Osmond Post Cadets Alumni Reunion 2004 Page 1

I remember, in the early days of home television, Osmond arguably was the first drum & bugle corps to ever perform on a televised show.

Our quartet, composed of Lee Wolf, Ed Klein, Ray Mountain and myself appeared on a talent show in a promotional spot. The show hosted by Stanley Brosius and directed by his wife, aired each Sunday morning on a local network. Show was broadcast from a studio on City Line Ave, where also auditions and rehearsals were conducted.

I often think of that performance and the great friends I was privileged to accompany. One of the so many "fun times" with Osmond.

Don Adair

I will always remember the feeling we had when we won prelims in the 1953 VFW Nationals at Milwaukee. Roge and I still marvel at that accomplishment.

Osmond was in trouble the winter of 1952 with people going to senior corps, into the service and just plain leaving the corps. Well, people started showing up from all over the place. They came from Bracken, Upper Darby 214, East Germantown.Yearsley, Horn-Ross-Weiss, Rising Sun and Nuss O'hara Todd.

By the spring of 1953 it was coming together not only on the field but also off. That bunch became tighter as the weeks went on. By the middle of the season after working on a lot of detail with Larry Scott, we were pretty damn good. I think a lot of us still wondered how it was possible, but it was happening.

On the road to Milwaukee and what a trip it was with the busses quitting on the way, it seemed we were laughing most of the time. When we finally arrived at the Milwaukee Fairgrounds and found that we could drink beer at the age of 18, we knew it was OUR year.We brought the house down in prelims and just knew we were going to win finals. Well, we got to the stadium late, received a 2 point penalty and the rest is history.

It was still the best junior corps experience I ever had.

Jack Cassidy

This history will account for the changeover in uniform from gray and white to black and silver for the Osmond Drum and Bugle Corps.

In July 1953, the corps traveled to Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the VFW National Championship. Osmond was VFW State Champs from 1946-1950, and National Champs 1948 and 1949. I joined in the middle of 1952, so my first full year was in 1953. The year before, Osmond purchasedt two used Greyhound buses to travel to competitions. Bob Cwalina and Mr. Bischoff, a PTC driver, drove the buses to the convention. All the way out, one bus would work and the other would break down. Then that bus would work, then the other break down. This led to some funny moments.

On the way the Nationals that summer, one bus broke down on the PA turnpike somewhere between Olney and Ohio. Around 2 a.m., when everyone was sound asleep on the bus, we woke up to “oink, oink, oink, oink.” Rogerson was trying to pull a pig onto the bus, waking everybody up. That was part of the camaraderie.

Come daylight, we got a local mechanic to fix the bus. Sometimes it was the alternator, sometimes the battery. Finally, we got to Louisville, Ohio. We put the quartets on the bus that was running well then, along with the individuals and color guard, so that they could make it to the competition on time.

Chuck, Rogerson, Joe Scoratta, and I stayed on the broken bus, along with a total of 20 corps members. We had a couple of episodes in Louisville. We opened the bars at 8 a.m. Joe Sedja had given me his registration card from the draft showing that I was 21. I was only 17 at the time. The four of us went to a bar, and I ordered a beer. The bartender challenged me saying I looked too young to be 21, and I showed him the card. He gave me a beer. I passed the card to Chuck; the bartender said that the picture did not look like him. Chuck said it was he, so he was served. He passed the card to Scoratta, but he did not need it cause Joe had a heavy beard. He looked older, so he passed the card to Rogerson. At this the bartender said that we all must be related cause we all looked alike in our pictures ids. We said that we were cousins. We laughed and had a few beers in Louisville, Ohio. The bus got fixed and we moved on. We slept on the bus. I don’t remember getting a motel room.

By the time we got to Nationals, the individual contests were over. We took first in everything except first horn. As we pulled up, we noticed that everyone was dressed, ready for the parade. Those of us in the bus quickly changed out of our civvies and into our uniforms. We took first place in the parade as well.

After the parade, we went to our living quarters in an amusement park. This also led to some funny moments. One night, Cassidy and someone else stole the roller coaster. They pushed it up, but couldn’t get it over the hump. Someone helped him, and they rode it to the end. This got them in a little trouble. Jack Keenan stole the bus and drove it in the parking lot, spinning wheels.

The next morning, we went to the preliminaries for the contest with 50-60 other corps. We placed first with a score in the high 90s, unheard of. We came back to the fairgrounds to practice. In the middle, the person in charge told us to stop and save it, cause it was perfect.

That evening, on our way to finals, we got stuck behind a trolley. There was no way to pass it, so we arrived late to finals. We were penalized 4 or 6 full points for being late. As you know, that is equal to about 40-60 mistakes. The judge asked Nicky Patrone from St. Vinny’s who was defending the title, if they should give us the penalty or let it go. Patrone said to give the penalty, and with so many points deducted for being late, we came in 2^nd or 3^rd. This was a kick in the butt.

On our way back, the buses continued to break down. In fact, there was a picture of us in the newspaper pushing the bus. That was the late summer of 1953.

In 1954, we started losing guys. Like Willy joined the Marines; Tommy Ward joined the Air Force’ Harry Hall and Chick went to Archer Epler; Rogerson joined the Marines; Keenan, McDonald, Freddy Eckert went to the Reilly Raiders; I don’t know where Don McGlynn went.

There was not much left of the corps, maybe 9 people on the horn line. We had Eddie Holmes, Chucky and a few on the drum lines. And there was no one to fill the empty spots. We threw it in by July 4. Had we won nationals, I am sure that we would have had no problem filling those spots. Spider and a baritone player, we used to call him Blondie, went to Liberty Bell. Eddie and Elaine went to Liberty Bell. George and I hung around there a little bit.

For some reason, n the fall of 1954, we got involved with individual contests. George Brown, Joe Snyder, another guy and I put together a baritone quartet using the same repertoire as Chick, and Harry and Joe played. We went to city’s and took first place. At this time we still wore the old uniforms, as did the girls for the color guard contest, which George Brown, Chuck, and I attended with our little quarts of beer.

As time went on, we tried to get the corps back together. We had the whole second line horn, and we had a couple first horns, a couple baritones. We told guys from Norristown—Hoot, Jay Brown, Tommy Brown and all those that we had a big corps we were putting together. They were not happy at Norristown so we told them to come see us. Actually, we only had a few members. One night, about 15 came down to practice, and there was no one there. I told them they picked the wrong night to come since many couldn’t make it (in reality there were very few of us) and told them to sit in. The next thing, we had them in the corps.

Govey and Tommy Brown on the French horn, and Angelo. The Capizzo brothers came from Bracken. The girls from Rising Sun came and the entire color guard from Olney High School joined.

We wore new uniforms with black bands in honor of Hiram Walker, the director, who had died. He was so excited that we got the corps back together. Lee Wolf came back to teach us. Don Adair helped out, as did Freddy Eckert. I believe Larry Scott was there too.

Our first parade, St. Patty’s Day, we could not play because the mouthpieces were frozen, but also we didn’t know that much. Our first contest that year was in Reading, PA where we took last place, and our last contest was in Pittman, NJ, where we took first place. We turned it completely around in one season, which was pretty good, but we had good instructors too.

In 1956, we had a hot corps. We came in 2^nd and 3^rd at North Jersey contests; Philly corps had a really hard time getting in the top 3 in Jersey contests. We didn’t win states in either year, and I don’t believe we went to nationals either.

By 1957, I left. I couldn’t make the season cause I was turning 21. A few others left, and then a few more, and the corps dissolved. After 1956, it never hit the streets again. Suky, I, George Brown, Jay Brown, Gerty, went in the Marine Corps, a few others left for other services and that was it.

I remember like most of us that were in Osmond, having great respect for the corps we competed with and we had our favorites.

I can recall the first time I saw McCall on the competition field. I believe it was in early 1948. It was a small but sharp looking corps on the starting line and I asked someone who they were, “ That's Howard C McCall, the Legion National Champs” I was told. I couldn't believe a corps that small was that good.

At that point the corps stepped on to the field with a flash of horns and played their opening fanfare, “Bluebird of Happiness.” The volume and quality of sound just blew me away. They had 18 bugles, 12 drummers and 8 in the color guard. That taught me to never judge a corps by its size or initial appearance.

McCall won that show but we did beat them a couple of times that year, the year we won our first VFW National Championship.

McCall was one of my favorite competitors.

Bill Beckmann

I met Lee Wolf in 1950,when I was in the Yearsley Cadets in Germantown. Yes, Yearsley. I lived in Olney, born in a rowhouse in Olney, and lived 3 blocks from Osmond Post. I would go down to Olney High and watch them practice in the school yard. I just never thought that I was good enough to join, and there was always kids standing around waiting for spots to open. My brother in Law to be was originally from Germantown, and was in Yearsley for quite a while.

I had been in Rising Sun the year before,so I had some experience.He made a few phone calls,and I went over for a practice. Of course they impressed me, anything better than Rising Sun impressed me. Well of course I joined, gave me a bugle, and uniform,and I thought I was the Cat's meow. I was'nt there but a couple of weeks, when they announced that Lee Wolf would be the new music instructor.

We would practise at the Post, which was brand new that year,or at the Immaculate Conception school,at Chew& chelten Sts., which was a really scary place in the basement.

He just took over, threw out all the songs that they played, and started over. I remember him being very patient with all the kids, but being able to get the best out of each and every one of them. By the time the season started, he had taught a whole new program, concert and all. The first song he taught was Wild Irish Rose, How could I forget that one, still remember most of the parts. We had15 horns three second horns, six top horns three bass,and three baritone. He really got a decent sound over time, although the three bass horns were the weak spot. They went to nationals in New York In 1951, even made the finals, went in individuals, he wrote our brass quartet number, "Only have eyes for you" we did'nt place,but wern't last either.

Its a long story on how I got to Osmond, the Director was out for a while,and in his place was a gent named Tom Gadsby, well me and some of the other guys would help Tom doing extra stuff, whenever we could, and he appreciated it a lot. To make a long story short, Tom to my surprise agreed to give me a release to join Osmond if I really wanted to go. I went to Osmond, yes. It was more or less what I wanted to do as a kid. But not without a lot of thought. They were really good people there, and cared for their kids just as much as the Osmond people did. I could have stayed there and enjoyed drum corps just as much.

And all I had to do is transfer from one Lee Wolf horn line to another. My stay in Osmond was a good one. Lee was without a doubt, one of the all time best that drum corps will ever see. He is deservidly in the Drum Corps Hall of Fame. His music, will go on forever. And just think, him and I, and 14 other horns in the basement of Immaculate Conception grade school, Go Figure.

THE BIGGEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR

I remember as some of the membership probably does, one of the foremost events of the year, the annual corps banquet. Presenting the appearance of a military ball with the fellows donned in their military uniforms fresh from the cleaner and the girls sporting gowns and wearing the flower corsage presented by their date. Sometimes it was difficult in recognizing them. I used to think we had the best looking group of young ladies as did any corps and never was it more apparent than on a night like this.

In addition to the corps members attending, representatives from each of our competitors was invited. They came attired in their corps uniforms, their date in gown and it made such a colorful, memorable sight.

The final formality was the awarding of medals, one was for corps tenure, received after serving so many years with the unit while a second one for activities beyond normal expectation

Somewhere along the line the event had to be discontinued and it was certainly a shame for I remember it being, the biggest night of the year.

Don Adair

It would start off with a visit to the grave of Pvt Raymond T. Osmond for Memorial services.

Often Jack Keenan and myself were asked by Hymie to play taps for other VFW and Legion posts to play taps at their Memorial

Services. One year we played at three services. (We were usually paid $5 to $10 each by the Vets groups) We’d split up, Jack would play Solo and I’d play Echo, the next time it would be reversed.

It was an honor to do this, and that was a lot of money for us as kids! I definitely looked forward to it each year.

FACT: This year 2008, is the 60th anniversary of our first National Championship triumph in St. Louis in 1948. This came about after two prior unsuccessful bids, first a 3rd place finish in Boston in 1946 and then taking the runner-up spot in Cleveland in 1947.

I'm sure if you were there, knowing that on that night and in that place, we were the best of the best, you can say "I remember."

THE 4TH OF JULY

I always remember the 4th of July the same way that Bill recalls Memorial Day. Olney celebrated these holidays to the fullest and the corps was involved with the morning parade. Usually worked the Glenside parade in the evening and if I'm not mistaken, there were at times also contests in the evening on that day. We were worn out at the end of the day but would not have had it any other way. Remembering,

Don Rogerson

(Footnote by Bill Beckmann: According to the Events listed in the 1948 Banquet book, Osmonds schedule was as follows)

On The Starting Line!

This was It!! The beginning of our show, the culmination of everything we had been working for! Horns up, across the line into our opening fanfare! At this point, my hair was standing on end and we became a virtual human machine, all part of each other and finely honed as close to perfection as we were capable of! When we crossed the finish line to the roar of the crowd, we finally relaxed and knew we had succeeded, it was in the hands of the judges now, we had done our job!

This was a thrill that only those of us that were participants can fully appreciate! This was Drum Corps, this was what we lived for and we were the best!!

How many of you out there remember the famous "Wienie Roasts"? They would consist of one package of hot dogs, a dozen rolls and about 50 quarts of beer. Somehow the police would show up before we could get the fire started. Panic would set in and all you could see was guys running around trying to hide beer behind trees, in bushes or anywhere they could. Luckily, the cops would be satisfied to just break up the party and not worry about arresting anybody. I still wonder how much beer wound up in the police car. "Fun Times".

Rich Mohelski

From Don Adair

LIFE BEYOND THE COMPETITION FIELD

Were we just drum & bugle corps nerds or did we really experience a truly great life?
I remember so many wonderful experiences that occurred outside of the rehearsal hall and contest field.

There were the dances held by many of the corps. McCall and Upper Darby 214 come immediately to mind. How about those great minstrel shows put on by members of the Atlantic City Seahorses? Football games with several of the corps. Swim parties at Skytop, roller skating at the Carmen rink and our ventures into “square dancing.” How can we forget dancing to the many “ big bands” that came into the area at the Sunset Ballroom. We always could meet at the Fern Rock diner for a snack or catch a flick at the Fern Rock theater.

Then there was the annual trek to Clementon Lake Park and a grand day picnicing, swimming and trips on the amusements with the contest worked in. That show used to be held in town on a field behind the firehouse where your program might include the addition of a train that passed by on a track nearby. In more recent years it was a trip through the sand as the contest was moved to the parking lot at the front of the park. One of the real fun-days during the year.

How about those bus trips, usually motored by Bob Cwalino and/or Mr Place. Who was “making out” with whom or when the lights went on in the bus, who was “batting” with who? This was also the time for the Osmond choristers to take voice with a repertoire that included all varieties of selections, some written by the members, lyrical revisions made to some selections as well as standard ballets done in harmony.

Above all, how about the so many friendships that developed in and out of the corps, many of which continue today.

Were we drum & bugle corps nerds? I don't think so.

Don Adair

MATCHSTICKS & TOOTH PICKS

I wonder how many of the older members know that they were once a matchstick or a toothpick? Did you ever wonder how many of those field drill formations that we used, came about? No, we did not have computers then, did not use drawing boards, but worked with what was available. In this case, ideas played out with matchsticks and toothpicks.

I remember Don Mundt and I lying on our stomachs on Lee Wolf's living room floor. moving these materials around to depict our drill ideas as Lee would make sure each move was compatible with his musical arrangements. Rather an archaic approach to drill design but it worked and that instructional staff, new in late 1944 and composed of corps members, had “quite a run.”

What ever happened to the real ingredients that went into a drum & bugle corps show?

Don Adair

I remember a week before our trip to the Boston National Contest in 1946, that Hymie wanted the list of people read out loud who were not paid up for the trip, and asked Kitty to do so. At the time we were paying dues of maybe 25 cents a week, and maybe a moderate amount extra for the trip. Kitty was a little reluctant to do so, but Hymie insisted, so she did. Well, at the top of the list, not alphabetically speaking, but the largest amount behind was me, little Bobby Adair, Hymie's nephew. I guess I found a better thing to do with the money than pay the dues. Anyway, Hymie was upset, the handkerchief came out wrapped it around his forehead as he always did when headaches were about to come on. An embarrassment to me, probably more so to my uncle. Anyway, I was 11 at the time, and guess who paid me up so I could make the trip. My uncle!! What a guy.

I know what you mean about Hymie, when I lost that chrome horn, I was so scared, to approach, and I didn't want to do it in front of the Corps, but it turned out that way, of course he was screaming out loud. I could'nt even talk when he was hollering, so he saw that I was getting upset, and took me in the infamous cloak, drumpractice, gear storage room, and actually started whispering, he said it was $98.00,and I would have to pay every dime back. He said I could start with two bucks down, I just stared at him for the longest time, then finally said "Can you loan me the two bucks" he said "I can't believe this" I never had money, my old man drank it all, all the time. Hymie knew that. He gave me another horn, and said something to the effect, that if I lose that,"Just run away". Hymie was a real Father to a lot of us. He would say coming out of the diner we may be eating in. "Hey, come over here" And whisper, "Did you eat enough" I'd say you said $2.00, He'd say "Well ,was that enough", I'd say "yea it was plenty" "If you're hungry, just ask ,we will work it out". He was a wonderful man, that just really loved us all.

Bobby,

I would have guessed Kitty paid the bill. And I'd have guessed wrong.

Remember Hymie's headache handkerchief's. And him sweating to beat the band. What a guy was your uncle. What respect we all had for him, young and old alike. God bless him.

Johnny Danks

I remember I went down to Osmond Post VFW to join the Drum & Bugle Corps in 1945. My brother Joe was teasing me about what a sissy thing this was for a boy. He followed me down on his bicycle. After he saw and heard the Corps practicing, he joined too.
I remember practicing at John Mountain's house. We would go there on Sunday's and John would patiently teach us the scales, etc., It's a wonder Mr and Mrs Mountain and their neighbors could put up with us. We were so bad but they never complained. I would go up to 2nd and Godfrey after school and practice in the woods behind the Olney Vets baseball field (now Cardinal Dougherty) so no one could hear me.
I remember West Reading in 1945. This was our first field competition since joining the Corps. It was the policy at the time to only take those who had a spot in the competing lineup on the trip. Joe got to go because he was the only new kid who was old enough and strong enough to carry a baritone horn and there was a hole in the lineup for a baritone. He could play two notes and for sometime that's what they affectionately called him. Of course I was broken hearted. I was the one all hepped up to join and Joe got to go.

MY EARLY YEARS

I remember practices at Lowell schoolyard. How dark it was and we would be out there without any lights, in complete darkness learning to do right face, left face, about face, etc.

Guys coming home from the service were allowed to go on the field in their military uniforms. Our members included Art Rutherford, George Gardner and “Ears” Gehlert.

Old Post Home burned down. The corps raised a good bit of the money to rebuild. Never received much help or thanks from the Post members.

Olney High field practices had one of the neighbors always complaining about our rehearsals as “noise.”

We received our new uniforms with the bibs replacing the old West Point style cross-straps.

I often think of Bob and Doris Hansen and the old ambulance they carried the equipment in. They certainly were always there for us and did a lot.

Pat Roach

I recall using an empty bass drum case, loading it with a case of quarts (beer) and trying to sneak it on the bus. Of course we were caught. We suffered all the way to the contest,
Jay Brown

I remember I was only in the Grey and White Corps for one summer, in 1946 before aging out and then instructed the Osmond drum line in 1947 and 1948. They were two memorable years I'll never forget.

However, I was in the Blue and Gold Osmond Corps as a youngster from 1935 until we went to the Worlds Fair, New York in 1939. We practiced at the Finletter School down the street from the Godfrey Avenue VFW Post Home. I remember Mr. Adair helping the kids and son Bill, the best baritone in the corps in my estimation. He was always friendly to me even though I was just a snot nosed rookie drummer trying to make the drum section with Ginther, Corny and Jim Hinnigan.

The drill man at that time was King DeHart who told me my drumming was fair but I had to drink more milk and eat Wheaties before he would allow me to carry those heavy metal drums. In 1940, a foot taller, 20 pounds heavier and an improved drummer. I left Osmond and joined Boy Scout Troop 203 Drum Corps in Olney for a few years, then enlisted in the Army.

When I returned to Osmond in 1946 after WW2, I stopped by Olney High one night and watched the corps practice. Hymie remembered me and came up and said “ Are you that little drummer kid from way back.” I nodded and he said “Be at the post Thursday night to get measured for a uniform”, and so I was hooked once more,
John Dowlan

There are so many memories, it's hard to know where to start.
I remember the after practice social in the ice cream shop on 5th street where we listened to the golden oldies. The ride on the double decker in New York City.

The train ride to Montgomery, Alabama where the southerners thought we were with the rebels because of our uniforms, but when they heard us ask for soda , they knew we were from the north and their message came loud and clear. The thrill of the drill for the crowd and the music prepared for that show. We had so much fun.

There were some bad times too, when we didn't get fair treatment in New Jersey but we knew we had done better than our score.

How could I forget the Hurricane that gave us our name or a bunch of the guys getting stuck in the elevator. How about the guys who dressed as girls? It sure brings back the good old days!!

My brother and I had just joined Osmond shortly after the corps had returned from Chicago Nationals. You can understand how excited we were to find out we were going to Montgomery, Alabama! I remember practicing in the snow at Olney High School, Jimmy Meehan coming down with pneumonia and being unable to make the trip. Lee Wolf teaching us a great arrangement of "Alabama Bound" which the crowd seemed to love hearing a bunch of Yankees play. Traveling in our own private railroad car. A great trip and one of many great memories.

Rich Mohelski

THE START OF THE WONDER YEARS

Philadelphia - 1946 We won our first State Championship in a parade contest. They didn't have field shows at that time.

Boston - 1946 First time ever in a VFW National Contest. We finished in 3rd place. On the way to Boston, the bus got stuck under a bridge. We had to take the drums and stuff off the top rack of the bus to get under it.

At the YMCA where we were staying, everyone was swiping decorative flags from the indoor track there for souvenirs. The people who operated the Y were angry and said they were going to search our luggage to find the banners and get them back.

Bob Hansen hid them in the corps hat boxes and put them on the bus. When they searched us, no banners were found and they were flabbergasted.

Cleveland - 1947 In the field contest we finished in the runner up spot by a few tenths. We became good friends with the guys from Lock Haven and used to get together with them nearly every convention. They even drove down to Philly sometimes on the weekends just to chum and shoot the breeze about Corps in general.

From Bob Adair

It had to be mid 1946 when John Dowlan, Don Mihok, and myself were doing some drumming on horn cases in the back of the bus to kill some travel time, and someone came up with the idea that we should collectively put together a drum solo basically for fun. Sooooo, this is what we did. One man, Dowlan as I recall, would start off playing 8 counts of something that came into his head, Don Mihok would then follow that up with his original 8 counts of something that nicely followed what John played, and I, the rookie drummer at the time, would follow with 8 counts that I felt appropriately followed what Don played. And then we'd do it again. Same deal, one guy playing off another.

As this was going on, John was writing it down, and guess what? We created a drum solo that had all the likes and identity of the 3 of us. It was about 30 seconds long as I recall and we decided to name it...".DAM MAD" for obvious reasons. I know John did have a copy of it as of a recent date and I'm suggesting to him that he send a copy to Bill Beckmann for posterity. Do it John! I felt pretty good about how it came out, and little did I know at the time that I was drumming with 2 future World Drum Corps Hall of Fame drummers. Pretty neat!!!!

   "DAM MAD AT COALDALE"

I remember most moments when we were creating this solo and details of the session Bob speaks of. Bob's time frame is accurate as are his comments concerning that memorable occasion.

I might add, much laughter and an over dose of fun were the major ingredients that made it the success Bob describes. We were indeed in the rear of the bus and the buglers occupying the seat in front of us, who are nameless at this point, have since faded into obscurity, but deserve much credit for surviving our noisy antics. I think they were having nearly as much fun as we were just watching and listening to the crazy drummers behind them.

I believe Bob might have forgotten we were on our way to (or from) a Competition held in the coal regions of upstate PA, and  It could have been possible we knew it was or would be cancelled, hence the solo was given the creative title of "DAM MAD AT COALDALE". It was always a bummer when traveling to a distant contest, and find it had been rained out and cancelled.

Soon after our return I made a much neater master copy of the original manuscript and preserved it down through the decades making certain it was labeled "do not destroy."

Having relocated 7 or 8 times since then, and with the passing of an additional 60 years or so, I can not say with certainty what ever happened to the our masterpiece or if it even survived those hectic decades. I continue to diligently look for the whereabouts of this drum solo and my next search will include leafing through several hundred books page by page to see if it might be hiding somewhere within one of them. I usually date important documents such as this and that will really enlighten this mystery once found.

When, and if should I locate the manuscript I will give it to Bob Adair.
If my family can locate it in years to come, they will make certain it gets to him.
Bob forgot to mention that back then Don Mihok and I also had a future Hall of Famer and National Individual Champion Bugler in our presence too. As always, Bob, thanks for the memories.

                                                                      John Dowlan

WERE YOU IN THE U??

I remember when Lee Wolf took over the music program at Osmond. I remember sitting in the U in the post home and Lee walking around, tapping his foot and playing the parts for each section to repeat. I was a second horn and I think along with Keenan, Ted Locker, Bill Beckmann and some others, we thought we were very good as second horns. My guess is we were 12 or 13 years old. We wanted to handle a "melody" (lead part) and Wolf would placate us with a one note fill for "Hindustan."

I can't remember everyone in the half circle but I do recall sitting across from old timers and good horns like Eddie Klein, Tom Cleighton and the diminutive Bob Adair, with Dick Muir, Ray Mountain, George McCracken and Joe Roach in the baritone section. Also recall from the original Osmond people Don Adair, Herb Locker, Tom Friedel, Joe Denny, Widmier brothers and Jack Hackett.

We did have a private sound proof room for individual practice. It was also the men's room. When I look at old pictures of that place, I can feel it, smell it and almost hear the "din" of the noise generated when the drum section played with the horns at the end of the session.

Lee Wolf presented us with a new challenge almost every week. I continue to be amazed at how much effort and talent he gave to this. It continued to show in those few years when we all went to Reilly or Archer Epler. As an arranger and instructor, he made us all better, the ultimate reward for any leader/teacher.

POTPOURI

Osmond patriarch is Bill Mitten who started with Osmond in 1930. Too
young to play an instrument, Bill was assigned the job of carrying the first-aid kit. Several members started with Osmond in the same fashion including Bob Adair. Bill is a member of the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame.

Oldest drum & bugle corps is Bracken Cavaliers, originally formed in 1924. Today, an Alumni corps. they still continue the tradition.

Depending on what association your corps belonged, you were required to obtain a formal release from your director if you wanted to jump to another corps in the association. Osmond fell into this category. Some bad scenes came about at times.

Osmond's original colors were blue and gold and had a jacket with tails. Front and back contained many buttons that had to be shined individually with brass polish for each performance. What a job.

Through the mid-40's, the Inspection category on a field show was an integral part of your presentation and each member and their equipment came under very close scrutiny. A contest could be won as well as lost on the Inspection line. In later years it became a cursory process and finally was done away all together. In those earlier years the majors and majorette's who could talk a judge out of a “tick” were worth their weight in gold.

During most of the period referred to above we had brass horns that in later years, as money became available, were lacquered. If not lacquered you kept it wrapped when in the case and wore gloves whenever it was used. What a job polishing that horn. Especially around the valve and the bell. The Inspection judge also was aware of this so it gained much attention.

When I first started with Osmond (1939) they had a dues program, 25 cents a week. When I became drill designer and instructor along with Don Mundt, our dues were waved. In my first instructing job I earned 25 cents a week.

How about it horn players, do you recall that one vertical valve horn? To my knowledge we only had one and it was played by Don Dickson.

A MELTING POT -- THE OSMOND FAMILY

We often hear of a coined phrase noting that the United States is a “melting pot “ of people brought about by the varied origin and diversity of its inhabitants. As I read through the recollections and memorable events of the members, I think we can say Osmond fostered similar traits.

It has been noted that the unit welcomed well over 75 new members from other competitors over the years.

Reverse the coin and find that there were over 20 marriages wherein both individuals started in Osmond.

Stir the pot once again and find that 10 or more marriages were comprised of one member who started with Osmond while their partner had origin in another corps.

To this we can add Post members who started their children in the Corps and corps members whose parents assisted in its' operation.

With this composition over the years, we find a real “family” that was able to produce some legendary results from a “melting pot “ known as Osmond.

I remember New York with great respect for Hymie.

When we were assigned hotel rooms Dot Saunders and I had adjoining rooms with Bob Russ (Rusty) and Don Sharp. The problem was we had a common bathroom. When Hymie was made aware of the situation it took him 30 seconds to change our rooms.

Hymie had great respect for his responsibility to the corps and to the families, that trusted him.

OSMOND REMINISCING - DOLORES DOWLAN

My recollection of Osmond days gone bye has always been very close to my heart. I joined the Corps in 1945 while watching a parade along 5th Street with my girlfriend Dolores. Hymie was marching beside the first rank of drums and noticed our excitement along the curb. He stopped for a brief moment to talk with us and said the Corps was looking for girls to join the Guidon ranks.

I guess we must have looked interested so Hymie, always the ultimate salesman, recruited us right on the spot. He told us to be at the Post Home at Lawrence & Chew Streets and see Mr. Terry and Mr. Gardner the following Tuesday night for our uniform fitting then quickly he went back to his spot beside the first rank as the corps continued on their way.
We decided to walk along the sidewalk and follow the corps to see more. After about a mile they disbanded at Fisher's Park but we were forever hooked. A couple of years later my girlfriend married a boy from Yearsley Drum Corps and I from Osmond. Little did we realize our chance meeting with Hymie would be the beginning of a very special part of our lives.

At that time I was living in the Hunting Park area just below Roosevelt Blvd on 9th Street. so it was a fair walk up 5th Street, but we were used to that jaunt as we walked to Olney High School every day, no school busses then, however, I will say the time always went quickly as we were talking, singing and marching all the way and time passed quickly. It was really more of an enjoyable stroll than a chore. And besides, we couldn't afford the 15 cents round trip on the 47 trolley, even in bad weather, unless we saved our lunch money and then had only a penny left to buy a soft pretzel for lunch that day. I'm sure many remember those good old days.

At our first practice we met most of the other girls and were taught drill basics by an older man, whose name escapes me. Then Jean Weltin (a.k.a. Queenie), took us under her wing and refined our marching, military bearing, drum corps etiquette and explained what was to
be expected from us. She also described drum corps competitions and the fun we would have traveling all over the Philadelphia area on weekends. We were then assigned to our permanent position in the corps. In my rank were three of the smaller sopranos buglers, namely Bob Adair, Ted Locker and Mr Terry's Son. I would have never imagined Bob and Ted would one day become drum Corps legends, but most important to me, each would remain lifelong friends.

We practiced at Olney High School and I soon learned the drill, and with the help of Bob and Ted they made it easy and enjoyable. My first competition was in Clementon, NJ. We didn't win but I remember being a little nervous during Inspection. But after the first step over the line, I felt better and did everything I was taught. I was able to make it through without a mishap and so began my new adventure as part of a special group that would change my life forever.

Nationals in Boston, brings back some of my fondest Osmond memories that will never be forgotten. During the 1960's we guided our three girls into a similar drum corps environment, and always believed it played an important role in helping them grow and make lasting friendships just as John and I had done.

Thank You, Hymie. You will remain in our hearts forever.

MORE OSMOND REMINISCING - DOLORES (KING) DOWLAN

My very first Osmond Social experience was at Skytop, far north up the Roosevelt Boulevard, and was the Corps favorite "no cost" day of fun. A nice area to rest, relax, bathe or even snooze for an hour or two. I might say the water was a bit on the muddy side but the price was right and typically our first consideration during those early cash poor times.

I recall One Sunday, El Gehlert took several guys and gals to Skytop in his old 1937 Chevy. The guys were taken mostly to insure enough physical strength to push or repair his car in the event of a engine or other failure which was most likely to happen in those days. That afternoon while enjoying a sun bath and without warning, I was quickly whisked up by my hands and feet, swung violently side to side then tossed into the water by the Kaufmann Brothers, Ken and Dick. I was scared to death as I don't swim and quickly found myself stuck in mud up to my knees while the top of my head was barely above the water.

After splashing violently and yelling for help, both Ken and Dick quickly dove in to my rescue and finally pulled me out. I think they were more freightened than I was and I must say very apologetic for their spontaneous actions. Once out on dry ground I coughed up a few ounces of mud, washed my mouth out with a warm Coke, then cleaned my ears and toes, I felt sorry and forgave them. The remainder of the day was as delightful as could be and trip home with El's car was uneventful for a change.

As a side comment to the above, I have the following coincidence to offer which I believe is nothing short of amazing. My Husband John and I have been living in Florida for 30 years. Sometime around the later 1980's John was asked by the Florida Bandmasters Association to judge percussion at a band contest in a little town north of Orlando by the name of Mount Dora. I went there with John to watch the show. Before the contest they usually introduce the judges. When they announced his name on the PA system they pronounced it as John DOLAN. I was sitting high in the stands and heard a voice a few rows back say, "I'll bet he never heard of The Osmond Post Cadets". I turned around without knowing where the voice originated and loudly replied, "oh yes, he knows them well and so do I". Then I saw his face and couldn't believe my eyes. It was Ken Kaufmann. What are the odds? A thousand miles from Olney. No way! But it was Ken. He too was surprised to see me. We spoke briefly and exchanged addresses. He said he came to see his daughter who was in one of the bands.

Following the contest I looked back but did not see Ken and thought he might have gone down to the judges table to see John. When I got there I was told all judges went into the school auditorium to speak to the band directors should they have any questions. So if Ken was looking for John he apparently figured he had already gone home.

On our way home I told John about seeing Ken and his remarks about Osmond. He was very surprised and thought we might see more of him or at least correspond. However, that was the last I had seen or heard from Ken and always felt we might cross paths again at another band or drum corps event in Florida, but to date, that has not happened, but we still hope.

Drum Corps experiences and the many friends we have made along the way certainly has had a long lasting effect on all our lives. Once again we can only say......Thanks Hymie.

I hope that some of the older members will recall this as well as many similar that John Mountain would compose and place on the doors of the various practice areas around the post. John coached his "charges" very well and helped to make a great horn line.

Osmond Senior Corps

I remember the Senior Corps and that they had to take a sabbatical from Nationals in Philadelphia because we didn't have the field show completed. That let our guys free to go with Reilly or Archie for the contest. This proved to be a big mistake, because the Corps could never really get going again.

The Color Guard though did compete and won the National Championship even though it was their first year together. My brother Joe was their drill instructor and taught them many maneuvers learned in the Marine Corps, such as the Queen Anne salute and throwing their rifles over their heads to each other.

For a small, short-lived Corps, this gang was great and had a lot of heart and talent. We easily had the greatest baritone section ever put together.

I remember that corps too. There sure was a lot of talent there. Don taught us that music from the Coronation with the powerful kickoff. I had to leave for the Marine Corps on the 5th of July. The McCall uniforms were so cool, I would think to myself, this is such a great start. I remember Glenside with guys coming up to us and saying “Who are you people, how come we never saw you before.”

In Glenside, some clowns threw water on us as we went under the bridge and the whole damn Corps ran up the steps after them. Some people thought we were McCall and asked where the girls were,

That would have been one hell of an outfit, really. When somebody wrote and told me they had disbanded, I was really surprised. Reilly then got a lot of them, oh well.

I remember that Hughie McGinnis and I tried to restart Osmond Senior Corps in 1960. We pooled what little money we had, rented a U-haul and went to Souderton and bought all the equipment they had from their old Senior Corps,

With the help of Lee Wolf we held practices at the post with some good turnouts. Unfortunately interest was not what it should be with both Reilly and Archie going strong. We finally decided to call it “quits”, no money and dwindling interest.