Archive for November, 2010

VILLAGE VOLUNTEERS HISTORY – 1962

Posted on: November 1st, 2010 by hauleymusic No Comments

***** CORPS HISTORY – 1962 *****

February 22, 1962 – Senior Citizens Performance, Delmar, N.Y.

All members arrived at the McLean’s home around 5:00 p.m. Our stay was lengthened, however, as the head on the small snare was split, and had to be changed. While this was done, fifes were tuned. We were due to arrive at the Bethlehem Central Junior High by 6:45, however, we were 45 minutes late, with Rick Stewart’s last minute accident not helping any. Mr. S. managed to rip his pants (colonial uniform) on his father’s car as he got in. Bob McLean ended up sewing them before we could leave. Finally, we did pull away in the cars of Frueh, Roberts, and McLean. Upon arriving, we ate with the senior citizens (soup, salad, and ice cream). During the meal, Mr. Colfer took pictures of the group. Famous quips by Bob McLean, such as ” I’m afraid to play the Star Spangled Banner tonight; somebody might break a leg standing up,” highlighted the meal. Finally, we went out and marched back in with instruments. We played the following pieces (not necessarily in order): YANKEE DOODLE (marching in), ROAD TO BOSTON, BONNIE BRIAR BUSH, THE VOLUNTEER. HUNTINGTON, WILLIE WEAVER (in honor of the man who hired us), GARY OWEN, OLD DAN TUCKER, CONNECTICUT COMPETITION PIECE, BATTLE HYMN 0F THE REPUBLIC, BLUE BELLS OF SCOTLAND, AND DIXIE (marching off). This was the event. The reason Bob McLean was playing snare and not drum major was due to the fact that Buz Olsen came down with appendicitis on the preceding Monday, and was unfortunately in the hospital. Cards were sent to him, wishing for a speedy recovery. Members present included: Mrs. McLean, Bob Tinney, Dick MacDowell, Baron Fitzgerald, Bob and Dave Morse, Rick Stewart
(all playing fife) and Bill Frueh, Bob McLean and Chuck Roberts on the drums. The color guard consisted of Jim Colfer (flag bearer), Tracy Kunz, and Greg McGrath (rifles).

April 29, – Opening Day, Farmer’s Museum, Cooperstown, N.Y.

This Sunday performance saw many new members playing, and unfortunately, created a uniform problem, in that there just weren’t enough colonial jackets or pants to go around. Last minute contacts were made in an effort to improve the situation, but some fifers ended up wearing color guard uniforms anyway. Members were informed earlier in the week to be at the McLean’s house at 10:30 a.m. Almost all of the boys were on time, but because of the uniform fiasco, we didn’t leave till after 12 noon. While waiting at the McLeans’ home, the boys were kept busy adjusting the snare drums. We finally made it to Cooperstown around 2 p.m., in cars driven by Mr. Colfer, Mrs. Roberts, and Bob McLean (about 5 minutes behind the first two cars). Upon arriving at the museum, we headed for the lab building single file, where we changed into uniforms for our first performance at 2:45. After playing such tunes as the VOLUNTEER and THE CONN. COMP. PIECE on a hill by the Bump Tavern House, we marched around playing various Civil and Revolutionary War tunes. There were several children who followed us around. In photos taken by Mrs. Roberts; the following resembled that of the Pied Piper of Hamlin. ( Def.- Pied Piper – drunk musician). While on the hill by the tavern, we had the pleasure of watching the Tryon County Muzzle Loaders go through their various formations (firing of muskets etc. ), while Buz played a roll on the snare. At 3:45, we took a half hour break, in which members could eat, meet (or follow) the many attractive girls in the area, and enjoy riding on the stage coach (with the girls of course). Mrs. Roberts was the person most people seemed to be looking for (besides the above mentioned girls), as she had the keys to the McLean’s car, where the lunches were stored. At 4:45 p.m., we. were again forming by the lab. We -then put on a final show on the town green adjacent to the Cardiff Giant. Such tunes as GARY OWEN, MOON LIGHT ON THE LAKE, and IRISH REEL were played while doing several counter marches. We
finished at 5:10 and changed in the lab. We then left the historic town after taking care of such last minute details as checking Pat Rubin’s phone number. Dave Gregory and Ray Hauley got off along the way, as they had to return to college. Barney was also home this weekend, but had to decline from making the trip at the last minute due to home work. Regular members included: Theresa, Shawn ( who was dressed in his uniform and served as mascot), Robin, Bob McLean (our drum major, who got a few laughs when he solemnly brought his baton down to end a piece and the ball on the top fell off), Bill Frueh, Chuck Roberts, Baron and John Fitzgerald, Rick Stewart, Bob and Dave Morse, Dick MacDowell, Jerry Deighan, Jim Colfer, and Buz Olsen. Regular members who were absent included, Bob Tinney, due to a conflict with another commitment concerning the receiving of an award for his stamp collection, and Brit Brown, laid up with an eye infection. Although these boys were absent, the new ones filled in nicely, pointing out that the corps should be bigger than ever in the summer.

May 12, – Tulip Ball, Washington Avenue Armory, Albany, N.Y.

After meeting at Bob McLean’s house at 7:00 a.m., we left for the armory in cars driven by Bob McLean, Jim Brown, Mr. Colfer, Mrs. Roberts, Ray Hauley, and Bob Barned. Barney was a last minute surprise. Members were sent over to pick up his uniform. and they picked it up with Barney in it. We parked the cars near the armory and entered at 7:45. After going through our part in a room near the front of the building, we marched out to the tune of WHEN YOU WORE A TULIP, then BRITISH GRENADIERS, and a four piece medley consisting of BELLE OF THE MOHAWK VALE, FATHER 0 ‘FLYNN , IRISH REEL, and BLUE BELLS OF SCOTLAND. Buz played a drum roll between the latter four tunes. We then played the Star Spangled Banner in front of the Queen and her court. Mr. McLean said afterward that our playing was as good as he had ever heard before, and he complimented us all.
After a brief discussion by M. C. Jeff Davis, we played THE GRANNY COMP. PIECE and THE VOLUNTEER. Mr. Davis was very kind in his comments about the corps and of the work of Bob McLean and his wife. After waiting for a marching demonstration by some women dressed in Dutch costumes, the corps once again stepped out on the floor and led all the people around the hall for the grand march. Our part was then over. A dance band took over and everyone was able to dance to everything from the “Twist” to a waltz. Some members attempted to dance with the girls in the Tulip Court, but as far as is known, they did not make out too well due to restrictions. Those not dancing took up a table in the corner and enjoyed the expensive drinks. About 10:30 p.m. members started to file out, as did many of the guests. Members were: Mr. and Mrs. McLean, Robin, Bob Tinney, Bob Barned, John and Baron, Fitzgerald, Ray Hauley, Bob and Dave Morse, Brit. Brown) Dick MacDowell, Scott Radley, Tracy Kunze, Jerry Deighan ( the latter two were in the color guard), Buz Olsen, Chuck Roberts (both snare drummers), Bill Frueh and Jim Colfer ( both bass drummers).

May 30, – Memorial Day Parade, Delmar, N.Y.

The following members met at the McLeans’ home on New Scotland Ave. at 8:45 a.m.: Bob Tinney, Brit Brown, Bob and Dave Morse, Dick MacDowell, Scott Radley (all Fifers); Jim Colfer, Chuck Roberts, Bill Frueh (Drums), and Peter Schaap (Rifle bearer). Bob McLean played snare, as Buz was marching in an Albany parade for his school. After a few uniform alterations, we formed by Ridge Road and started marching to the tune of Yankee Doodle at 10 a.m. Mr. McLean cut his hand while playing Huntington by the school. Mrs. McLean sent Robin after a band aid which remedied the situation. We were about the only band to play at the 4-corners, according to several sources, and the tune (Blue Bells) was well received. Huntington was played again at the reviewing stand at Servicemen’s’ Park. At the ceremonies at the park, we played The Conn. Comp. Piece. Other highlights were: the reading of a poem and a prayer, presentation of a new flag to the town, and selections by the Yankee Doodle Band of Fort Crailo. A salute by a rifle group (right over the heads of the corps) and the playing of Taps ended the program. We then marched over to the Elsmere Fire Hall, where we got some food and beverages. After relaxing there, we headed home.

June I, – Aquatics Show, Bethlehem Central Jr. High, Delmar, N.Y.

The following members represented the corps at this event held at the pool: John and Baron
Fitzgerald, Dick MacDowell, Bob and Dave Morse, Buz Olsen, Chuck Roberts, Bill Frueh and Pete Schaap
(Color bearer). The group formed in the locker room (single file). Although there were only 5 fifers, the sound was magnified by the water and the close surroundings. The swimmers were executing a water ballet representing the Revolutionary War period of the U.S. and the corps provided the musical background, much to the delight of Mrs. Ressimini, the Physical Education instructor at the school. Road To Boston was played, and then the swimmers began a “battle scene” with the drummers accompanying with appropriate battle sounds. British Grenadiers was played going off. All went well, considering the slippery conditions which could have allowed someone to gain a lot of publicity (as did Diana Dors).

June 9, – Delmar Firemen’s Field Day Parade, Delmar, N.Y.

The corps met at the McLeans’ home once again before embarking for the junior high school, where the parade was to form at l:00 p.m. Those without complete uniforms were told to be at Bob McLean’s place by 12:00 noon. Bill Frueh also told the others to be there no later than 12:15 in full Colonial attire. Because some of the boys were working, and also for other reasons many of the members arrived late. and therefore didn’t get to the junior high school until 1:07. Unfortunately, the parade had started. We were quickly guided into formation by Mr. McLean and wound up leading another fire company up Delaware Ave. to the Delmar Fire Hall to the familiar strains of Yankee Doodle. Before disbanding at the fire hall, Bob McLean stated that the corps was bigger than ever before, and showed signs of becoming one of the “Best in the East.” He pointed out that members must make all meetings hence they MUST notify an officer of the corps with a valid excuse. Bob also told the corps that he was told that the parade was to form at I p.m. and begin at 1:30 and therefore the corps was not entirely to blame. He did suggest however, not to get angry or or argue with firemen if approached. It was at this point that information pertaining to Old Sturbridge Annual Muster Day was revealed. Plans were drawn up for this trip with only those wanting to go making the trip. The Fitzgerald brothers, Chuck Roberts, the entire McLean family, Ray Hauley, Dave Gregory, Bob Barned, Bill Frueh, Buz Olsen, Dick MacDowell, Brit Brown, Bob Morse, Peter Schaap, Jerry Deighan, Bob Tinney, and Jim Colfer were all present at the Firemen’s Field Day Parade, and all but the latter six attended the event at Sturbridge on the following day. Although the drummers showed need for still more improvement, and more members, the fifers were at full strength with 10 filers, and the prevailing opinion was that it was the strongest fife line in the history of the corps. What more, 4 fifers were absent.

June 10, – Sturbridge Annual Muster Day, Sturbridge, Mass.

As mentioned above, this was an informal event, and therefore only those who wanted to meet other corps and have a few jam sessions went. Bob Barned and his crew consisting of Ray Hauley and Bill Frueh got a two hour jump on the others, as they left at 7:30 a.m. After stopping at Worcester, where Bob picked up his belongings at college, they headed for Sturbridge Village. arriving shortly after noon, and about an hour ahead of cars driven by Dave Gregory and Bob McLean. The corps was not eligible to participate directly in the muster, due to restrictions which allowed only corps from New England whose history dated back to the era between 1790 and 1840). We did manage to have a jam session with Mattatuck Fife and Drum Band at 8:00 p.m. This was the only corps in the muster. Other sidelights involved the meeting of a folk singer at the museum, who not only sang for a receptive group of youngsters, but also played his guitar with Dave Gregory accompanying him on the fife to such tunes as Old Dan Tucker and British Grenadiers. This man, Art Schrader, also had information on fife and drum music, in fact he informed us that he had a set of pieces which he was planning to have printed up soon. He promised to contact the corps when this was done. Bob Barned also managed to find out that there were people from both Albany and Cooperstown who could help us track down ancient fife and drum music. Finally, around 7:30 p.m., we left for Delmar, with only one stop taking place. That was for dinner at a spot famous for its speedy service, as all members discovered. We then took the Mass. Turnpike, getting home around 11:00 p.m.

June 18, – Schenectady Parade, Schenectady, New York.

Bill Frueh saw to it that all members were at the McLeans’ house by 8 P.M. Most were, however, Dave Gregory and Buz Olsen were a few minutes late and their tardiness was not appreciated by Mr. McLean. At 6:30, we left for Schenectady with Bob Barned, Dave Gregory, Mrs. Frueh, and Bob McLean driving. Other members included: Theresa, Baron Fitzgerald, Dick MacDowell. Bob Tinney, Ray Hauley, Brit Brown, Chuck Roberts, Bill Frueh, and Jim Colfer. We arrived at 7:08 p.m., and after waiting for a while by a parking lot, we fell in behind the Tryon County Muzzle Loaders and a few other historic units including the Schenectady Pipe Band. After marching down State Street to the Stockade area, we played some selections for a receptive crowd gathered around to listen to the presentation of a plaque, honoring an Indian. On the way back to the cars, the kids got a little out of line, and walked in out for our ranks and threw “Atom Pearls” at our feet. This behavior was not tolerated by some of our members, and they almost slugged a few of the Iittle monsters. On the way back Chuck Roberts gave everyone in the Frueh car a very descriptive version of what happened.

June 3O, – Baseball Day, Delmar, New York.

This was a long parade from the the parking lot of the Albany Public Market in Elsmere to the Bethlehem Central Junior High School. We marched with the new Youth League. We met at the McLeans’ house at 12:30 p.m. and arrived at the parking lot shortly after 1:00 p.m. Members included: Bob Barned, Ray Hauley (both were drivers), Dick MacDowell. Theresa, Dave Gregory, Bob Morse, Dave Morse, John Fitzgerald, Bill Frueh, and Chuck Roberts. Bob McLean was the drum major and Robin and Shawn helped out up front. Bob Mulligan was also on hand and he played fife. Buz Olsen was working, Baron Fitzgerald was away at camp, and Jim Colfer was laid up with a sprained ankle. The others absent had no excuse. When we arrived at the ball field, we played The Star Spangled Banner by second base for a small audience. Following this we broke up in a hurry, as Bob McLean had to meet some relatives at the train depot in Albany.

July 21, Deep River Ancient Muster, Deep River, Conn.

After planning this trip for a week, we left from the Delmar Fire Hall at 8 a.m., eagerly awaiting to display our new “Zouave” uniforms designed and made by Mr. McLean with the aid of Mrs. Frueh, Mrs. Roberts, Mrs. Morse, and several members. The drivers were Bob Barned, Mr. Colfer, Mr. Frueh. Mr. Brown, and Bob Mulligan. The passengers were Chuck Roberts, Bob Tinney, John Fitzgerald, Dave Gregory, Ray Hauley, Bill Frueh, Mrs. Frueh, Tracy Kunze, Dick MacDowell, Carl VanHoesan, Buz Olsen, Scott Radley, Mrs. Colfer, and Joanie, Jim Colfer, Rick Stewart, Mrs. Brown and Collene, Brit Brown, and Bob Morse. We traveled down via the New York State Thruway, the Mass. Turnpike, and then south on U.S. Route 5 and a combination of expressways. Bob Barned, who was driving the lead car, relied heavily on Ray Hauley’s map reading, and stated at the completion of the trip, that we were lucky to make it, and also that he would rather not lead again. We arrived in Deep River at 1l:30 a.m. Mr. Colfer, who left the group after getting on the Thruway (8:15), claimed that he “flew” down in a little over 2 hours.
After changing into uniforms by the cars at the Devitt Baseball Field, we traveled to the high school where the parade was to form this year. Many members made this a short trip by taking a convenient shortcut. Those not informed took the parade route, and had a good long walk, considering that they had to march back as soon as they got there, but at least it was a good chance to observe the 45 other corps participating in the muster. Our corps was just about last again, however, the Regimentals wanted to bring up the rear so that all corps would be present to witness their spectacular playing as they entered Devitt Field playing a medley of “Old Time Reels.” Our corps entered the parade at 12:50 to the tune of Yankee Doodle. As usual there were a couple of members who were in the school fixing uniforms etc. and they almost missed the parade. The trip through the town went quite well, and the corps got applause most of the route. In fact, Mr. Frueh commented that the crowd in which he and his wife (Dotty) were near, applauded for our group more than any of the other units. Some of the applause was due to our Zouave type uniforms, which received an honorable mention for authenticity. The rest of the afternoon was spent listening to the other corps as they each gave brief renditions of ancient fife and drum music. Corps members were able to get several nice photos of the various corps, as the weather was gorgeous, if not a little too hot. This all changed, however, as the afternoon wore on, because the clouds started to set in from the west. and it got increasingly darker.
When the corps was announced to “standby”, we all were sure that it was going to rain, the only question was,”Could we do our performance in time,” the answer was NO!!!! We were rudely interrupted about one -third of the way through the Connecticut Contest Piece by a downpour complicated with gusts of wind blowing sand in our eyes, and lightning which seemed close enough to reach out and grab. With the announcers voice telling us to find shelter, we ran for the sidelines, finding safety in the cars, although some stood under an information tent which threatened to blow over at any minute. After the storm faded, we went back out and finished our number before a slightly smaller crowd. When we finished playing, a jam session was started up and was finally broken up by the tenting operation and the serving of the supper at the far end of the field. The host corps really deserved much praise for the tremendous meal they put out. They had so much food, that they were still dishing it out at midnight. All of the food was donated by the Deep River Junior and Senior Drum Corps. After getting the tents up, we went up on the hill, where another jam session was going on. Unfortunately, Bob Mulligan was not able to join us due to the fact that Carl VanHoesan wanted to go home early, Bob Barned tried to talk Bob out; of coming back, by saying that he had enough room, but Bob came back the next day anyway because he felt obligated. The rest of the night was spent “jamming”, talking with the “ancients,” and numerous activities in the bar, which included dancing and drinking. Most of us “juiced” it till quite early in the morning, and needless to say we all slept late on Sunday. After going to church and eating, we all pitched in to get the cars loaded for the trip back. Some of us stopped off at Dream Lake for an hour or or so to enjoy a fife and drum picnic (called the Sabbath Day Muster). Bob Barned thought he’d enter from the other side of the lake, and was surprised when he discovered that the road went several miles into the woods, and then stopped!!! A resident at the beginning of the road was also alarmed. He seemed to be saying under his breath: “Now where the Hell did he come from.” After
listening to a tricky triple tonguing version of Yankee Doodle, by the Regimentals, we left and came back to Delmar.

July 28, – Ghent Firemen’s Parade, Ghent, N.Y.

In this parade we were supposed to have at least 20 members, according to the contract. Attempts were made by Bill Frueh, Dick MacDowell and others to achieve this, however, we fell I or 2 short. The firemen were none the less pleased, and we were paid the full $100. We formed by the McLean homestead for this one, and it wasn’t hard to tell that the spirit of D.R.A.M. (Deep River Ancient Muster) had worn off on many of our members, as they were all gathered in front of the driveway “jamming it up.” We finally pulled away before noon with the following: the McLeans, Barney, Bob Mulligan, Mr. Brown, Mr. Colfer (drivers), Dave Gregory, Ray Hauley, Rick Stewart, John Fitz., Bob Morse, Brit Brown,Tracy Kunze, Jerry Deighan, Chuck Roberts, Bill Frueh, and Jim Colfer, We arrived in the town around 1:30 p.m. with the only difficulty being that Bob Mulligan’s dashboard caught on fire, but was quickly extinguished. After waiting for several minutes for a bus to take us to the grounds where the parade was to start, we bummed a ride on the back of a fire truck. Another corps, the Continentals from Newburgh, N.Y. were also present at this parade. We marched for the Chatham Firemen in this lengthy parade which managed to weave around every corn field in the county. Toward the end of the parade, Chuck Roberts was overcome by the heat, and did the rest of the parade in an ambulance. Bob McLean took over on the snare. Upon completing the parade, we were informed that the route was shortened for all units behind us (lots of luck). We all got something to eat and drink and also wanted to find out how Chuck was. He had recovered quickly and looked better than some of us. We met with the Continentals and had a short jam session. We also learned from one of their members that there would be a competition in North Haven Ct. on the fourth of August. After saying good-by to the McLeans, who were leaving for a vacation on Cayuga Lake. we all left for Delmar, with Barney getting “conned” into taking Jerry Deighan to Burden Lake.

August 4, – Competition, North Haven, Connecticut.

Once again several days of planning and practice preceded the event. Ray Hauley tried vainly to reach Alice McMullen, program chairmen, but finally settled for information obtained from Ed Olsen. The corps practiced at the Bethlehem Senior High School for several days preceding the competition, working hard on the Conn. Contest Piece. Those who practiced for the trip included: Barney, Greg, Ray, John, Baron, Scott Radley, Dick MacDowell, Brit, Buz, and Jim Colfer. Bill Frueh also worked with the group, but didn’t make the trip due to a conflict with his vacation plans. Information obtained from Ed Olsen, disclosed that the corps would have to register before 11:00 a.m. and be ready to parade at 12:00. The contest would get under way after the parade. All members were contacted by Ray Hauley, and the above members planned to travel down with Mr. Colfer, Mr. Brown, and Bob Barned. Bob Morse Also was able to make the trip at the last moment. It wasn’t till Friday night that drivers and times had been established, and by then most people thought things were under control, however, Ray Hauley discovered that not enough time was allotted to reach the city by the 11 o’clock deadline,. So early Sat. morning he called Mr. Colfer and was able to get him to leave early with Buz traveling with him. Mr. Colfer no sooner than left when Bob Barned reported (from Albany Hospital) that he suffered. burns on the wrist while servicing a car on his night shift, and would be unable to drive down as planned. Our search for another car was answered when Mr. Brown suggested that we use his wife’s car. Ray Hauley was elected to drive it down. We finally pulled out at 8:30. The ride down went quite smoothly until we reached the Hartford area. It was here that Ray turned off the turnpike by mistake. By the time he got back on the pike, Mr. Brown wasn’t in sight. To make things worse, the fan belt slipped off the generator causing a noise like the siren on a cop car and a stench that curled your hair. All members leaped out as soon as Ray pulled off the highway. Many took treasured items with them, thinking the vehicle was about to blow up. Dave Gregory grabbed his fife, Baron Fitz “saved” a bag containing sandwiches etc. After a few futile attempts to put the belt back on, the boys were pushed to a service station by a state cop. The boys finally did get going though, and made it to North Haven by 1:00 p.m. Mr. Colfer also had difficulty on the way down, and so we had to register late. We formed at the end of the parade and marched to the fairgrounds to such tunes as Fireman’s Quickstep. There were many ancient corps, plus a variety of modern and combination outfits. Actually, we were in still another c!ass, that being “Out of State Senior Ancient.” Our only competition was Colonial Williamsburgh. They edged us out, in most categories. However, Buz did salvage something when he won an individual award for snare drumming. After waiting for all the trophies to be passed out, those who had not already left, rode back with Ray.

August 24, – Firemen’s Parade, Menands, New York.

In this state convention parade, we played for the Delmar Fire Dept. After getting there by 7:00 p.m., we waited till after dark before stepping off. This was a long one going out by Wards and winding up at a fairgrounds on the other side of town. We played hard for the firemen, in fact Jim Colfer played too hard and he pounded a hole in the bass drum. When we reached the grounds we opened up into two files, and played for all the firemen of The Tri-Village Area as they passed between. Our strict military bearing was really tested as the fire trucks came within inches of crushing our toes. After disbanding, we got something to eat and then headed back for the cars. Barned and Hauley managed to hitch a ride on a fire truck on the way, a “juiced” firemen playfully knocked Barney’s Civil War cap off onto the street. Since we were racing along, it was impossible to jump off and retrieve it. After getting to the car, we traveled back to the spot it landed, but were unable to locate it. After this Barney drove Ray and Ray’s date to the bus depot in Albany. He then went back to a Menands gas station (Mobile) where he worked.

Sept. 1, – Fort Klock Pageant Preview, Fonda, New York.

This job was learned thanks to Bob Mulligan. Only two members were needed, and they turned out to be Buz and Ray. After having difficulty with uniforms, we decided to wear the Revolutionary War attire, as Buz did not have a complete Civil War uniform. The boys finally got to Fonda around 3:00 p.m. The trip was complicated by thunder storms, but things were pretty dry in Fonda. The boys arrived just as an announcement came over the public address. It seems that the master of ceremonies was looking for Willis Barshied, director of the Muzzle Loaders, so they could “go on with the show.” They had some poor juggler who was ad-libbing like crazy, and another character off stage signaling for him to stretch his act out. The master of ceremonies ran up to Ray and asked him if he was connected with the Muzzle Loaders. Ray tried to explain the connection, but before he finished, the guy raced back to the mike and informed the crowd that The Delmar Fife and Drum Corps would take over. Ray explained to the people that the corps consisted of 20+ members, and that this was just a segment of what people would see at the pageant at St. Johnsville the following week. Buz was then called out, and introduced to the crowd. The boys then ran through such numbers as the Camp Duties, Sentry Box, Downfall of Paris, and Devil’s Dream. On the completion of the latter tune, some of the Muzzle Loaders were spotted and they took over, with Prof. Aires doing his usual good job as narrator. Our bit -was over, and after watching the skit, and talking with Willis “Skip” Barshied about the $25 the corps would receive from the fair commission. We got a bite to eat and then traveled back to the horse stables in Albany, where Buz had to work that evening.

Sept. 9, – Fort Klock Pageant: Fort Klock Field, St. Johnsville, N.Y.

We formed At 10:00 a.m. at the McLeans’ home for this event. The drivers included: Barned, Mr. McLean, and Mr. Brown. Those who traveled to Fort Klock on Saturday with Dave Gregory were Baron and John Fitzgerald. They stayed over night in the front room of the fort. The following left on Sunday: Rick Stewart, Brit Brown, Theresa, Shawn, Robin, Dick MacDowell, Bob Tinney, Ray and his girl Audrey, Buz, and Jim Colfer. We arrived at the fort around noon. After changing into our Revolutionary War uniforms in the dungeon below the fort, we marched around the fort and adjacent to the main road to attract motorists. We played such tunes as The Downfall, and Devil’s Dream along with corps pieces. After this we formed in front of the crowd and put on a show of marching and maneuvering. Afterward we played the Connecticut and Granny Competition pieces in the “position of the fifer.” After this most of us trudged across the fields to a secluded spot, where the crowd could not see us. At strategic points throughout the skit, we played tunes from the colonial period. While waiting to play, Mr. McLean told jokes and almost. broke the skit up with one of them. The Civil War skit followed and necessitated another change of uniforms. The skit was in general similar to what was presented at Fonda, with the exception that the corps joined in by doing some drilling of its own along with the playing of the Volunteer and later, the Star Spangled Banner. This ended the performance, and so after touring the fort and getting something to eat, we said good-by to Willis, Professor and Mrs. Aires, and the rest of the Muzzle Loaders, and headed for Delmar.

This was to be the last event for the McLean family with the corps. Bob McLean took an art director’s job in Syracuse, and so he moved his family to that area a few weeks later. Many people were not sure the corps could continue without the excellent leadership of the McLeans. One thing few people didn’t know, was how well they had prepared the corps to continue and find new instructors and leaders.

December 21, – Christmas Caroling and Party, Delmar, N.Y.

After meeting at the Bethlehem Central Junior High School at 6:00 p.m., we drove down to the Delaware Avenue Plaza in Bob Mulligan’s and Bob Barneds car. After complications with a flat, we managed to get the show on the road, with performances at various shopping centers including Westgate, and Styvesant in Albany. The tunes played in the frigid weather included Jingle Bells, Oh Come ‘Oh Ye Faithful, and Silent, Night (4 fife solo). We ended our caroling exhibition, and were glad to get back to Delmar, where the fifth annual Christmas party was to be held at Dick MacDowell home. Those participating in the caroling, included Bob Barned, Brit Brown, Jim Colfer, Baron and John Fitzgerald, Bill Frueh. Dave Gregory, Ray Hauley, Dave and Bob Morse, Buz Olsen, and Rick Stewart. When we got to Dick’s house, we were greeted by Dick, and his family, and also Bob Tinney and Tracy Kunz who helped go for the refreshments and pizza ready. Most of the party was spent eating and playing a silly game involved in keeping a balloon in the air while assembled in a circle. A jam session was started up toward the end of the party and finally the thing that helped break it up was the fact that it was after midnight. After saying good-by and thank-you to Mrs. MacDowell and family, we all departed into the night.