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SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 1948 THE DAILY TIMES-GAZETTE PAGE THIRTEEN "THE BAND PLAYS ON"... by Col. F rank Chappell SHAWA can well be proud of the services that it has received from its various bands throughout the years... in this article Colonel Chappell reviews the history of Oshawa bands and revives the memories of several citizens who have in a large measure been responsible for the development of band music. As a result of the pioneer work so ably done, Oshawa can today take pride in the development of this feature of its community life. | o MEcsanics ander the feadership Grand Soren! Fateriatnment 1 Friday Fvening, of vas --- The Sulesions for One of the first ba TOW «HAL December he ening wii nd through the courtesy of Mrs. Avern P. Taylor, of Westmoreland Ave. whose grandfather was the late Mr. G. F. Thompson mentioned on the program as leader of the band. History of Oshawa Bands Dates Back To Village Days When the Ontario Regiment was first organised as the 34th Battalion of Canadian, Militia, with Head- quarters at Whitby, it was a strictly rural unit. Some nine companies were located at various centres of population throughout the county, from Whitby and Oshawa in the South to Cannington and Beaver- ton, in the North. Since in those days of meagre transportation fecilities, the regi- ment was rarely together more oft- en than once a year, a purely regi- mental band was a luxury to be hop- ed for as the future unfolded. Those were days of real anxiety and some disorder, following in the wake of Civil War in the United States. It was at this time that the Fenians of that country, presum- malcontents of Irish origin, e a source of suspicion and poli- tical action. Indeed, the early days of the Regiment in 1866, found many members from this vicinity on duty in positions along the Niagara frontier, ready to repel invaders that "ventured o'er the Border." The different Companies had bugles for their own Regimental and "Duty" calls. One of these bat- tered bugles is still to be seen en- shrined in a glass case at the Ar- mouries. But it was some time be- fore we learn of a band and then we are told it consisted of fifes and drums. Eventually, a regimental brass and reed band was organized at Whitby, (since the County Town was then the Regiment's Headquar- ters), under the leadership of Wil- liam Matthewson. As the years went by, it came under the direc- tion of different leaders for we note the names of Bandmaster Tho- mas Toms and R. S, Wolfenden as the band played at different regi- mental and civic functions. We read of it playing "most accepta- bly" at the laying of the corner stone of DeMille College in Aug- ust 1874 and of course there were the traditional serenades and par- ades of triumph after parliamentary elections regardless of which side won, ; But earlier than all this, a group of instrumentalists had gathered in Street School. _A Church parade about 1905 headed by the band marc Pedlar plant, now Memorial Park, On the right hand side is a corner of the old High Sch any assistant conductor and secretary, right hand corner. These {two men served with the band over a period of more than 40 years. Mr. Toms is one of the few whose cap badge may be identified as the early badge of the regiment. Since Village Days Oshawa Has Enjoyed Good Band Music hing north on Centre Street. On the left hand side are some of the buildings of the old pied by the spaci frontage of Centre 1 now --Photo loaned to The Times-Gazette by F. W. Dobney, 281 Mary Street L 4 One of the earliest photographs of the Oshawa Band taken about 1895. From the appearance of the bass viol it is evident that the band had orchestral ambitions, They are shown in the uniform of the 34th Battalion, progenitor of the Ontario Regiment, Seated behind the drum is the late Mr. Robert Davidson, father of Mr. Fred Davidson. Mr. Davidson was identified with the band over a lengthy period, as instrumentalist, drummer, --Photo supplied by Campbell's Studio The band at the turn of the century. This group, which was photographed in the grounds of what Is now "Parkwood" shows 'the late Mr. Albert Toms in the lower left hand corner and Mr. W. McLean in the lower Inecid riage Works, had marked musical ability and succeeded in knitting the band into a well-organized unit. While not always as leader, he was associated with the band {for many years, even after it be- came finally identified as the Band of the Regiment. Many leaders followed, through years that witnessed the experience of active service by many of its members. The glamourous scarlet tunics gave place to khaki drab. Sometimes the strength of the band dwindled to a mere fifteen or 50. But even then, tnat nucleus re- mained steadfast and carried on in the hope of better days. One thinks of Bandsman Albert Toms, W. Mc- Lean and D. Meech, as examples of those who served 30 to 40 years as members of the band. The span of human years was not sufficient for many of them to see the result of early effort. But in the course of time, their persistence ceived its due "eward. The band is now acknowledged on all hands as a credit to the City; an asset in the cultural life of the community. as a musical organization has re- | Since those early days the band has been well clothed and outfit ted as a result of personal interest by the Honorary Colonel of the Res giment, Colonel R. S. McLaughlin, Furnished with the fin:st of brass instruments, imported from Enge- land especially for them, clothed in well-fitting regimental scarlet of a far better quality than ever supe plied by Ordinance in the old days, the Band now plays under the title of Oshawa Regimental and Civic Band. Under the competent leadership of Bandmaster J. Broadbent W.O.I, the band has won many shields and trophies in open competition. A capakle body of musicians who practice hard, but who also do a hard day's work at their own pare ticular trades, they have won a de servedly high place in the esteem of their fellow citizens. For cone firmation of this, one need only regard the enthusiastic thousands attending the concerts at the Mc Laughlin Band Shell as the band plays on. THE NEW | {OPN AVS Tol 0): MASTER LONG & SHORT WAVE Your eyes will fell you here's BEAUTY! Your ears will say here's PERFORMANCE! And your pocket- book will shout here's VALUE! Come in today for a demonstration. All this and More in this great RCA Victor Radio eo Plastic Cabinet Walnut or Ivory Finish, with Car- rying Handle. © 3.Way Matched Acous- + + tical System. e Long and Short Wave. e New Elliptical Speaker. © 2-Point Tone Control. e Automatic Volume Control. © Superheterodyne Circuit. ® Built-in Magic Loop Antenna. t lly, --Photo supplied by F. W. Dobney Oshawa and formed themselves into a civilian band. That they were musicians of fair skill is indi- cated by the types of concert they frequently gave around 1865 under their first band master, Mr. George F., Thompson, (father of Mr. J. Thompson of the present Post Of- fice Staff). At this time too, we note the name of a Professor E. Williams, an English musician of considerable repute in his day, who also conducted the band on special occasions. Other names of local interest arise as we hark back to that per- lod, some for a brief while, others to endure through the years. In this way we read of John O'Regan, Robert Dhvidson, (father of Mr. Fred Davidson, of Davidson's Shoe Store), and a brilliant young cor- nettist, Sam Trew. This latter young man who was caployed at the Car- A more recent picture of the band, with many of their trophies, taken in 1939 on the grounds of "Parkwood". The men are in regimental scarlet with blue facings. On the left of the front row may be seen Bandsmen W. McLean and Albert Toms. In the centre of the front row are Lt.-Col. E. Pearson, Bandmaster J. Broadbent, W.0. I, Honorary Colonel B. 8. McLaughlin and Major A. L. 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