Great Bend Cornet Band

No photograph is available on this band and no information on the duration of its existence. However, a few articles appeared in newspapers announcing concerts or festivals, and the following should have been titled "The Best Band in the County" instead of "The Band Festival." From the Great Bend Reporter, June 19, 1878.

"Over the hills, down the valleys, the birds singing in the tree tops, bright June sun pouring its golden beams from above. Soon the church spires of Montrose were seen over the hills. We enter the town. Crowds of holiday-dressed people throng the sidewalks--everywhere expectant and smiling faces--everywhere fluttering ribbons--and brighter eyes and beaming from under gay summer hats.

On our arrival in the Court House Square the New Milford band commenced the march to the Fair Grounds. The boys presented an imposing appearance in their bear skin caps and golden epulets (epaulets). The Brooklyn band is already on the ground, and their uniform is similar to New Milford's, only the headdress is white. The idea struck me that the Great Bend band would look beside them like a lot of barnyard fowls among a lot of Paradise birds. Only these three bands were present of the twelve the county contains. Evidently the "contest" had scared the rest. According to the programme one-third of the proceeds was to be set aside in two prizes in the ratio of two to 3, for the purpose of being distributed as a first and second prize to the first and second best band in the county, the remainder to be divided among the remaining bands. No, Mr. Editor, it appears that the professional influence of filthy lucre--to give two-thirds of the proceeds to the Great Bend rag-a-muffins would not do. Hence a sham quarrel. Although Cogswell and Mr. Maynard had made the arrangement and drawn the programme, and that at the time of drawing this programme it was perfectly understood that Mr. Cogswell was to play with the Brooklyn boys when on the ground, the New Milford band objected to his doing so, consequently no contest. But now comes the cream of his joke. In a neat little speech Mr. Cogswell acquainted the audience that no contest would be made and no judgement given, only as what the audience would give, and lo! The Great Bend rag-a-muffins received a larger share of the popular applause than the two others. After playing separately from the stand the three bands adjourned to the green above, and played two tunes together, after which Mr. Cogswell introduced Mr. Rawlingson who was to be the judge. He greeted the band with a few hearty words, which was answered with three hearty cheers. Mr. Cogswell tendered his resignation as President of the Association, and upon motion the Association disbanded.

If as a band contest the whole affair was a "fizzle," the financial part of it was a perfect success. Each band received $95, but Mr. Editor, I have probably occupied too much of your valuable space already, so au revoir. 1st Eb Alto

Introduction | 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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