Cornets and Quicksteps

Award of Merit from the Pennsylvania Federation of Museums and Historical Organizations
Honorable Mention from the American Association of State and Local History

Introduction

Bands have never left Susquehanna County. The focus of their being may have been changed, as well as their size and number, but music, in all its forms, remains and integral part of this rural community. High school and college bands and rock groups are the first images that come to mind when any thought is given to the late 20th century bands. The 19th century band was comprised mainly of adults and the instruments were mainly cornets. Thus grew an abundance of cornet bands in the boroughs and small towns of Susquehanna County. The museum's intent is to present historical evidence documenting the importance of the band in the social and cultural life of Susquehanna County. Documentation will show that the bands were part of every aspect of community life. They played at funerals, church socials and suppers, family reunions, military and veterans encampments, political rallies, picnics, fairs, parades and concerts. Instruments were passed down through families or were donated to start new bands.

Massed Band Concerts were organized by Mauirce Taylor in the borough of Montrose from 1932 through 1937. The borough's population grew from approximately 1,500 to over 12,000 as people and bands gathered from all over the state of Pennsylvania and New York. Maurice Taylor was in his 20's at the time and later wrote a series of books, Easy Steps To The Band, designed to help beginners understand the basics of their instrument. The books are still used in schools throughout the United States. Mr. Taylor, although retired and in his 80s, still plays in a community band with his wife and occasionally directs the Montrose High School band, which he organized in 1927.

The Star Cornet Band of Clifford was mentioned in a newspaper article for Memorial Day, 1894: "The G.A.R. Post Memorial day marched to the cemeteries through rain and mud preceded by the Star Cornet Band, and after decorating the graves, formed a square around the grave of Stephen Gleason, a member who died the past year, and went through their solemn services, the band played a beautiful dirge, Rev. Lappeus making the closing prayer. Citizens M.A. Gardener, William Lott and Emery Green accompanied the boys and assisted in their duties." In 1876 and 1877 the Montrose Democrat reported the following: "Prof. E.K. Richardson of Great Bend is instructor of a Cornet Band in this place," and "There was a necktie party held at the house of Robert Seamans on Friday evening, Feb. 28th, for the benefit of the Franklin Cornet Band, which was well attended and a good time was had.

The Susquehanna Journal in June and July of 1895 said that a "Brass band started at Stevens Point," and "T. Hobbs of Ararat is instructor of new Stevens Point band."

"The Uniondale Cornet Band held their weekly practice Friday evening, instead of Saturday evening, it being more convenient for some of the members living out of town." So reported the Montrose Democrat in 1913."

Gatherings of bands must have been quite common and they often proved to be very competitive. The report on the Great Bend band will bear this out. The following is taken from the Montrose Democrat, Oct. 3, 1877. "The Susquehanna County Bands: The second annual gathering of the cornet bands of Susquehanna County took place on the 25th ultimo. The exercises commenced at 11 o'clock a.m., when the New Milford band marched in and joined the Waverly band. Next came the Great Bend Village band. The Brooklyn and Waverly bands consolidated and were next in order, succeeded by the Gibson , Thompson, Elk Lake, Franklin, Great Bend borough and Lanesboro bands, each "striking up" as it entered. Lunch was discussed and Prof. Cogswell, of Waverly [formerly of the Brooklyn Band and author of the "Montrose Quickstep"], ascended the pagoda and formed them for the time into one immense band. One hundred and thirteen instruments sent out a vast volume of sound in unison, and executed sucecessfully two pieces in this form. Then the bands were resolved each into itself, and took turn in playing different selections. This exercise concluded, the several bands were again formed into one, and played on the march. Drum Major Barney, of Brooklyn, and Prof. W.L. Maynard, of New Milford, were prominent among the musicians taking part. At the conclusion of this chorus, it was decided that at the next reunion, to be held at Montrose, a competition should be held for premiums."

A large gathering of bands took place at the celebration of the Centennial of Susquehanna County, held in Hallstead in 1887. Eleven bands were represented in the parade: Susquehanna Cornet Band, Gibson Cornet Band, Cambrian Band, New Milford Band, Great Bend Band, Springville Band, Bauer's Band, Scranton, South Montrose Band, Heart Lake Band, Brooklyn Band and Lanesboro Band.

Several years ago the Historical Society was contacted by Warren P. Howe, director of the West Point Band, who was writing an article on Silas Robinson. Mr. Howe informed us that Silas helped found and develop the West Point band in 1813. He was a field musician and drum major and "was part of the introduction of percussion instruments to the band of musick, instruments which today continue to evolve to more prominent positions in the band and orchestra." Silas moved to Lathrop Township, Susquehanna County, some time after 1826 and died in 1865. He is buried in the Hillsdale Cemetery Lathrop Township.

Finally, two excellent records of early bands will be found in "Memories of the Montrose Band Recalled" and "The Hardford Brass Band." No amount of research can ever duplicate first-hand knowledge.

Gay's West Auburn Band | Brooklyn's Prize Band | Hamlin E. Cogswell | Great Bend Cornet Band | Harford Bands | Harford Soldiers' Orphan School | Kingsley Cornet Band | Canawacta Band | Lawsville Cornet Band | Gibson Cornet Band | The South Gibson Band | Montrose Band | Taylor's Band | The New Milford Cornet Band | Rush Cornet Band | Springville Silver Cornet Band | Erie Band Of Susquehanna

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