Introduction & Acknowledgments
Writing a history of two organizations, each over 100 years old, and then telling the story of their merger or “marriage,” as I call it, definitely deserves more than the two months I have had opportunity to try to put this little volume together. This is especially true when my multiple other responsibilities have not diminished.
It has, however, been a rewarding task, and I have learned much.
One thing I’ve learned is that I’m not an historian. I like to tell stories, and there are many to tell in the material uncovered here. Another item learned causes me to conclude that most of the corps in the Western Territory seem to have a rich history that has not been adequately respected, documented or noted in any way. Certainly that is true of the two corps explored on these pages. We simply have not taken time to record the major events of our years. I’ve also learned I tend to see matters in the corps mostly as a musician might see them, and this might explain the sizeable number of comments about bands and songsters and the minimal comments about Home Leagues or Leagues of Mercy. For this, I apologize. I know I’ve left out some critically important material. I know I’ve included some meaningless (but, I hope, interesting) trivia. Sorry.
Basically, my hope is that this will trigger some of your memories, and that, together, we might find ways to resurrect some important facts and names from the past that deserve not to be forgotten.
This little book could not have been written without the help of a number of people. I include Ruth Di Gregorio who assembled as much material as was possible when she wasn’t required to put out forest fires along the back of her property line. Also, I want to express thanks to Harry Sparks – not only for his valuable book, With a Thousands Bands which reminded me of many great experiences we shared together, but also for his memories of events that I had long forgotten.
Bill Flinn has been of great assistance, both with his excellent files on Songster matters, as well as his remarkable memory of dates, names, times and places. Janice Buchanan helped considerably with her remarkable remembrances. We needed first hand assistance with actions surrounding the merger of the two corps, and Rich Love added immeasurable assistance to that chapter of our story.
Most especially, I want to express admiration and gratitude to Sue Warner, who edited the copy and Kevin Dobruck for the genius of his creativity in presenting the book in this artistic and readable manner.
As servers say in restaurants these days – “enjoy!”
