First in a series: History of community bands
By DON SKINNER
Contributing writer
From the 1870s through World War I, town bands were the rage, fueled by easily available, manufactured instruments and tours by the John Phillip Sousa band.
Peabody has had many bands in its 130-year history. The first was formed in 1876 when the town was six years old. Here's what the Gazette of June 9, 1876, had to say: "Money has been raised for a set of new and improved instruments for a brass band."
The instruments arrived a week later and the editor wryly remarked that life was about to change for Peabody residents who valued their peace and quiet.
"The Peabody Band instruments arrived on Tuesday. Now the nights will be filled with discord, worse to be endured than the cares which infest the day.
"The new band consists of eight pieces which, added to two or three instruments, and two good drums previously owned in Peabody, will be able to furnish noise enough."
The band members apparently pursued their music with great enthusiasm, even on Sunday mornings, prompting the following notice in the Gazette on Aug. 25: "Everybody is glad to see our band making progress, but the worshipers in the churches do not like to be disturbed by the practice of any member of the band during divine service. And the enthusiasm which led to the playing of several secular airs last Sunday morning needs restraining."
The band gave a concert in late August, and it left the townspeople wanting more. The Gazette reported Aug. 25, "The Peabody brass band gave us one very pretty piece in the open air last Saturday evening. We shall all be glad when the musicians are disposed to come out earlier and stay longer."
By 1878, the town was flush with bands. It had not only a brass band, but also an orchestra and a string band, according to the newspaper.
Then in 1880 the "Peabody Mechanics Band" was incorporated. This could have been the same band formed in 1876, or a different one. It had a capital stock of $500 and a new set of instruments was ordered.
The following year the Mechanics Band had direct competition from a newly-formed brass band. In 1883, both bands apparently still were active and provided music on the Fourth of July.
The Gazette reported on July 5 of that year, "Peabody boasted of two excellent cornet bands on the Fourth.
The "Mechanics Band," comprising 12 pieces, has been in the most regular practice during the year, and were in splendid playing order."
"The other band, comprising some excellent players here, belonging to the "Peabody Cornet Band" which has been disorganized for some time. They have been practicing every day for some weeks and when they opened out at daybreak with "Hail, Columbia," it was indeed a treat."
In November of 1883, the Gazette reported the reorganization of "the cornet band" as the Rockwell Cornet band.
The leader was R.N. Rockwell, an owner of a local business, the Peabody Foundry and Iron Works.
Another owner of that business, S.H. Sexton, also was in the band. This is probably the Mechanics Band described in 1880. They held practices every Tuesday evening.
The bands provided music on holidays such as the Fourth and on Christmas and when dignitaries came to town.
