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Town bands were deemed a necessity

Town bands were deemed a necessity

by DON SKINNER

Contributing Writer

In the fall of 1884, one George Miller formed a band. The Peabody Graphic reported, "George Miller, believing that Peabody could support a band as well as any other town and that we ought to have one, has called together a number of the boys and organized a band which, if it continues as it has begun will soon be second to none in the state."

Governor Glick hears band

The band played for Kansas Governor Glick when he arrived in Peabody by train that month. The Graphic reported, ". . .they had only four days practice, but those who heard them supposed that it was an old established band." The band employed a Halstead musician, D. Mathies, to lead them. There was a reference the following week to the "Foundry Band."

By 1885 there were bands galore. The Graphic reported in July of that year: "Peabody, with one marshal band (martial?), a string band, and two brass bands, will no doubt have sufficient music for the remaining summer months.

The next year there was a reference to another band, the IOOF (Odd Fellows) Band, which participated in Memorial Day activities.

In 1888 the Gazette reported, "The First National Band, of Peabody, is rapidly coming to the front with their music. The following members comprise it: A.Z. Hamilton, Chas. Miller, Ernest Hunt, Hervey Hoyt, Bert Walker, Chas. Grayson, George Miller, E. E. Stockdale, and Luther Stephens."

In 1890 a town band was deemed a necessity. "A good band is almost a necessity in any town as we all know how pleasant it is to walk down the street in the evening and hear beautiful strains of music floating on the air," reported the Graphic on June 13, 1890.

There were two bands in 1891. The Graphic reported, "Peabody can now boast of two bands, one having been composed from the public schools and will be known as the High School band and. . .the Peabody Silver Coronet Band. . ."

At daybreak on the fourth of July 1891, the latter band played "national airs" at the City Building to begin the day of festivities. Then the following March the Peabody Silver Cornet Band and the High School band merged, becoming the Peabody Military Band, composed of 22 instruments and a drum major.

The Gazette observed, "Our two city bands have consolidated and now our people will be treated to the best they have in the music line. Twenty-two instruments, we managed can make plenty of music, but oh, dear friends, touch 'em softly

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