Connecticut western news., 1911-06-01
CANAAN'S BRASS BANDS
Two Such MusicaI)Organizations Have
 Flourished and DecaYed


 The history of Canaan's efforts to sustain cornat band is of interest at this time, when there is a revival of talk about organizing another band, which, inasmuch as Canaan is getting into the habit of accomplishing things, will doubtless result in such an organiza- tion before long.
 In the summer of 18S0-thirty- years ago-when there were fewer young men here, and much less musical talent, some of the boys got together and resolved to attempt to raise money and start band. A subscription paper was started and circulated for pied yes by the "local editor" of The News, who by dint of persistent work, finally succeeded iu getting about $l50 pledged, in sums ranging from 25 cents to $5. With that amount promised it was decided to order the instruments, and a meeting for organization was held in the town Hall of the evening of July 3, 1880, MT. Frederick Watson having donated the use of the Hall for practic- ing purposes.
 The organization consisted of nine members. in the beginning, as follows: Willard W. Underwood. Reuben Mo Intyre, Frank G. Loomis, Grove Knickerbocker. Resell Underwood, Horace D. Humphrey. Arthur s. Lane George Smith, John Rodemeyer, Jr. Willard Underwood, was elected presi- dent, Horace D. Humphrey treasurer, and Arthur s. Lane Secretary.
 The nine original instruments. were ordered from o. A. Zoebisch 6 Sons, New York, and was selectecd personally by William R. North, of Cornwall, leader of the West Cornwall band, who was engaged as teacher of the Canaan aggregation. They were shipped July 2, and were as follows-we copy from the original bill which is before the writer, to whom they were consigned: One E flat oornet, one B fat cornet, two E flat altos, one B flat baritone, one E flat tuba, one bass drum, one snare drum amounting to total of Sl47.61
 Gu July IS the first lesson was given by Prof. North. After the first lesson other members joined and the band was enlarged. Those who joined, almost at the start were Frank P. Barnum. "Hite" Barnum, G. E. DeHart, Eihu Donalds, and subsequent additions and changes brought in Friend Northrop, Willie F. Rodemeyer. Henry Goodro, c. B. Gardner, Peter Hicks, Fred. Bartlett, Will. Barnes.
 An item in The News of July 21 said: "The Canaan Cornet Band are getting in the big licks and are happy-and SD ain't the neighbors. The verdict is, Heavenly music but hellish noise, but Teacher North will soon change that tune"
 During the next year the band gave a number of indoor and outdoor concerts, making its first public appear ance in an open air concert Oct. 8, at the Ashley Falls Hotel, by an invitation of Landlord Ferris and the report stated that for band only three months old it showed great progress.
 This band lasted about three years, when, through lack of interest, or some thing, it petred out. Six or seven years later, or about 1889, it was revived by a practically new set of musicians, though retaining a few of the old ones. A photograph of the band, taken on Decoration Day, about 1890, shows the following members: Charles H. Pease, leader; Martin Mcintyre, c. E. DeHart, Eddie Adams, N. Watson Hardenbergh, Fred. R. Collin, Henry D. Reed, B. A. Peirce, E. s. Pease, H. B, Barnum. John G. Beckley, R. D. Peirce, James H Drake, Frank Silvernale, Charles A Rodemeyer, Frank N Brown. The second band existed about as long the first and even attained to the dignity of uniform. But eventually 1t succumbed. While this band was in existence a handsome band. stand was erected on the Town Hall hill, which was later removed to the trotting ground and used as judges stand.