In honor of the 4th of July weekend and the Historical Society’s new exhibit in partnership with the town of Galena, a circa 1898 photograph of the Galena Cornet Band. Image courtesy of the town of Galena, Maryland.
From a newspaper clipping of the era:
“This musical organization purchased a building in March, 1898, and fitted it up with stage and curtains for a hall. It is situated near the center of town and is one of the most suitable places for shows, festivals, etc., in the town. There is a 20 foot flag that may be seen floating from a 60 foot pole on all public holidays and extra occasions in front of the hall. The band bought uniforms June 28, 1899. Among their numerous engagements which they have fulfilled in a creditable manner the first was Chestertown on May 5th 1897, at the big Children’s Carnival. At this time they had taken their first [illegible] just three months previous. Tolchester Beach was visited July 4th, 1899, and afterwards the Tolchester Company engaged them for for the Kent-Queen Anne’s Fair. Excursions, festivals, tournaments, political meeting [sic], and in fact all leading and important events have seen and heard them. The Band has paid all encumbrance and is free from debt with a good surplus in the treasury. The members of the band meet regularly every Monday and Friday evenings, Monday evenings [illegible] and on Fridays is their practice night. The band is in a good, flourishing condition, plays all the leading and popular airs and is open for engagements.”
The newspaper article (not necessarily contemporaneous with this photograph) names the following members: President C.W.S. Medders, Vice-President W.K. Davis, Trustees J. Thos. Pennington, Dr. J.W. Latimer, Wm. Steele and R.I. Dempsey, Secretary Jos. E. Boyd, Treasurer R.T. Dempsey, Leader Andrew W. McConley, Instructor Robt. S. Godwin.
Please visit the Bordley History Center during the month of July to view a new exhibit, produced in partnership with the town of Galena. Regular hours Thursdays and Fridays from 11 am – 2 pm and Saturdays from 10 am – 1 pm, and from 5 pm – 7 pm on First Fridays. Visitors can browse the shop, view the exhibitions, and explore genealogical records on a drop-in basis. Collections staff is available by appointment to assist with research in the library and archives. Visit www.kentcountyhistory.org or call (410) 778-3499 for more details.
Write a Letter to the Editor on this Article
We encourage readers to offer their point of view on this article by submitting the following form. Editing is sometimes necessary and is done at the discretion of the editorial staff.