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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHomecoming '87, 1987-07-01, Page 24PAGE A-24. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY. JULY 1, 1987. _Homecoming 'S7_______________________________ Brussels Legion Pipe Band entertained for 35 years Last May 23rd, the Brussels Legion Pipe Band celebrated its 35th anniversary, a proud accom­ plishment for the splendid group which had its beginnings in a small committee meeting held in Janu­ ary, 1952 at the Legion. The Brussels Legion had agreed to help with the expenses of forming a band if the project seemed feasible, and it was agreed that if it were formed, the band should be named the “Brussels Legion Pipe Band.’’ In the early spring, several Legion members travelled to Loch- alsh to take bagpipe lessons from D.A. McLellan, and later in the summer, several would-be drum­ mers began to take lessons from Mack Webster of Kincardine. The first members of the fledging band were Cal Krauter, Ross Duncan, Gordon Krauter, Ray Bronson, Ken Coleman, Wal­ ter MacFarlane, Tom MacFarlane, David Hastings, Jack Willis, Ross Bennett, Orwell Elliott and George Elliott, all veterans of WWII. The men held their first regular meeting in October, 1952, to organize and plan the fundraising needed to purchase uniforms and other equipment. It was decided that a series of dances and turkey bingos would be the main fund­ raisers. By April, 1953, the band was ready to meet the public for the first time, and a party was held for the members of the Brussels Legion and their wives. The debut was an outstanding success, and the first parade was planned for May, when the new Pipe Band marched in a church parade presented by the Brussels Oddfellows Lodge, led by majorette Joyce MacFarlane. More funding was needed to complete the outfitting of the band, and for the next few years the villages of Brussels and Ethel were treated to several parades by the Brussels Legion Pipe Band, with volunteers passing the hatfor a silver collection. The group also organized several BandTatoos, inviting other local bands to come to Brussels to play on an exchange basis, in order to keep down expenses. A dance was always held afterwards, with free admission to anyone in uniform, or an admission of 50 cents for others. In those News items from Feb, 23,1927 ***** Miss Addie Cardiff was the guest of Miss Mae Wood of Chathamforafewweeks, andat other points. ***** Eddie Haist left last week for Chesley, where his father is working. He is supposed to get a job inone of the factories there, says The Post.***** Editor A.G. Smith, of the Wingham Advance-Times, accom­ panied by Jas. Gilmour, gave The Post a call on Monday, according to The Post social columnist.***** In the Obituary column, it was noted that Rebecca Aitcheson Martin, relict of the late William Martin, had died on February 18, 1927, aged87years, 11 months and 11 days. The funeral was largely attended, and the pallbearers were her nephews William, Martin and John McNair and Alex Edgar. days, a dance orchestra would play fora$50fee, sothe events were always successful. The first Robbie Burns dance was held in January, 1954, netting a profit of around $100. The same year the Pipe Band established a price of $50, plus expenses, to play at parades throughout the region. In October, 1965, the band decided toacceptnew members who were not necessarily veterans, as some of the original members were moving away or retiring. A new member was required to know how to play several pieces, and was voted on before being given final acceptance. When the Belgrave Pipe Band disbanded in the mid 60’s, members Albert Cook, Garn­ er Nicholson, Bill Nethery, Jim McCallum and Lome Wall were all accepted by the Brussels Legion Band. A massed Pipe Band, formed of several area bands, was organized in 1966 in order to travel to Sherrill, New York, to take part in the city’s Golden Anniversary Celebrations, a momentous occasion for the Americans, many of whom had never before seen kilted pipers and drummers. In 1977 and 1978, the Brussels Legion Pipe Band went to Stan­ dish, Michigan for the town’s annual Loyalty Day Parade, with the Brussels band returning each year since the towns became “Sister Cities” soon afterwards. The last Band Tattoo in Brussels was held in 1977, as expenses involved in such an event began to get out of hand, and now the band playsfor a fee atparades, fairs, From The Management and Staff at... Elevators 1 '/i miles east of Blyth on County Rd. 25 then '/? mile North mills BLYTH 523-4241 WINGHAM 357-2700 0WENS0UND 376-5830 Howson & Howson Ltd. Flour & Feed Millers, Complete Farm Supplies, Grain Elevators CARGILL 366-2225 Congratulations to our friends and customers in the Village of Brussels From all of us at Howson & Howson Ltd. We’re proud to be serving your area for one hundred and twelve years! Founded in 1875, the growth of Howson & Howson feed business isdirectly related to the growth of farmers in this area. And, at every stage in our history, we have honestly tried to give farmers everything they need and expect from a mill. Thanks for your past patronage and we at Howson’s look forward to serving you in the future. "Have a great time at the 115th Homecoming Celebrations” Legion functions, and even wed­ dingreceptions. The Robbie Burns dance is still held in January each year, as is the annual Ceilidh each October. Throughout the years, the Brus­ sels Legion Pipe Band has changed in size and shape. In 1987, the band has more than 20 members, with several still taking lessons to improve their repertoire. From the original 12 veterans, the band ha« expanded to include civilian men and women, as well as boys and girls. Members range in age from 79 to early ‘teens. Drum Major Tom MacFarlane and Drummer Ross Bennett are the only original band members still involved, but many of the original kilts and jackets are still being worn, passed around a bit as some waist measurements expand comfort­ ably as skill and wisdom grows. Besides Mr. MacFarlane and Mr. Bennett, the members of the present band include Piper Major Charles Procter, Drum Sergeant Gail Semple, Base Drummer Bill Nethery, Garner Nicholson, Don­ ald Dunbar, Donald Martin, Mary Thomas, Albert Cook, Murray Bone, Nelson Howe, Jennifer and Elizabeth Procter, Linda Ten Pas, Ann Kernaghan, Marrianne Scott, Steve Adams, and Bessie, Mary Lou, Darrin and Scott Johnston. As the pride of Brussels, the Legion Pipe Band will lead the homecom­ ing Parade on Saturday, July 4, right behind Parade Marshall John Ainlay, a great-grandson of the founder of the village whose 115th birthday we are celebrating this week. The above photo shows the construction of the Sheriff Mill in Ainleyville in 1874. However, there are no references to this mill in a number of old texts on the period, and little seems to be known about it. If anyone can help, give us a call at The Citizen office. Wingham...357-1932 Seaforth...527-0470 Brussels...887-6751 George of Brussels Complete Ladies’& Gents’Hairstyling