The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-02-10

ASSsVA .- g. re-organization z in 1s35 announced his resignation at the close of last nights session, He was followed by the members who, have belonged to the corps since 1t was first organ ized by Rev. James Butler, now of Chester, when he was 'curate at, St.: FfAncis xavier,S parish in 1928. The ranks of the. corps were only re- gently depleted however, by real veteran flfefs and; driimmers who withdrew and joined the ranks of Caspar Davis post American Legion corps. .s,. @ a
 New Unit
 A glimmer of hope for all those interested in the corps was seen when 1t was announced last night that from the ruins of the old corps an attemp. would be made to form an entirely new unit, composed only of the younger enthusiasts. and any others who would be interested. William J. Began has accepted the post of director of the proposed group and he stated last night that he intended to make the corps over and allow girls to take part, as well as boys. The possibility of adding 8 contingent of buglers to tile unit was also mentioned. Girl Scouts of troop 37. which Is the St. Francis Xavier troop are expected to be anxious to join the corps, but MT. Regan has announced that all younger boys and girls will be con- sidered in selecting the new corps.
 .O'Connor Instructor i,
 Terrence D. O'Connor. who first was introduced to the corps almost 10 years ago will continue as in- strsictor, If the. new organization be- comes Q realization. From the old corps 1t ts, expected that at least IS boys will remain and aid in the formation of the new. All equip meIlt, flies, drums banners and such will remain with the corps for the use Of the new corners. With cooperation the corps. which will be composed of boys and girls, will blossom forth into an active unit, such as represented the parish in former days. '
 when the original St. Francis Xavier Fife and Drum Corps was organized In 1928 by Father Butler, the Boy Scouts of the parish. troop 9, were in full swing and it was from this group that the corps was selected. More than 100 boys be- tween the ages of 12 and IF took active part in the program of the corps in those days, and 1t was, a program which had every other drum corps watching with eiavious ~ :. Troop 3 Popular Y ,..' .:'
 gs No contest or field day was com plete without the appearance of the famous Troop. 9 Drum, Corps, as itqwas, then known. and the corps travelled to all sections of the state, and to many places in other states. always returning with some sort of trophy as q souvenir of their con- quest and playing ability. Without exaggeratiof it was rated the most uBtotNklQulSA uAAt VI NAG f0uys 4AC crownipg achievement was the win ming of th1s contest at New Haven. August 9. 19s0. which. made the corps the state champions in the junior class. No one was surprised therefore. when the corps duplicated the feat the following year. Election campaigns. republican and demo- crat, boy scout jamborees. commu- nity events were all accompanied by the music of the corps.
 .- Interest Wanes
 {. Shortly after the transfer of Fa- ther Butler to- the St. Marys Star of the Sea Church. New London. in- terest started to ware and the corps was not as active. Tn le3S an at- tempt at reorganization was made and it was thought that the corps could be placed back on its once active bas;s. The difficulties en- countcred were too great however. and last rights decision to disband was mace after considerable thought ny officers and members, over a period 0f several months. E The Washington Hill district and sLc city 4t large. upon being in formed of the dissolution, joined in