Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1909-05-26
THE DEBORAH DRUM CORPS
INTERESTING HISTORY CHAMPIONSHIP
CORPS WHICH SPREAD DECORAH'S AND WIDE
A REUNION OF THIS ORGANIZATION
In DEBORAH HOME COMING WEEK. AUG 1929.


ment Corps, and taking the lead in
playing and drill. On their return
home the citizens began to take more
notice of them and saw there was
something besides noise in them.
Encampment at Waterloo.
In June, 1882, F. NJ. Coleman was
called from Minneapolis, Mimi, to
get the corps in shape for the coming
encampment to be held at Waterloo,
Ia, where prize of $50 was offered
for the best drum corps-from
musical standpoint. The boys be-
came great favorites here of the 14th
regiment. J. F. Cutler being ap-
pointed drum major of the regiment
had control of the Decorah Drum
Corps and Independence Band. On
Wednesday of this week was held,
what the writer called the turning
point of the Decorah Corps-their
first contest-if they won, victory
for years was to come; but If they
lost - -. Maj. McCosh of Chi
cago being present, was chosen as
one of the judges with F. w. Robert
son and c. Balliett of Waterloo.
After drawing for places, the De-
corah securing first, the Dubuque
second, they proceeded to play. At
dress parade the judges decided that
Decorah was entitled to first prize
and champions of Iowa In his re-
marks to the boys Maj. McCosh said:
Gentleman, you are wonder. L
have heard a great many corps in
my travels, but never one that made
such fine music with only flies and
drums. Keep on as you have start
ed and you will soon reach the top,
of the ladder. In September the In
ternational drill is to be held at Du-
buque. there you will meet the finest
corps in Illinois-the 1st Regiment
of Chicago-there you will have a
chance to show what you can do.
Remember that practice makes per-
feet -
l must not forget the hospitable
manner in which the citizens of
Waterloo treated the corps. Thanks
TO Mrs Place and the ladies of the
city, who kept the tents filled with
| flowers each day and doing every
thing TO make the boys comfortable.
| The boys were great favoriteS here
One lady remarked, Il wish | had
fifteen daughters, / would marry
them all to the Decorah Drum Corps;
! but unfortunately my girls are
| boys" The corps at this place was
composed of the following mem-
bers: j. F. Cutler, drum major;
c. Henger, H. Henger. AL Anderson.
and Ed. Thompson, fifers; F.. NJ.
Coleman, Chas. Thompson, F.. F..
Smout, George Norton, r. Mariet-
ia, August Neufert. Chas Mckay,
George Haskell, drummers; Chas
Weiser and Theo. Hegg, bass drums.
This was one of the finest encamp-
ments the corps ever attended, and
had much to do with the future life
of the organization, for it was here
that General c. S. Bentley took par
ticular pains to entertain and place
them forward. The boys have much
to thank the General for, for he in
vited them south, seeing that they
were comfortable at all times. Too
much praise cannot be given him.
and the boys will always remember
him as true friend
In returning home, at Charles
City, while waiting for trains, the
boys held a meeting and decided to
purchase new instruments. 1t was
at this time that the corps old
friend. G.. @. Gardner, again came
forward and loaned them enough
money to purchase the Instruments.
but thanks to the citizens, who pa
tronized the concert given by them
they were enabled within a month
to repay the Colonel, and be in good
shape for the coming encampment at
Dubuque.
United States Championship.
In September, the corps composed
of the following members left home
for the seat of war. Mai. Cutler:
fifers, c. Hegner, Brown, Anderson,
Hegner drummers, Coleman, SOL
berg, Marietta, Mckay, Norton, Neu-
fert, C.. Thompson, Weiser and
Hegg. AT Dubuque they were met
at the depot by the Porter Rifles of
Memphis, Tenn, who treated them
royalty, and were chosen as the es-
corting committee. 1t was then the
boys showed their pluck and endur-
ance; marching from early morn un-
til late at night for three DAYS. es-
corting troops and infantry, cavalry
and artillery from the depot and
wharf to the camp grounds, which
were three miles from the city, and
not word of mumbling was heard.
AT five O'Clock Wednesday morning
the corps was ordered to the depot
to escort the Chicago cavalry and
drum corps to the grounds They
hastened to obey. not even waiting
for breakfast, and when they re-
turned were Immediately ordered to
take their position for the grand
parade, which lasted until nearly one
o'clock in the afternoon. Upon re-
turning they were ordered to play
in front of the amphitheatre for the
amusement of the immense crowd
gathered there. 1t will be seen that
the boys had been without food all
day. and at p. m. were called to
get ready for the prize. After draw
ing for positions; Decorah securing
hrst, Chicago second and DUBUQUE
third, the boys marched to their
place with firm tread, but very
weary step, and sure of victory.
Never in the history of the corps did
l hear them play better. keeping
time and doing fine execution. When
time was called one of the by-stand-
ers said, Boys, the $500 is yours"
And so 1t was decided by two of the
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