by Sharon Klein
It was not uncommon for the towns of the Valley to have had bands composed of local musicians back in the 1850s up until World War II. Band concerts were a special treat, and Berlin had a bandstand in front of the Soldiers’ Monument for many years. [private]The bands also provided music for baseball games and other sporting events, not only in Berlin, but in neighboring towns as well. The Citizen’s Band in Berlin even had a bandwagon. Bands were also a popular part of Memorial Day and July 4 Parades.
Margaret Kinn, former Town Historian, often told of band rehearsals being held on the second floor of the Berlin Cash Market on Thursday nights. The local stores (there were several) were open on Thursday nights, so everyone came to town. The women did their shopping while the men listened to the band practices!
One such band, Sheldon’s Coronet Band, was formed in 1852 and reorganized several times over the years until at least 1913.
Word Gets Around
As reported in the Eastwick Press, Bill Hammersmith called attention to a drum from Berlin located at Eagle Bridge Furniture (now an antique store). Supervisor Jaeger said it was worth looking at.
A Generous Anonymous Gift
After reading the Eastwick Press, a gentleman from Petersburgh called the Town Historian, Sharon Klein, and arranged a meeting at the new Historical Center on Sunday, June 22, saying only that he had something to give the Town.
What a surprise when it was the drum mentioned at the Town Board Meeting. The Town is very excited to have this drum and extremely grateful to the anonymous donor for the return of this wonderful piece of our history.
For its age, it is in good shape and was easily identified by comparing it with an old photo of Sheldon’s Band and the acquisition.
We wonder how it made its way to the antique store – an avenue for some more research.
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