The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-07-26

music hungry multitudes in a manner
peculiar to itself.
Probably no other man in Topeka
more familiar with the history Of
he band than oscar Swayze. who for
Fears was business manager of the
Organization. While not now iden1-
led with Il, Swayze still has its in
crest at heart and gives an interest
ng account Of its organization ard
rpwth.
Before the advent of Marshars
1and. the old Capital City Silver Cor
net band, composed almost entirely of
labitues of Turner hall, was the city's
ole dependency in the band line and
,fficiated at celebrations of whatever
sind were launched-as well as fu-
ierals-for many years.
In the autumn of 1884. at the outset
Il the memorable presidential cam
laign in which James G. Blaine, of
daine, and John A. Logan, of ILL
lois. whose familiar titles were the
fPIumed Knight" and BLACK Jack"
we're pitted against the Grover Cleve-
and and Thomas Hendricks team for
he honors at the head of the Repub-
lean and Democratic tickets, politics
n Kansas and Topeka was at it's
enith 1t was then that Topeka or
.anized flambeau clubs to lead the
hight and day parades and TopelSan
III II. McCall-invented the flash
orch, or flambeau.
Eathercd by Politics.
It was then that the late John B.
MARSHALL. founder of Marshall's band,
nd a stalwart Republican, was in
luced to organize a temporary band,
o be known as the Republican Flam-
seau club band. The small organiza-
ion was outfitted with white canvas
informs. oil cloth capes and caps OF
he same material. There was no in
ention to make the band a permanent
Institution. However, the success OF
he election went TO the Democrats
nd 1t was probably due to this. that
he members of the little flambeau
band decided that there was another
lite to the cherry and it would be ripe
n four years, so resolved to accept
he earnest petitions of the citizens
nd maintain the organization. In
oluntarny the name of the band be-
anne MarshalHs, by reason of its lead
/ rs prominence. and the name stuck
This players in the newly organized
and were business men, all engaged
n pursuits other than professional
music. They played together, prac-
. iced assiduously and gained in public
I avor as an amateur band. As most
the players were North Topekans,
n he headquarters were established
forth Of the river and for years after
+ yard the band was known as a North
ide institution. Prominent North
ide business men encours ged the in
titut!on by generous support and en-
Favored to hold the old First ward
. Republican flambeau band - now
' darshall's-as a fixture. This sup
bort induced enlargement and the
band increased gradually until 1t could
cunt forty men in line on parade. 1t
became a wonderfully well trained
. MUSICAL body and Director Marshall
nnsted the attention of the musical
rites wherever the band was called
o play. for the ability Of his must
ians.
It is remarkable that such a highly
rained corps Of we'll trained musi-
ians could be held together in an
mateur band. with no hope of ad-
ancement other than the efforts of
he members and the spasmodic sup
.ort accorded it by the citizens. In
hose days there were no unions to
ictate terms and no contracts avail
BILE by which the band could main
ain its library and buy instruments.
y hey were bound together by the love
Z music and the promise of an occa-
ional side trip on pay.
Marshall Was an Organizer.
Director Marshall was a contracting
arpenter and a natural born organ
ger, beloved by his men. George NJ.
sescher also a contractor and solo
iarinetist, was president and assist
Mt director. Lescher afterward died
victim of the awful fevers that swept
costa Rica and the canal zone and the
Iustrious leader. mourning the loss
his good friend, George. regretted
hat he could not pay personal tribute
his memory. But owing to the
uarantine rules the remains were
estined to be neld for months before
hey were allowed to be sent home.
Fred c. Lacey. the secretary. was
hanger of the Western Union Tele-
|raph office here and played an alto
orn in the band. He moved east sew
'ral years ago, and now is living in
sbury Park, y. J. Theodore Lescher, a
ounEer brother of George. was one
the star soloists of the band, ana