP RIVER ANCIENT MUSTER, Deep PARADE and MUSTE R, Taunton, MA. This NEIL 0' BRIEN River, CT. This isan OPEN cvcn1. Contact: Lin is by INVITATION only. Contac1: Warren da or Ronald Chapman. 50 Wimer Ave., Deep Lynds, I IO Davenport S1. or P.O. Box 1774, River, CT 06417. (203) 526-3135. Taunton, MA 02780 (617) 823-6412.

NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE CO. JULY 30, 31 & AUGus·r I DECEMBER 4 HANAFORD$ VOLUNTEERS MUSTER on MINI-MUSTER ON THE GREEN in New 1hc Fairgrounds in Essex Junction, VT. Conrnc1: Haven, CT. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Concac1: Muster Oerd Sommer, Route I, Box 129C, Underhill, Aid Chairman David Boddie, 1467 Durham VT 05489. (802) 899-3165. Road, Madison, CT. 06443 (203) 421-3841. 40 West High Street •Additional information ror the Ancients Calen- East Hampton, Ct. 06424 AUGUST J OLDE RIPTON FIFE & ORUM CORPS f!~1!~irstl>J ~n'. d~i1f ~~~~~~8!.lW'.~·1.~~ Bus: 267-8250 & 278-3930 MUSTER and parade, Hun1ing1on, CT. This is try to give 1hc date, location, type of event, Res: 267-9742 by INV ITATION only. Contact: Mrs. May L. whether or 001 it is invitational, and the name or a contact person. Wentz, P.O. Box 2389, Hun1ington, CT. 06484. (203) 929-6588.