The Louisbourg Brass Bands

[Catherine]

http://fortress.uccb.ns.ca/search/band1.html

The Louisburg Brass Bands

William A. O'Shea
( The paper copy of The Louisburg Brass Bands is out of print. It is reissued for WWW
use on 1 June 1996 )

Dedication

Louisburg Brass Bands is dedicated to the members of the three Louisburg bands.
Talking to people about the Bands, reading about the Bands, and thinking about the
enjoyment they gave to the community has given me many pleasant moments.

I have chosen the old-fashioned spelling of Louisburg because that's how the Town
spelled its name when the Bands were active. That's how the band members would have
recognized it.

In 1901 the community was incorporated as The Town of Louisburg. The Post Office
converted to the present "Louisbourg" spelling on May 2, 1951. The Council took a
similar step that same year. Unfortunately, the Town Hall fire of 1982, and the
resulting destruction of the Minute Book for that period, means that the record of
the Council's decision is lost. Still, the spelling was not actually altered
officially, until E. A. Manson, MLA for Cape Breton West, introduced a Bill in the
House of Assembly. Accordingly, on April 6, 1966, "An Act to Change the Name of the
Town of Louisburg," changed the name to The Town of Louisbourg.

2. The Sydney and Louisburg Railway Station where many of the Bands' activities took
place.

INTRODUCTION

The three Louisburg brass bands, organized between 1903 and 1935, were local
expressions of a Citizens' Band Movement that developed in Europe and North America
during the last half of the 19th century. Brass bands were composed of varieties of
brass instruments with a small percussion section. They tended to be organizations
of volunteer enthusiasts as opposed to professional bandsmen. This did not diminish
the quality of the music of brass bands, but it did present special challenges in
recruiting, continuity of membership, training and financial support.

The Brass Band Movement

A number of factors influenced the development of Citizens' Brass Bands. In Europe
there was a solid tradition of military bands, combining brass and woodwinds, which
provided a general familiarity with band culture. In addition, by the middle of the
19th century, there was a range of brass instruments readily available on the market.
Among these was an ancestor of the cornet, a cornerstone of the brass band. There
was also a newly-developed family of brass instruments, invented by Adolphe Sax, all
of which used similar fingering. This similarity in fingering eased instruction, and
permitted more flexibility in filling gaps in a band than had earlier, more
specialized, instruments.[1]

Of equal importance, was the active encouragement by employers and municipalities
coupled with increased leisure time. These combined to provide a valuable impetus
for miners and factory workers to become involved in local bands. The Salvation Army
was another successful sponsor of band music, as were Temperance Societies, missions
and various social and sporting events.[2]

In England, the first brass bands were developed before the 1840's. Access to
printed music in band journals, and national contests, promoted the development and
popularity of bands in Scotland, Wales and Southern England by the 1880s.[3] In the
United States, the Boston Brass Band and Dodsworth's Band in New York were organized
by 1835. Brass bands were used as Regimental Bands during the American Civil War.[4]

Nova Scotia

In Nova Scotia there is a tradition, not yet fully studied, of public band
entertainments provided by the various garrisons stationed here during the 18th and
19th centuries. The military bands helped to develop a local appreciation for band
music and provided a source of professional instructors to the community. By the
1870's, the bandmaster sergeants in the British Army were graduates of the Royal
School of Music, established in 1857, and were replacing civilian bandmasters.[5]
Still to be studied, as well, is the influence of British bandsmen who came to Nova
Scotia to work in the collieries. Finally, we know very little about the impact of
the Salvation Army bands in creating an appreciation for brass bands and providing
instructional opportunities for future community bandsmen.

Brass bands were established quite early in Nova Scotia. The Stellarton Silver Band
was founded before 1850 and survived to World War 1, when it became the Regimental
Band of the 85th Overseas Battalion.[6] There was also a brass band formed i n
Yarmouth in 1849.[7]

Cape Breton

In Cape Breton, there are newspaper records of a band in Sydney and Sydney Mines as
early as 1845.[8] Reverend A. A. Johnston writes, as well, of a Sydney Harbour
excursion and a St. Patrick's Day parade in 1855 in which bands participated.[9]
These bands are only mentioned in passing, and it is impossible to determine whether
they were true brass bands or a mix of brass and woodwinds. Still, it is obvious
that an interest in band music was developing in the Cape Breton Community from an
early date.

The first brass band for which there is direct evidence was organized in Sydney Mines
in 1862 by Robert Wilson, the manager of the Low Point mine. Wilson later formed a
band in Victoria Mines and, by 1870, had organized one in Sydney. The instruments
for this band cost $1700.00 towards which F. N. Gisborne, the promoter of the New
Glasgow to Sydney Railway, contributed $1000.00. The Sydney Brass Band lasted into
the early 1880's. It was replaced by the Sydney Cornet Band which was formed in
1884.[10] The short-lived St. Cecilia Band, established in Sydney in 1901, began
life with mainly brass instruments, but was aspiring to a mix of brass and
woodwinds.[11]

The desire to move to a greater range of instruments was not surprising. In the
United States, under the influence of band leaders such as John Philip Sousa, the
interest in all-brass bands had given way to military bands by the end of the 19th
century.[12] Concerts given in Sydney by bands from the French naval ships, that
visited the harbour regularly, or bands such as the Black Watch Band, which played in
North Sydney in 1904, demonstrated the flexibility that could be had with a wider
range of instruments.[13] Some local bands managed, every now and then, to add one
or more clarinet players. But not every community had bandsmen or band instructors
with the interests or the range of skills needed to manage such a band, with the
result that the all-brass bands continued well into the 20th century.

<::photo::> 3. The reorganized St. Joseph's Band, Glace Bay. John T. Ryan is seated
fourth from the left in the second row.

Outside of Sydney, brass bands were organized in all major centres of the newly
industrialized region. In 1890, the St. Joseph's Band was established in Glace Bay
by Dan Hardy of Caledonia. Hardy was killed in a mine accident, in 1893, and the
band ceased operation for a time. In 1903 it was reorganized by John T. Ryan who was
an instructor for the first Louisburg band.[14] Glace Bay was also attempting to
organize a Citizens' Band in 1902. The Sydney Record correspondent pointed out that
this would make the fourth band in Glace Bay, though the others were connected with
some fraternal order or society.[15]

One of the early bands at Dominion #4 played at the opening of the Alexandra Rink in
Glace Bay in 1903.[16] There was also a band in Port Morien.[17] A Catholic Mutual
Benefit Association (CMBA) Band was organized in Sydney Mines in 1901.[18] In North
Sydney a Citizens' Band had been established by 1897, and a League of the Cross Band
formed there several years later.[19] The LOC Band was composed of members of the
North Sydney Band who left that organization as a result of a community dispute
centring on the North Sydney school.[20] Farther afield, there was a brass band in
Baddeck which served, for a time, as the Regimental Band of the 94th Victoria
Regiment militia. This function was later passed on to one of the Glace Bay
bands.[21]

Bands came and went for a variety of reasons. The first St. Joseph's Band dissolved
on the death of its organizer, Dan Hardy. The Sydney Cornet Band disbanded in 1902 "
. . . owing to the lack of interest shown both by the public and individual band
members."[22] And the Independent Ten Band, composed of some former members of the
Cornet Band, transformed itself by a name change into the Citizens' Band of
Sydney.[23]

The various Cape Breton brass bands provided a public service for their communities
and were a creative outlet for individual bandsmen. J.G. MacKinnon notes that the
Sydney Brass Band took part in the laying of the cornerstone of the Courthouse. It
also marched in the Blue Ribbon Temperance Procession, on October 24, 1877, which
attracted 2000 participants.[24] The Cornet Band gave free concerts from the
bandstand on the Esplanade,[25] and played at Sydney winter carnivals and Labour Day
concerts.[26] One of the memorable events for the Cornet Band took place in
Louisburg in 1895, when the Society of Colonial Wars unveiled a monument
commemorating the French and English combatants in the 1745 siege of the fortress
town.[27]

In addition to the specific contributions made to public culture at a time before
radio, movies or television, the bands could even bridge the gap established by
religious differences. Father John Edwards, writing in 1963 about the North Sydney
bands at the turn of the century, presented a positive, though possibly time-mellowed
recollection. He noted that, "During the years of that time, in all the towns of
Cape Breton, the Town Band was quite an institution in the area - an important item
in the social life of the town. In all places it was a town band - not belonging to
any group - Catholics and Protestants alike were members; all that was needed was
some ability to play an instrument and a willingness to take part."[28]

Father Edwards' remembrances capture an essential value of Cape Breton community
bands. Yet a letter written by local newspaperman S. P. Challoner, in 1904 at the
height of community brass band popularity, reflects the practical problems facing all
bands. Raising money to purchase uniforms and new instruments was a constant
challenge for band organizations, as was convincing local businessmen and municipal
officials that a band was a community asset. Many frustrated volunteer bandsmen, in
towns all over the industrial area of Cape Breton, nodded in agreement with
Challoner, who wrote:

"A good band is one of the very first assets any community can have. A well-trained
musical organization of this character giving free open air concerts once or twice a
week during the summer months is one of the most attractive drawing cards a city can
offer to outside people. And as these entertainments increase in popularity as they
always steadily do, the businessman reaps a direct benefit through actual purchases
made and an indirect return through the additional money that gets into circulation
by the medium of strangers who come to town.

Sydney, in the past has always taken, in a general way, a great pride in the talent
and achievements of its local bands; yet, at the same time, our businessmen and the
city generally have failed absolutely to fully appreciate what such an institution
could be made to accomplish for the business interests of the place. Hitherto, the
Sydney Cornet Band, the Citizens' Band and the St. Cecilia Band have mainly supported
their respective organizations from their private and individual funds. This, of
course means no small outlay, for, in order to keep abreast of public necessity, new
music means a constant outlay, besides which the time devoted to public service and
to practice is really money expended.

In other places the civic authorities make an annual appropriation for the
maintenance of the local band corps - for instance, the town of Amherst, votes $400.
This again, is supplemented by private contribution. Result: Amherst has a band of
full military strength, which is deservedly, the pride of its citizens. Not so is it
in Sydney. The civic government has never provided anything except a bandstand, and
that was not a thing of beauty and joy for only a very short while. This shows very
poor public spirit - we take all we can get for nothing and long for more at the same
price."[29]

<::photo::> 4. The Catholic Mutual Benefit Association (CMBA) Band, Sydney Mines,
organized in 1901.

The widespread popularity of community bands, both brass and combinations of brass
and woodwinds, continued up to the Second World War. In Glace Bay, the Ancient Order
of Hibernians (AOH) Band was a regular feature at ice skating rinks, parades and
concerts for over 25 years.[30] Other Glace Bay bands included the Black Diamond
Band and the Passchendaele Band.[31] In Sydney there was the City Band, Coronation
Band and the Veterans' Band. The multicultural nature of the city was reflected by
the band of the United Negro Improvement Association and the West Indian Band during
the 1920's and 1930's.[32]

The only community brass band existing at present on Cape Breton Island is the Donkin
Band, directed by Ken Reid. The Donkin Band is unique on Cape Breton in that it has
operated without interruption since it was organized in 1919.[33] But there have
been other efforts to keep community band culture alive, though not through the
medium of brass bands. In Glace Bay, the Coal Town Band formed in 1954 lasted into
the late 1960's.[34] Most recently, a new Glace Bay Community Band was formed in
1987.[35]

The City Band in Sydney lasted until 1947. Another City Band was organized in the
early 1960's and survived for several years. Gordon Elman, one of the organizers of
this revival, writes that the Sydney band did not survive because if the expense and
the fact that young people were not being trained.[36] In Sydney Mines, the Victory
Band was organized circa 1944 to provide an organization to which former bandsmen, on
active service in Europe, could return. This was followed in the 1950's by a Reserve
Army Band associated with the Militia. The current Sydney Mines Legion Band,
directed by Wilson Rowe, was organized in 1967.[37]
The story of the three Louisburg brass bands reflects the general Cape Breton
enthusiasm for community bands, while adding their unique contribution by reflecting
the times and personalities in Louisburg.

<::photo::> 5. The Sydney Cornet Band in Louisburg on June 17, 1895 at the unveiling
of the monument erected by the Society for Colonial Wars.

THE LOUISBURG CITIZENS' BAND 1903-1907

The Louisburg Citizens' Band was a product of the enthusiasm of a new century in a
growing town. Louisburg was incorporated in 1901 on the coat tails of the industrial
age which was introduced by the Dominion Coal Company's railway and coal pier. It
was an expansive time with dreams of a railroad from the Cochrane Lake coal mine and
another rail line along the coast from St. Peters. People were moving into Louisburg
from the surrounding communities. There was a major building boom, a new water
system and a Marine hospital in the works. It was amid this energy and excitement
that the Louisburg Citizens' Band was born.

The Band Is Formed

The Band was organized by John Murphy in the fall of 1903. Murphy, a former member
of the Port Morien Band, had come to Louisburg around the turn of the century to work
for the Dominion Coal Company.[1] As a major contribution to the Band, he purchased
the band instruments for $100.[2]

The first meeting was held in the Town Hall on Saturday, November 14, 1903.[3] At
the meeting, John Murphy was elected bandmaster, W. W. Mann, secretary and F. W.
Townsend the treasurer. There were 17 members and by December the new band was
meeting weekly for practice and, "progressing finely," under Murphy's leadership.[4]

The Band and the Town Council

As with most bands, finding secure financial support was an ongoing problem for the
Louisburg Citizens' Band. When the band was formed it was anticipated that the Town
would be asked to give assistance.[5] Some sort of formal agreement was reached with
the Town to purchase the instruments and, presumably, John Murphy got his $100
investment back.[6]

Relations with the Town were severely strained by a request from the Band in April
1904, for $20.00 to repair some of the instruments. In response to the request,
Councillor John N. Spencer stated that the young men of the band ". . . should have
spirit enough to make a little money themselves." He felt that since Town had
already contributed by purchasing the instruments and because work was scarce, the
ratepayers could not afford the expense. Councillor Elias Townsend struck a more
personal note when h e said that, " .. it would have been better had the town
purchased a set of bagpipes."[7]

At the next Council meeting on April 28, Mayor W. W. Lewis referred to the matter of
the Band and noted that there was a clause in the Agreement made between the Town and
the Band stating that, " . . . if the town was not satisfied after a time the member
s would take back the instruments and refund the town council their money."[8]

It seems that some band members, upset by the very negative reaction to the request
for help, had told the Mayor that if the Council did not want to cover the cost of
repair to the instruments they would purchase them back.

Councillor Spencer reacted strongly saying, "... let them take them back by all
means, this thing will only be a drag on the town." Councillor Townsend, broadening
the base of the attack, felt that, "The members composing the council at the time of
the purchase of this band, must have been a fine lot of musicians". The Council
meeting concluded, "After some discussion wherein the band was scored by Councillor
Spencer, (and) the matter was deferred until the next meeting when a representative
of the band m embers will be heard."[9]
At the Council meeting held on May 19, the first point of business concerned the
Band. The bandsmen had sent a delegation to a previous meeting of the Council and
confirmed the earlier suggestion that if the Town was not satisfied with the purchase
of the band instruments the bandsmen would buy the instruments for $100. A Council
committee had been formed to look into the ownership of the instruments and reported
that it was John Murphy who had purchased them not the individual band members.[10]

By the June meeting of Council, the clerk had spoken with John Murphy about assuming
responsibility for the band again. But Murphy would not consider doing so until all
the instruments were returned. Councillor J. O'Toole asked who had been in charge of
instrument distribution and was told that they had never been under the control of
anyone from the Town. Councillor O'Toole expressed the opinion that the instruments
were Murphy's responsibility.[11]

The clerk was directed by Council to proceed on the matter with Murphy.[12] He was
not successful since Murphy never did take over the direction of the Band again.
Obviously, there was some sort of conflict between Murphy and members of the Band
that remained unresolved. It is surprising, given the nature of local reporting,
that none of the dissatisfied band members are ever named in the newspaper articles.
Nor does John Murphy appear to have been directly involved in the Band's reaction to
the rather inflammatory statements of Councillors Townsend and Spencer.
Unfortunately, the Minutes of the Town Council were destroyed in a fire in July 1982
and along with them the full story of the disagreement between John Murphy, the Band
and the Louisburg Council.

The Band and the Community

The Band did not wait for long to find a new instructor after John Murphy withdrew
his services. By July 1904, John T. Ryan was coming to Louisburg from Glace Bay
twice a week to provide instruction in Peters' Hall.[13] Ryan was well qualified for
the job. He had reorganized the St. Joseph's Band in Glace Bay in 1903 and was its
treasurer and musical instructor.[14] Just how he was attracted to the challenge of
the Louisburg Band is not known, but he proved to be a wise and practical choice.

Along with a qualified instructor, the Band had some encouragement by example. In
August, the Salvation Army's Bermuda Brass and String Band visited Louisburg, paraded
through the town and gave a concert.[15] And in September, Ryan's St. Joseph's Band
from Glace Bay band played at the Stella Maris Catholic Church Labour Day picnic.[16]

Ryan's instruction was successful, and on Friday, September 16, 1904 the Band gave
its first public concert. Bandmaster Ryan was present with 11 of the 16 members.
The Band met in Peters' Hall to practice, then marched west along Main Street to
Warren Street, then south to Mayor W. W. Lewis' residence.
The local correspondent for the Sydney Record reported that, ". . . almost the whole
population of the town turned out en masse last night to hear our bandsmen in their
first public performance. Warren Street was last night packed with people, also a
goodly number on Townsend street, besides the large yard adjoining, Mayor Lewis
residence was filled, and the verandah of the Mayor's residence was filled with
spectators who had been invited there to a seat by his worship."

The programme for the evening included the Two Step Princeton, Norma Serenade, Two
Step Yorktown, Fairy Bell March, Sunshine Walk and God Save the King. In his address
to the band and assembled crowd, the Mayor noted that the bandsmen had acquitted
themse lves in a manner worthy of veterans. He made passing reference to earlier
difficulties stating that he felt the Band had not been treated as well as it might
have been by the Council. He mentioned that he had supported the Band in Council
since the members were public-spirited citizens of which anyone might be proud.

The bandsmen at that first public concert included Duncan Lamont, baritone; Arthur
Keefe, B flat bass; Guy Hiltz, circular bass; Murray Cameron, trombone; James Lamont,
2nd alto; Frank Keefe, 2nd alto; Norman Cameron, E flat cornet; Wiley Stacey, 2nd E
fl at cornet; J. W. Ryan, 1st B cornet; John O'Handley, bass drum; Ernest Dickson,
kettle drum; Fred Curry, cymbals. Those who missed the opening were Fletcher
Townsend, 1st B flat cornet; John Dillon, 1st tenor; W. W. Mann, 1st alto; Dan
McDonald, 2nd B flat cornet; and Richard Cays, B flat clarinet.[17]

The only photograph of the Band at the time has a slightly different cast of
bandsmen. This picture was taken in front of Peters Store on Main Street, before
John T. Ryan completed his term as instructor in April 1905. Murray Cameron, John
O'Handley, Dan MacDonald and Richard Cays are not in the photograph, perhaps having
left the Band, but new members included Walter Jewel, Jim Crowdis and Archie Hare.

An interesting point about the participants in the Band, discounting the younger
participants, is that they were either businessmen, clerks or tradesmen. There were
no coal trimmers, fishermen or farmers in the Band. And though five were Roman
Catholics, the membership also seems to have remained within municipal boundaries of
the Town, there being no representatives from the Irish settlement of West
Louisburg.[18]

The Busy Fall of 1904

The inaugural concert in September was the beginning of a busy fall season. Prime
Minister Laurier had called a federal election for November 3, 1904 and the Band was
in demand for the various rallies held in Louisburg.
On Tuesday, October 18 there was a meeting for the Conservative candidate, Doctor
McKay. The Band led the speakers through the streets to Peters' Hall.[19]

<::photo::> 6. The Louisburg Citizens' Band in front of Peters' Store on Main Street
between July 1904 and the end of April 1905. The only item of uniform is a Band Cap
with the letters LCB inside a wreath on the cap front. Extreme back row. I-r:
Fletcher Townsend, James Crowdis, W. W. Mann. Remaining Bandsmen. I-r: E. Dickson,
Ned Cameron, Fred Curry, Wylie Stacey, Walter Jewell, Frank Keefe, Archie Hare, John
T. Ryan - band leader, James Lamont, John Dillon (?), Duncan Lamont, Arthur Keefe,
Guy B. Hiltz.

Next, on Thursday the 21st, there was a meeting for the Liberal candidate, Alexander
Johnston. A crowd about 500 people, " . . . among whom, were several ladies,"
assembled to greet Johnston.[20] Mayor Lewis and County Warden Levatte escorted the
speakers from the Louisburg Hotel to the Hall in a parade, along with, " . scores of
citizens and working men headed by the Louisburg Brass Band "[21] As they paraded,
the Band played "See the Conquering Hero Comes" and in front of Peters' Hall, " The
Maple Leaf Forever."[22]

The Candidate was the first to appreciate the presence of the Band, providing a
perspective that the bandsmen would have appreciated. According to the Sydney Record
correspondent,"He opened his speech by pointing out that the progress of Louisburg
under Liberal rule (was) manifested by the presence of a brass band. Eighteen years
of Conservative rule found Louisburg without a brass band and without other comforts
of life to say nothing of luxuries".[23]

At the close of the meeting there were cheers for the King, Laurier, Johnston, Kendal
and the Band. The evening ended with the Band playing "God Save the King".[24]

The night after the election the victorious Liberals assembled in Peters Hall for "a
smoker and general celebration". Alexander Bates presided and the Band played several
selections. There were songs by J. T. Ryan and bandsman Duncan Lamont.[25]

It is of passing interest to note that the Band does not seem to have been present at
the meeting for the Labour candidate, Stephen B. McNeil, on Monday the 17th though
Mayor Lewis and Warden Levatte were present to dispute certain issues.[26]

Raising Money

At the first public performance of the Band in September 1904, the correspondent for
the Sydney Record commented that while the band had received some financial support
from citizens that there were those who could afford it who have not contributed a
cent. He expressed a hope that the Council " . . . will also assist the enterprising
and public-spirited men and boys who compose the Louisburg band by giving them a
liberal donation."[27]

The citizens of the Town demonstrated their appreciation by a social and concert that
was held in Peter's hall on October 4. The Record noted with approval that, "Since
securing the services of Mr. Ryan the band has make rapid improvement until today
they can take their place alongside other bands."[28]

The successful fall, and possibly, the new bandmaster caused the Council to modify
its previously held negative opinion. In December, Arthur Keefe, Wiley Stacey and
Guy Hiltz appeared before Council to explain that they had been to considerable
expense obtaining instruments, giving entertainments and paying an instructor. They
said that, "If the town council would see fit to give them a little aid it would be
highly appreciated by the band members."

Councillors Smith, McVicar and Townsend were supportive. Councillor Spencer said he
would like to see the Band assisted but he did not like the idea of taking the
ratepayers money without calling a public meeting. He did say that, "He was prepared
to put his hand in his pocket and help the band personally, but to take the
ratepayers money, he did not like it." Councillor James MacPhee, more realistically,
noted that there was $250.00 set aside for miscellaneous expenses and since none of
the amount had been touched some might be given to the Band. No one followed through
with this suggestion but, "All the Councillors spoke in high terms and praise of the
band members and it was decided to get up a special entertainment at the beginning of
the New Year."[29]

The Band promised to give free entertainment on the night of January 2 if the town
paid for the Hall.[30] The evening of January 2, 1905 was a success. Peters' Hall
was filled and, in addition to the Band programme, there were songs by Duncan Lamont
and Ned Davis as well as short addresses by Mayor Lewis and Councillors MacPhee and
Smith.[31]

With this success under their belts the Band began a weekly series of dances to raise
money. A typical programme consisted of a concert, by the Band, after which there
was dancing and refreshments. For the dance held on January 9, in addition to the
band music, Joseph MacDonald and Norman Campbell played the violin.[32] There was
another concert in March.[33] As in the previous one, there were selections by the
Band followed by a general programme of vocal solos, instrumentals, dancing and
refreshments. The turnout was excellent earning $60.00. The Band's debt was paid
off and there was a surplus to its credit.[34]

In addition to this financial success, the Band earned a positive, if somewhat
pompous, word of praise from Mr. George Dixon the steward on the SS Cape Breton.
Dixon was connected in some way with the Chicago Marine Band and, reflecting on this
concert, pronounced that, " . . with a little more practice the band would be a
credit to the town."[35]

The Band was grateful for the community support and not remiss in recognizing the
help received from fellow citizens. At the meeting in March the members passed a
resolution, ". . . that a vote of thanks be extended to all those non-members of the
band who by the gratuitous giving of their time and talents and the loan of musical
instruments, contributed so greatly to the success of their late concert." [36]

On St. Patrick's Day, there was a particularly important local event involving the
Band. That evening at a lecture in Peters Hall, presided over by Rev. Fr. Keily of
Stella Maris, the Rev. D. McMillan of Calvin Presbyterian Church lectured on "King
Saul and the Witch of Endor, or the Philosophy of Ghosts and that sort of thing."
The lecture was a community event in support of Rev. Murdock Buchanan of the
Presbyterian Church who had tuberculosis and had gone to Boston in hope of finding a
cure.[37] The lecture lasted for over an hour and, "... proved most conclusively the
absurdity of Spirit Rappers, mediums, etc., and in many instances accounted for such
things on scientific principles." The Band played and there were solos by Mrs.
Sutherland and Mr. Bullock with Mrs. O'Toole as accompanist.[38]

At the end of April 1905, with the coming of more suitable weather, the Band moved
outside. Melvin Huntington notes in his diary that it "Played on the street in the
evening and put on a good programme for listening pleasure."[39] This was the last
appearance with John T. Ryan as instructor.[40] He would be missed, but he had
developed the Band sufficiently to permit it to approach the summer optimistically.
Eventually the Band found a new instructor, Robert Lyons, though he appears to have
remained only for a short time.[41]

The Band was very encouraged by a successful dance held on Monday, May 8. However,
the members were not as pleased by the results of an open-air concert given at the
end of the month where the collection was only $2.00.[42] It was pointed out by
someone present at the concert, " . . . that there was quite a crowd until the hat
was passed around when they quickly dispersed."[43]

Another concert and social held in Peters' Hall in June was reported to be well
attended. Before the concert the Band formed up in front of the Hall and marched
along Main Street to the Pharmacy at the Corner of Upper Warren and Main and back to
the Hall. [44] But the concert was not a success since the Band was in financial
straits by July. Fortunately, the Council was sympathetic and Councillor W. E.
McAlpine moved that $100 be paid to the Band to permit it to meet expenses.[45] This
windfall was celebrated with an open air concert. The Band formed up in front of
Peters' Hall and marched along Main as far as Hooper's Store, on the corner of Main
and Strathcona, and back again.[46]

More Community Events

There were three additional band events in July. On July 1, the Catholic Mutual
Benefit Association picnic was held Slattery's Point. The Band met visitors arriving
by train at the Sydney and Louisburg railway station and led them to the picnic
grounds. It remained there all day making a positive impression on the crowd, many
of whom came from towns outside Louisburg.[47] On July 12 the annual Orange Day
Picnic was held and members of the lodges from Louisburg and Catalone were led in
parade by t he Band from the S&L station to services in Calvin Church on Strathcona
Street.[48] Then on July 21, the Band played as part of an outing on the harbour
with a few friends aboard the steam launch Cecil Rhodes.[49]

The high point of the year for the entire town, took place in early August when
Governor General Grey, Lady Grey and their daughter Lady Evelyn Grey visited
Louisburg. This was a far cry from the visit by Governor-General Minto in 1902 when
the Town Fathers refused to meet the visitors officially.

<::photo::> 7. Louisburg before 1910. Main Street looking east towards Warren Street.

On this occasion, the Vice-Regal party was met at the S&L station by Mayor Lewis,
Councillors MacPhee and O'Toole and Captain D. J. Kennelly. The Band was on hand and
played the national anthem and several other selections.[50]

That month the Band ventured abroad when on August 10 it held a concert in Gabarus.
The bandsmen were accompanied aboard the steamer Sea Bird by a number of young people
from Louisburg. The outing was successful and everyone was loud in their praise of
the hospitality of the people of Gabarus.[51] Rounding out the summer, on the
September 1st, the Band serenaded Councillor Elias Townsend on the occasion of his
57th birthday. The Councillor made a short speech in which he congratulated the Band
on its progress and " . . . stated that in the future any favour they requested from
the Town Council would receive his hearty support as long as he remained a
councillor."[52] This was a remarkable change of heart from the Councilor who had a
year earlier wondered whether the Town should have purchased a set of bagpipes.

The Band in Trouble

The money voted by Council in July 1905 slowed, rather than put an end to, the Band's
financial difficulties for by the fall it was facing problems once more. The concert
that was to be held at the end of September was "indefinitely postponed."[53] There
was a subscription ball held in early October at which 40 couples were present.[54]
However, the ball was not a financial success because over ninety invitations had
been sent out. According to the correspondent for the Record, "taking the expenses
for refreshments and hire for the hall the financial proceeds if any must be a mere
bagatelle."[55]

Not to be deterred, the Band was planning for its monthly ball on Wednesday, November
8, and sent out invitations to a number of Louisburg residents.[56,57]

The next band event was a Bandsmens Ball announced for February 15, 1906, but
postponed until Friday the 23rd, when about 100 people were in attendance.[58] From
then on, nothing more is heard of the Band until a brief note a year later stating,
"It looks as though the Louisburg Citizens Band has disbanded."[59] There was one
last appearance by the Band on Labour Day in 1907. That day, awards for the Labour
Day sports were handed out by Mayor W. W. Lewis at the S&L station and the Band
played a number of selections.[60]

Why The Citizens' Band Came to an End

There are any number of reasons why the Louisburg Citizens' Band faded out of
existence in 1907. The central ingredient, a qualified bandmaster, had been missing
since J.T. Ryan's departure in the spring of 1905. It had been hoped that Robert
Lyons would fill the gap, but that hope was not realized. The interesting point is
that the local community did not generate a bandmaster after John Murphy dropped out
of the picture. This was not because there was no talent available. Both the
O'Keefes and the Town sends who were in the band were considered "musical". But none
had been involved with a band previously and they were probably not comfortable with
the range of instruments and the organizational requirements.

Lack of money was a definite problem. The Band needed a regular income to cover the
cost of the bandmaster, to pay rent on the Hall, to maintain instruments and to buy
sheet music and uniforms. While there was some income from concerts and intermittent
help from the Council, this was obviously not enough to meet normal operating needs,
not to mention any special requirements.

The Band never did purchase uniforms, being satisfied with band hats. Uniforms could
be ignored, but the instruments were central to the activity and they were expensive
to maintain.

Shortly after the Band organized in 1903 the members had approached Council for
$20.00 to repair the instruments. The fact that Murphy paid only $100 for them in
1903 suggests that they were already second or third hand and needed regular
overhauls. New instruments were very expensive. The St. Joseph's C.Y.M.C. band in
Glace Bay was anticipating a cost of $900 for 19 instruments.[61] And S. P.
Challoner estimated a cost of between $1200 and $1500 for 25 pieces for the Sydney
band.[62] A close look at the picture of the Band in front of Peters' store reveals
dents in almost all the instruments. The poor condition of the instruments is
further suggested by the fact that the bandsmen had to borrow some of the instruments
from people about town.[63]

It is difficult to gauge the extent of community support for the Band. It is obvious
that some Councillors questioned its value. While the Band was concerned with
finding, in the Council, a financial backer, the Councillors were working out broader
responsibilities in the life of the newly incorporated Town. In the enthusiasm of a
political rally the significance of the Band, as an indicator of prosperity, might be
stressed. But there is nothing that indicates this sentiment was consciously shared
by the rest of the community. Band events seem to have been reasonably well
attended, with the exception of the Subscription Ball in October 1904. Yet they
never earned enough money to keep the Band ahead of its expenses.

While the Band might have viewed itself as a community asset, I suspect that the
average person in Louisburg saw it as an interesting diversion and never thought
beyond that. With no leader, no money, and a public that was not overly supportive,
it is not difficult to see the bandsmen begin to lose interest. For there were many
other volunteer activities in the growing community to occupy an individual's free
time. There were church choirs and several mens' organizations and fraternal orders.
The Catholic Mutual Benefit Association, for example, was organized in 1901 and both
Arthur Keefe and Duncan Lamont were members.[64] In addition, by 1907, there was a
yacht club in Louisburg with former bandsmen such as Wylie Stacey, Fletcher Townsend
and Guy B. Hiltz deeply involved organizing events, racing and building boats.[65]

But the fact that the Band disappeared does not mean that it was a failure. As a
general phenomenon, it was reflective of the initial optimism and enthusiastic growth
of Louisburg at the beginning of this century. It reflected, as well, new ideas that
were being introduced to the town by people from the outside. By participating in
political rallies, parades and fund raising concerts, the Band added a hint of
sophistication associated with larger communities on Cape Breton Island. As Alex
Johnston noted during his political address, in the fall of 1904, its very existence
was reflective of the growth that had taken place in the town. The Citizens' Band
provided a genuine, if not fully appreciated, service to the community. It also left
positive memories that would lead a core of its members to form another band a few
years down the road.

<::photo::> 8. Canadian Medley March, Published by Whaley, Royce and Co., 1890. Music
used by Wylie Stacey.

http://fortress.uccb.ns.ca/search/band2.html

The Louisburg Brass Band 1913-1924

The Louisburg Brass Band was born on the eve of World War I into a town that had lost
some of the enthusiasm of earlier years. The Marconi Receiving Station, built in
West Louisburg in 1912/1913, introduced a note of growth to the times. But in spite
of this new addition to the community, the excitement of the turn of the century was
waning. The Cochrane Lake mine failed and the looked-for railway between Louisburg
and St. Peter's was not constructed. Louisburg's dream of becoming a major Atlantic
port never materialized.

Still, there was a settled and relaxed prosperity in the community, and there was
regular work at the coal pier. When war came Louisburg responded patriotically, at
home and at the Front, and experienced, along with hundreds of other Canadian
communities, the trauma of losing young men in action. But the end of the War marked
the end of economic stability. In 1919, after almost 25 years of year-round
operation, the Dominion Coal Company pier became a seasonal employer.

The Band is Organized Again

In March 1914, Duncan Lamont and Wesley Townsend, representing the Band, approached
the Town Council for financial help to buy new instruments and meet expenses. The
Council was supportive and directed the Band to let the Town Clerk know the amount
needed.[1]

Band members were meeting twice weekly for practice and at one of these practices
decided that $100 would cover their immediate needs.[2] This was communicated to the
Council and reviewed at the April meeting. Councillor Wylie Stacey, a bandsman,
diplomatically suggested that the matter lay over until a future date. Councillor
Fletcher Townsend, another member of the Band, agreed with Stacey. But after some
discussion, on a motion by Councillor E. M. Dickson seconded by Councillor Jeremiah
Smith, an amount of $100 was placed in the 1914 estimates for use by the Band.[3]
This is the first and only record of the Band approaching the Council for assistance.
And unlike the situation of the earlier Citizens' Band, there is no evidence of there
ever being any conflict with Council.

The first Band concert was held in St. Bartholomew's parish hall on Thursday, April
30. The performance was well attended, enthusiastically reviewed and drew in $75, a
very respectable amount for 1914.[4]

There is no record of the complete membership of the Band at this time. Duncan
Lamont and Wesley Townsend were obviously members since they approached the Council
for help. Melvin S. Huntington also joined the Band for the first time noting his
attendance at practice in his diary for 1914. And, based on the evidence of a
photograph taken on May 24, 1919, it is almost certain that former band members
Fletcher Townsend, Guy B. Hiltz and Walter Jewell renewed their commitment at an
early gate. Wylie Stacey was involved, for his son, Charles, remembers seeing him in
his band uniform.[5] And it is probable that the Arthur and Frank Keefe, and Archie
Hare, from the Citizens' Band, were also members.[6]

Just as there is no exact idea of the initial membership of the Band, there is no
specific reference to the formal structure of the Band Association. If there was a
president, secretary and treasurer there is no record yet discovered.

While the immediate cause for the revival of the Band is not on record either, it may
have been connected with the last-minute attempt, in the fall of 1913, to organize a
Bicentennial Celebration for the founding of 18th-century Louisbourg. The Sydney
Daily Post for September 6, 1913 reported the arrival in Cape Breton of the author
Beckles Willson who was planning to spend some time in Louisburg with Reverend T. F.
Draper.[7] In the interview, Willson chastised the Town of Louisburg and the
residents of the Island for failing to have an appropriate celebration to mark the
200th anniversary of the taking of possession of Cape Breton by the French on
September 2, 1713.

This comment sent minor shock waves through certain segments of the Cape Breton
community. There was a hurried meeting held in Mayor Gunn's office, in Sydney,
followed by invitations to Prime Minister Borden, Premier Murray and Sir Georges
Garneau, the Chairman of the National Battlefields Commission, for celebrations
planned for Louisburg on September 20. After these meetings were held and
commitments made in the press, the Mayor of Louisburg, W.E. McAlpine, was consulted
by the organizing committee for the event. McAlpine agreed in principle with the
proposal for a celebration and promised to bring the matter before the Louisburg
Council. But it was obviously too late to do anything substantial and none of the
hastily-invited guests were able to attend on such short notice. Nor does it seem
that the Louisburg Council felt it was able to undertake a last-minute celebration.

To salvage a potentially embarrassing situation, a number of the Sydney citizens'
committee, led by J.S. McLennan, organized a branch of the Canadian Club in Sydney on
September 19th to assist in the promotion of the Anniversary. The full extent of the
Bicentennial Celebration, was an inaugural address to the newly formed Canadian Club
delivered by McLennan, before a gathering of 200 people in the County Courthouse the
next day.[8]

While Louisburg was unable to respond to the event in any tangible way, it is
possible that the "Bicentennial" did give rise to some activity in the Town. There
is no specific evidence but Councillors Wylie Stacey and Fletcher Townsend may have
taken the opportunity to rally the former members of the Citizens' Band in the event
that activities would be held in Louisburg.

Most certainly, the revival of the Band was made possible by the presence in the
community of a bandmaster and instructor, Allison Kelland. Kelland, who had come to
Louisburg to work at the Marconi Station, filled this role from the fall of 1913.
When he left Louisburg in December 1914 to return to his home in Newfoundland, Melvin
Huntington wrote that he, " . . proved himself a capable instructor (of the Band )
and will be greatly missed by its members".[9]

It is not known how soon a replacement was found. However, the frequent band
practices, held in the Town Hall on Aberdeen Street, and the intensified involvement
of the Band in community events, suggests the gap was filled almost immediately.[10]
The new bandmaster and instructor was probably John A. MacDonald, the bandmaster in a
May 24, 1919 photograph of the Band. MacDonald had a familiarity with music and the
band instruments, was capable of organizing and motivating the band members and
possessed the strong personality needed to ensure a disciplined approach to practice.
He was an engineer with the Sydney & Louisburg Railway and had moved to Louisburg
from Port Morien where he learned how to play brass instruments in one of the early
Salvation Army bands. According to his daughter, Mrs. Jean Scott, all the members of
the MacDonald, family played musical instruments and a brother, James F. MacDonald,
was in a Glace Bay Band.[11]

In addition to the possible Bicentennial enthusiasm and the availability of a capable
instructor, the resurrection of the Brass Band in Louisburg can also be viewed as a
predictable response to the times. During the later 19th and early 20th centuries,
as music historian Nancy Vogan suggests, there was a ". . . conscious attempt to
develop a sense of patriotism in the entire population."[12] The disturbing
rumblings in Europe throughout 1913 and early 1914 could only encourage these
sentiments and promote the growth of organizations that appealed to public spirit.

<::photo::>9. Louisburg between 1914 and 1918, looking east along Main Street from
Aberdeen. A detachment of the 94th Victoria Regiment is marching in the direction of
the Marconi Receiving Station, led by a piper.

The Band during the War Years

The Louisburg columnist to the Sydney Record wrote on August 7, 1914 that, "The news
of the declaration of war between Germany and England was received calmly in this
town. There was none of that enthusiasm that is reported to have been apparent in
some Cape Breton towns. The prospect ahead of the people if this war continues for
any length of time as to means of procuring the necessaries of life and the
paralyzing of commerce and trade, which will follow, is no great thing to enthuse
over."

In spite of this initial unenthusiastic reaction to the news of war, Louisburg
responded quickly to the call to arms. Many of its young men volunteered for
overseas service and seven lost their lives in Europe.[13]

The war years were an active time for community bands. A good band could play an
important role in rallying the pride and patriotism needed to ensure support for the
war effort. When the City Band gave an open air concert on the verandah of the
Sydney Hotel in 1915, it was noted that,". . . as the greater part of their programme
was composed of patriotic and martial airs, the concert was a popular one."[14]

Providing public support to a band became a point of pride for the leaders of the
larger Cape Breton community with the fund raising drive for the Regimental Band of
the 185th Overseas Battalion (Cape Breton Highlanders). The 185th was mobilized at
Broughton, in 1916, attracting recruits from all over Cape Breton.[15] With a goal
of $ 2,500.00, the fund raising began on May 10, 1916 and continued, with regular
updates and strong encouragement, in the Sydney Daily Post, until May 27. Donations
came in from Dominion, Gabarus, Glace Bay, Inverness, the Louisburg Marconi Station,
Mira Gut, North Sydney, Port Morien, Sydney, Sydney Mines and Wycocomagh. When the
drive closed there had been $2383.90 donated to outfit the Regimental Band.[16]

<::photo::>10. The Regimental Band of the 185th Overseas Battalion (Cape Breton
Highlanders) with instruments obtained as the result of the fund raising drive of May
1916.

The Louisburg Band was part of these patriotic times. It played its first role in
the War when, on a cold November 7, 1914, it turned out at the Sydney & Louisburg
railway station to send off Abe Wilcox who had enlisted for overseas service. This
first celebration of rallying to the flag would be remembered, no doubt, when news
reached the town in October 1916 that Sergeant Abraham Wilcox had been killed in
action.[17]

Two weeks after seeing Wilcox off, the Band escorted 21 men of the 94th Regiment
Militiafrom the Marconi Wireless Station, in West Louisburg, to the S&L train station
where they embarked for Halifax and the Front.[18] Melvin Huntington describes the
event on November 16 when the volunteers were formally escorted to the train by
sixteen of their comrades with rifles and fixed bayonets. He notes that, "The
soldiers were met at Jerrets Bridge by the Louisburg Band which with the assistance
of Alex Bowes, piper, played them to the railway station where they were given a
rousing send-off by the citizens." Captain McKeigan, the officer commanding at the
Marconi Station, thanked the Band and Bowes, for furnishing the music for the
occasion.[19]

To complete the year, the Band was at the S&L station, on December 14, for Clifton
Townsend who left for Fredericton, New Brunswick, to join the 24th Field Battery.
With these three events the Louisburg Brass Band established for itself an important,
though unofficial, ceremonial role in the community which would continue throughout
the war.

In 1915, the Band continued actively supporting the War Effort by raising $54.35 for
the Patriotic Fund.[20] It was also prominent at recruiting meetings in August,
September and December.[21]

An important contribution made by the Band throughout the War was the assistance
given to the Louisburg Red Cross Auxiliary, which was organized in March with Mrs.
Freeman O'Neil as the first president.[22] In October, there was a rally in St.
Bartholomew's Hall in which the Band participated. The purpose of the rally was to
conclude a special drive to raise money for British Red Cross Society. The total
raised in Louisburg was $424.35.[23]

At the same time as it responded to the demands of patriotism, the Band addressed
other community needs. As part of its rehearsal in the evening of Friday, September
17, it played a short public programme near the school house.24 Later in September,
October and November there were dances and a concert.[25] Before the October concert
the Band paraded through the streets of the Town. Sponsoring dances and concerts was
the main way in which the Band raised money. At these events, in addition to the
band music, there was often other entertainment. Dances could have one or more local
fiddlers providing the dance music, while concerts would involve singing and
recitals. At the 11 October concert Huntington sang a solo - Mother Macree.[26]

In early 1916, a major recruiting drive began for the newly-formed 185th Overseas
Battalion (Cape Breton Highlanders). Prior to this time, local men wishing to enlist
had to join regiments on mainland Nova Scotia or some other province. On February
23, Lt . Henry C. Verner of the 85th Overseas Battalion (Nova Scotia Highlanders),
arrived in town to open a recruiting office.[27] Verner's home was in Louisburg and
at the start of the War he had been an officer in the 94th Victoria Regiment Militia.
Having him return to Louisburg was part of a consciously developed recruiting system
in which officers were sent to their home districts to encourage enlistments.[28] On
March 6, there was a recruiting meeting held in the Masonic Hall at which Lieutenant
Colonel F. P. Day, the Commanding Officer of the 185th Battalion, spoke. The Band
was present and supplied music appropriate to the martial enthusiasm of the event.

The recruiting strategy was a success in Louisburg. When the Band turned out, on
March 31, along with piper Alexander Bowes, to see Frank Comeau off for Broughton,
there was also an escort of thirty recruits for the 185th, commanded by Lt. Verner.
On April 5 these recruits, now 40 strong, formed up near the Pier Crossing, at what
is now Main Street and Huntington Avenue, and marched to the S&L station where they
boarded the train for Broughton. The parade was led by the Brass Band and piper
Bowes.[29]

The Band continued supporting the Red Cross war effort by playing at a concert in
June[30] and, at a Red Cross sponsored lecture in St. Bartholomew's parish hall on
July 17. The speaker, Major John Pringle, talked about his experiences as an army
chaplain. The Band also took part in the Red Cross meeting in October.[31]

A particularly happy occasion that fall was the return home of Lt. George
Skinner.[32] Skinner was the first local soldier to return from the Front and the
citizens, along with the Band, turned out at his home on Milton Street to express
their thanks. It was an evening of music, speeches by town dignitaries and many
questions about what was happening across the ocean and whether there was any news of
friends and relatives.[33]

1916 was also a Provincial election year. On June 5, the Band marched to the S&L
station where it greeted the Conservative candidates and played several selections
during the course of the evening in the Masonic Hall. Then on June 7, it played at a
Liberal rally and on the 17th attended a Liberal meeting and Smoker in Peters' Hall.
The Liberal government of Premier Murray was returned that year.

Even with all this activity the Band did not forget other civic duties in 1916. It
was present at the Leap Year Ball held in the Masonic Hall on February 1, and in
April it took part in the Methodist tea and fancy sale.[34] Then on the May 24
holiday, the Band paraded through the streets during the afternoon and held a concert
in the evening. Melvin Huntington writes in his diary that he took part in the band
concert but also sang a solo, "Love's Old Sweet Song," and, as an encore, "Hearts of
Oak ". Later in the summer there was one outdoor Concert in front of Peters' store
on Main Street at which the Band entertained for over an hour.[35] And on the
afternoon of September 30 the Band turned out to send off Arthur Keefe, a friend and
band member of many years, who was moving with his family to Glace Bay.

In 1917, the Band attended a tea and fancy sale and a dance in the Masonic Hall.[36]
There was street parade practice on two occasions,[37] a concert on the veranda of
Mrs. Millie O'Toole's house, and another concert at the Crowdis Hotel.[38] There was
also a dance in the Masonic Hall in honour of Miss Annie F. Kerr, a resident and
teacher, who was leaving for the west,[39] and a farewell party and dance for the
Marconi staff and censors who were dismissed or transferred when wartime security was
imposed on the Wireless Station in West Louisburg.[40]

Involvement with the Red Cross continued with a pie social in April, a tea and fancy
sale in June and a Junior Red Cross card party and dance in October.[41]

October 8, 1917 was an emotional occasion for the entire community when it welcomed
home Wilfred McAlpine who had been wounded at Vimy Ridge on April 9. Over seventy
years later it is difficult to appreciate the depth of pride in the Canadian victory
at Vimy Ridge and its impact our sense of Canadian nationhood. But McAlpine, and
thousands of others like him across the country, served as a point of contact for the
community in this significant event. The Band played for about an hour in front of
the McAlpine residence on Main Street. There were speeches by Warden Levatte, Major
Freeman O'Neil and Mayor W.E. McAlpine, his father.

The year ended with a Federal election in December. The Band was called on to play
at a Liberal meeting on December 3, addressed by W. F. Carroll and G. W. Kyte. It
also played at a Unionist meeting for R.H. Butts and J.C. Douglas on December 13th.
As might be expected, with the Vimy victory behind it, the Unionist Borden government
won the day.

The Band's social commitment continued into 1918 with a round of dances in the
Masonic Hall. On one occasion the Pipe Band held a box social and dance which the
Brass Band attended.[42] There was a concert in February and a parade and concert on
July 1.[43] Support for the war effort had not diminished, for on July 8 there was a
Red Cross Rally in St. Bartholomew's parish hall with both the Brass Band and Pipe
Band in attendance. On August 4, the fourth anniversary of the beginning of the War,
there was a public meeting in front of Major O'Neil's ( the Lewis/Corbin house ) on
Main and Upper Warren. There were speeches, band music and a resolution was
unanimously adopted, "expressing a determination to continue in the great struggle."

In spite of the enthusiastic show of support there was, no doubt, a profound sense of
relief when, on Monday, November 11, news of the Armistice reached Louisburg. Melvin
Huntington writes enthusiastically in his diary that the "Whistle in town and
steamers in the harbour blew at 8:45 announcing that the armistice between Germany
and the allies had been signed. Thus ending the War. One hour later assembled in
the various churches for a short service of praise. General holiday all places of
business closed. At 1 PM parade of citizens headed by Brass and Pipe Band marched
through town. After which an open air meeting was held in front of Major O'Neils
where speeches were made."

1919 - The Eventful Year

On February 9, 1919, Melvin Huntington writes that he attended the first general
practice of the Band with the seven lady members present. The lady members had been
receiving instruction apart from the regular practice of the Band - probably from
John A. MacDonald. The first public parade of the combined male and female Band took
place on May 20.

Six of the lady band members were photographed on May 24, 1919. They were: Mary
MacCormack, Bel Verner, Tina MacDonald, Florie Ley, Viola Burke, and Erna MacLean.
Mary MacDonald, the seventh member and Tina's sister, did not remain long since she
found playing the cornet gave her a headache.

The Louisburg Brass Band seems to have been the only band on Cape Breton Island to
have lady members. Several things had prepared them for this involvement. An
important factor was the War. Because of the requirement to undertake a more
wide-ranging role in the community, with so many men overseas, women became
recognized as effective participants in life outside the home. It was now possible
to participate in public activities that would not have been considered suitable
several years earlier.

Another point of great importance, I suspect, is that some of the lady band members
came to the Band armed with experience in music which had not been available to an
earlier generation in Louisburg. Some of this training was supplied by Miss
McQuarrie who gave music lessons at the Pepperrell House, owned by Erna MacLean's
father. McQuarrie started a singing school in the Calvin Presbyterian Church in 1904
where she gave vocal music courses every Monday evening.[44] Mr. Millidge Morrison,
of St. Peters, had also come to Louisburg to begin classes in vocal and instrumental
music. The arrivals of Miss McQuarrie and Mr. Morrison were timely for it was
recognized that, "A competent Music teacher is badly needed in this town. . ."[45]

Melvin Huntington was also an indirect source of encouragement. For a number of
years he represented the Miller Music Company of Halifax and sold pianos and organs
to a number of households in Louisburg. He also employed Erna Maclean and Jessie
MacCormick as clerks in his store and, no doubt, encouraged their participation in
the Band.

The most important community-based event in Louisburg in 1919 took place on May 24
when the Town officially welcomed the Louisburg Veterans home. It was a beautiful
spring day with clear skies when the citizens of Louisburg gathered at the Sydney &
Louisburg train station. From the station, they were led by the Brass Band and Pipe
Band along Main Street to Riverdale and then back to the terrace in front of George
Lewis' house for a civic reception. Mayor W. E. McAlpine welcomed the Veterans and
presented them with a framed certificate of recognition. There was a lunch provided
by the Red Cross Society in St. Bartholomew's parish hall and music by both
bands.[46]

The photograph taken that day, in front of George Lewis' house, is the first
pictorial record of the revived and integrated Band. Unfortunately they did not have
uniforms for this important occasion. Uniforms had been ordered in April from the
Crown Tailo ring Company, but had not arrived in time for the celebration.[47]

<::photo::>11. May 24, 1919. The official welcome home for the Louisburg Veterans.
The event took place on George D. Lewis' front lawn. The Veterans are seated to the
right. The band is playing in front of the large central window.

<::photo::>12. The Louisburg Brass Band on May 24, 1919. This was the first official
appearance of the combined Band. Unfortunately, the uniforms, ordered in April, had
not arrived. Front Row, l-r: Danny Ferguson, Harold Covey. 2nd Row, l - r: Mary
MacCormack, Bel V erner, Tina MacDonald, Florie Ley, Viola Burke, Erna MacLean. Back
row, l - r: Melvin S. Huntington, Guy B. Hiltz, John A. MacDonald (band leader),
Duncan Lamont, Unidentified, Walter Jewell, Arthur MacQueen, Wesley Townsend,
Fletcher Townsend, Harold Mac Queen.

The only news that cast a pall on the events of the day was the notice, given a week
earlier by the Dominion Coal Company, that the coal pier operation in Louisburg would
be closing for an indefinite period.[48] There was a meeting of citizens in the Town
Hall to protest against the decision and a committee was set up to consult with the
Company management.[49] When the committee, along with a representative of the union
local, met with Coal Company officials it was to no avail. Shipping ceased
officially on Friday 23 May. This was a signal for the 20's. The coal pier would be
operated seasonally from this time on.

The Band left Louisburg for the first time in 1919. On the 12th of July it departed
on the 7:00 AM train for the community of Birch Grove to participate in the Orange
Day Picnic. Arriving at Morien Junction, the Band led the procession through Birch
Grove to the Picnic Grounds. Melvin Huntington told a story of one such parade in
which the Louisburg Band was formed up behind King William's white horse. As the
Band struck up its first march the horse, instead of leading the way, decided to back
up into the parade.[49a]

On July 19th, back in Louisburg, the Brass and Pipe Bands paraded through the streets
and provided the music at a bonfire at Slattery's Head that evening.

But the Band was on the move again in August. The Sydney Daily Post for July 19
carried a notice for Kamp Kill Kare on Sangaree Island in the Mira River indicating
that there was to be a Masonic picnic with the Louisburg Ladies Band in attendance.
No doubt the novelty of seeing a ladies band would attract a crowd. The
advertisement was misleading since, on August 4, both male and female musicians left
Louisburg on the early train for the Mira Gut station to play for the Port Morien
Free Masons' Picnic. Arriving at Mira Gut the Band and the picnickers boarded the
steamer and proceeded up the Mira River to Sangaree Island for the day. The
newspaper reported that, "The members enjoyed a fine time and praise the liberality
with which the Morien crowd rewarded their service."[50] It was outings such as this
that provided the Band with the money to meet operating costs and purchase uniforms.

On August 14, in the afternoon, the Band left Louisburg once more. This time it
departed for Port Morien to play at a Garden Party given by the Orange Lodge. After
the party there were refreshments and dancing until a late hour at the Orange Hall.
Sixteen band members travelled to Port Morien and all stayed over that night,
returning to Louisburg the next morning.

The last major event of the year took place on September 17 when the Band went to
Glace Bay to parade in the Great War Veterans' Association (GWVA) Peace Day
celebrations.[51] The Glace Bay celebrations followed the Sydney Peace Day parade in
whi ch the Colours of the 185th Battalion were delivered to the Cape Breton
community, represented by Warden H. C. V. Levatte. In the Sydney Parade there were
50 floats and a number of bands including the CMBA Band from Sydney Mines, the Sydney
Mines Town Band, the Citizens' Band from Sydney and a pipers band.[52] The
celebrations were equally elaborate in Glace Bay and very successful. The day began
with a three mile road race, followed by the parade beginning at the GWVA Hall on
Union Street, a baseball game, horse races and a Garden Party to cap off a
celebration that attracted 5,000 people. The parade included the Mayors and Councils
of Glace Bay and Louisburg and a large number of floats and decorated cars. The
parents and sisters of John Bernard Croak, V.C. rode in one of the cars with Mrs.
Croak wearing her deceased son's decoration. The Louisburg Band marched in the
parade and attended thy horse races at Black Diamond Trotting Park that afternoon
where it played between heats.[53]

Back in Louisburg, the Band held a Hallowe'en dance, another dance on 28 November and
ended the season with a concert in the Masonic Hall on December 11. This concert
featured Glace Bay talent, and was important to the Town because the people from
Glace Bay had come to Louisburg to assist organizing a local branch of the Great War
Veterans' Association.

http://fortress.uccb.ns.ca/search/band3.html

The Band Gets Uniforms

By September the band uniforms had arrived. The first photograph of the fully
uniformed Band was taken in Glace Bay on September 17. The uniform consisted of a
cap, tunic and trousers for the men and cap, tunic and skirt for the lady members.
Five uniform tunics have survived the years including those worn by Fletcher
Townsend, Harold Covey, Viola Burke, one of the MacCormack ladies and the Band
Leader's tunic worn by John A. MacDonald.[53a]

The tunics were manufactured by the Crown Tailoring Company, Ltd. of Toronto. They
are navy blue wool serge with stand-up collars. The front closes by means of hooks
and eyes. There is a black ribbon lace 1 1/2 inches wide encircling the standup
collar, continuing down both sides of the tunic front and completely around the
bottom hem. There are vents at either side of the bottom hem and the black lace is
mitred around these. The black lace also extends up both back seams to shoulder
level. A thin gold me tallic braid traces the inside edge of the black lace. At the
mitred corners the gold braid is looped. On each sleeve there is a chevron of the
black lace and above it a simple crowsfoot in the metallic braid. The mens' trousers
were probably the same blu e serge with a strip of black ribbon lace along the
outside leg seam. The ladies' uniform skirts seem to be made of navy blue serge, but
it is difficult to tell from the photographs if the black ribbon lace was applied.

<::photo::>13. The Louisburg Band in Glace Bay for the Great War Veterans' Day Parade
on September 17, 1919. Members are wearing their newly-arrived band uniforms.
Left-right: Melvin S. Huntington, Erna MacLean, John A. MacDonald, Mary MacCormack,
Jack Verner, Dunca n Lamont, Florie Ley, Danny Ferguson, Bel Verner, Harold MacQueen,
Jessie MacCormack, Sadie MacCormack, Tina MacDonald, Walter Jewell, Arthur MacQueen,
Guy B. Hiltz, Wesley Townsend.

<::photos::>14. Individual studies of Band members in 1920. Erna MacLean, Melvin S.
Huntington, Wesley Townsend, Archie Hare.

Though there are no band caps known to have survived, it is possible to provide a
reasonable description based on the surviving tunics and photographs of the Band.
The cap was a military forage cap design covered in material similar in colour to the
tunic. It had a button on the top, a band of black ribbon lace and a shiny leather
peak. On the front of the cap, above the peak, there was a brass wreath opened at
the top with the letter "L" in the centre. There was a gold metallic cord across the
front of the cap anchored by buttons at the temple.

Band leader John A. MacDonald's uniform was slightly different. The tunic is navy
blue serge with the standup collar and hook and eye closure as in the bandmens'
uniform, though there is the addition of black braided shoulder straps. It has the
black ribb on lace on collar, front and bottom hem. But there are also five
double-width horizontal bands of ribbon lace across the chest. There is no gold
braid as on the bandsmens' tunics. However, above the chevron of lace on each sleeve
there is a crowsfoot design in thin black braid. The cap is similar to the
bandsmens' but with the word "LEADER" in brass in place of the wreath and letter "L".

The Band in the 1920's

In 1920, there were at least 40 band rehearsals. On May 24 the Band was in Glace Bay
once more playing at the Trotting Park. In June the Lodges of the Brotherhood of
Railway Trainmen arrived in Louisburg to take part in their annual memorial service.
The Band met them at the S&L train station and led them to St. Bartholomew's Church
where the service was held. After the service the parade formed up again and
returned to the station.[54]

On July 12, the Band boarded the schooner "M. O'Toole" for the community of Gabarus
where it would lead the Orange Day procession and join in the picnic. Later in the
month there was a return engagement with the Port Morien Masons' picnic at Sangaree
Island on the Mira River.[55] These opportunities to travel outside Louisburg are an
indication that the Band had developed a solid local reputation for it's playing.
But it also points to the interesting fact that, during this period at least, the
Town does not seem to have organized events on public holidays to keep the Band
employed in Louisburg. Even when the Band would remain in Louisburg, on May 24 or
July 1, the parades and concerts were more self generated than participation in a
celebration organized by the Town.

The most important event for 1920 was the visit by the Governor General, the Duke of
Devonshire, on July 31. The Vice-Regal party was met at the station by an
"enthusiastic crowd of citizens." The Pipe Band played several patriotic tunes and
the Brass Ban d concluded the welcome with "God Save the King".[56] There were
greetings from Mayor A.A. Martell, who introduced members of the Town Council and,
according to the Post correspondent, "The town itself was gay with flags, bunting and
streamers of red, white and blue. In the immediate vicinity of the station the
decorations were the most noticed. A large arch trimmed in Empire Colours stood
across the street from the station and bore in large letters the word - WELCOME. The
two bands at the station played a splendid programme of patriotic airs and none
seemed to please the distinguished visitors more than, 'The Maple Leaf Forever'. The
turnout of the musical organizations added materially to the welcome of the Duke and
his party."[57]

Additional Band participation for the year included a Liberal political meeting in
the Masonic Hall addressed by D.A Cameron, A. B. McGillivrary and H. C. V.
Levatte,[58] and a concert at Fletcher Townsend's house on Labour Day.

<::photo::>15. The Band in 1920 by C. W. Kelly of Sydney. Probably the Sangaree
outing with the Port Morien Masons. Front Row. l-r: Arthur MacQueen, Harold Covey,
Florie Ley, Erna MacLean, Viola Burke. 2nd Row. I-r: Walter Jewell, Mary MacCormack,
Sadie MacCormack, Katie Morrison, Tina MacDonald, Jessie MacCormack. 3rd Row. l-r:
Unidentified, John A. MacDonald - leader, Guy B. Hiltz, Wesley Townsend,
Unidentified, Harold MacQueen, Duncan Lamont, Melvin S. Huntington, Danny Ferguson.

In 1921 Huntington mentions several dances and socials in the Masonic Hall.[59]
Dominion Day was celebrated by the Band playing for an hour at the corner of Main and
Warren Streets in the lot where the Post Office now stands. It was also a Federal
election year. The Band took part in a Liberal party Meeting in the Masonic Hall on
10 November, and was at the Conservative rally two weeks later.[60] But in keeping
with the tradition of the earlier Citizens' Band, there is no mention of it being
present at Labor Party meetings.[61]

Finally, on December 17 the Band was in Peters' Hall for a presentation to H.C.V.
Levatte who was leaving to take up residence in Halifax. Levatte, long-time resident
of Louisburg and Warden of Cape Breton County, had served the County for over 40
years a nd was a major political force in the Town during that period.[62]

In 1922 there were dances in Peters' Hall and the Masonic Hall.[63] It was also in
1922 that band member Erna MacLean married the band leader John A. MacDonald. The
Band was at the S&L station to welcome them home from Boston where they had been
married.[64] On July 12, 1922 the Orange Day picnic was held on the grounds at the
north-east end of Louisburg harbour. There were over five hundred "Orangemen and
their friends" from Glace Bay in attendance. They were met at the S&L station by the
Band and, accompanied by the McDougall Band from New Aberdeen, paraded through the
streets. The Methodist Congregation served refreshments in the old Salvation Army
Barracks which was located just south of the turnoff from Main street to Havenside
Road . A photograph taken that day shows bandmembers and Orangemen dancing on the
rough temporary dance floor erected for the occasion.

In 1923 Louisburg received a visit from Governor General Julian Byng. Lord Byng had
commanded the Canadian Corps in 1916 and planned the successful attack by the
Canadians on Vimy Ridge. He was met at the S&L station, on July 27, by the Mayor
A.A. Martel l, Council and citizens and shook hands with soldiers. This was followed
by a luncheon in St. Bartholomew's Church Hall, a visit to the Marconi Station and
the ruins of the 18th century Fortress of Louisbourg. The Brass Band played, "God
Save the King" as Byng arrived and followed this up with selections during the
luncheon, ending with, "O Canada" as the train pulled away from the station.

But life seems to have been slowing down for the Band in 1923, for Melvin Huntington
mentions one dance in the Masonic Hall, and an October meeting in aid of the School
for the Blind.[65]

The End of the Brass Band

Unlike the Citizens' Band, there is no formal notice in the newspaper that the Brass
Band had disbanded. But in 1924 Huntington records just 4 practices, the last one on
April 29. There is no further mention of the Band in his diaries or local
newspapers.

The Band did not come to an end because it lacked a competent instructor, the major
reason for the demise of the Citizens' Band. John A. McDonald still lived in
Louisburg and would direct the choir of First United Church for many years.

One reason has been suggested by Guy M. Hiltz, lifelong resident and former mayor of
the Town. He remembers his father, Guy B. Hiltz, saying that there was some sort of
political disagreement that contributed to the demise of the band. There is no
record of the nature of any disagreement, but the period was politically volatile,
and there were strong Liberal and Conservative sentiments represented by band
members.

Of equal significance were a number of small changes which, taken together,
contributed to the Band fading away, rather than coming to an abrupt end. Tina
MacDonald told me that she thought people had just stopped coming to practices. This
is probably true and there were quite understandable reasons for this. For example,
events in Melvin Huntington's personal life put the Band in second place. On July
15, 1924 he married Emeline Townsend and set up a new home for the first time when he
was 49 years old. Though he remained in his post as a Town Councillor and continued
to take an active role in the Methodist / First United Church choir, the Band was no
longer a part of his social commitment.

Perhaps the most tragic event for the Band was the sudden death of 23 year old Viola
Burke in June 1922. Huntington attended the funeral in the Stella Maris Church at
the western boundary of Louisburg and writes that it, ". . . was the most largely
attended I have seen in this town."[66]

Other band members were moving into a new phase of their lives as well. In 1921,
Erna MacLean left Louisburg and the Band to go to Boston. At about the same time
Tina MacDonald and Bel Verner also took their leave. The reason Tina gave me for
leaving, when I visited her in 1989, was that playing meant she wasn't free to
dance.[67] In May 1922 Erna MacLean and John A. MacDonald were married and on April
10, 1924 their first child was born. In the fall of 1922 Mary MacCormick left for
the United States, sent off by a band-sponsored dance.[68] On November 15, 1922
Harold MacQueen and Florie Ley married. In 1923 band member Archie Hare married,[69]
and in the fall 1924 Jessie MacCormack married Malcolm Macleod.[70]

Once the younger bandmembers married, particularly the ladies, their involvement in
the Band came to an end. With the resumption of a pre-War conservatism, they were
expected to turn their attention to the home and to more acceptable public
participation such as church choirs. With half the Band gone by the fall of 1924,
there were probably too few committed members left to continue the Band.

In addition to changes in personal circumstances, the end of the war removed a major
reason for the Band's existence. Without the incentive of recruitment drives, Red
Cross concerts and other activities associated with community patriotism, there were
fewer calls on the Band's time. The participation outside the local community kept
up the momentum for several years and provided the Band with a source of funding, but
it was obviously not sufficient in the long term.

In reality the Band was a hobby. It was but one expression of a more global interest
in music held by individual members who took part in other activities such as
concerts and choirs in addition to the Band. Individual members gained new musical
skills or honed old ones, and found public acknowledgement and a sense of
contribution to the wellbeing of the community. But the Band was never an official
organization in Town life though its presence, during the war, was appreciated.
There were no contractual responsibilities or formal roles In the Town social
structure to keep it in place or to ensure continuity once other priorities took
precedence.

Still, though the Band came to an end, some former band members would direct their
musical interests to participation in church choirs, while others, such as Danny
Ferguson and Harold Covey moved on to form or take part in small local dance
bands.[71] Some others would pass on instruments to the new Band in the mid 1930's,
while Wesley Townsend, Harold Covey, Melvin Huntington, Walter Jewell and Arthur
MacQueen would be actively involved In its revival.

<::photo::> 16. July 12, 1922. The Orange Day Picnic held in Louisburg.

http://fortress.uccb.ns.ca/search/band5.html

The Louisburg Town Band 1935-1937

The Louisburg Town Band, the last Louisburg brass band, was part of the town in the
1930's. Along with the rest of Canada, Louisburg was deeply affected by the
Depression. One indicator, the 1931 Census, recorded a population of 971 as compared
with the 1921 population of 1152. Mayor Melvin S. Huntington, in an article in the
Halifax Herald, on January 2, 1931, wrote that, "The unemployment situation has been
more acute here than in any previous year and the fishing industry on which so many
of our citizens depend was not a success owing to scarcity of fish and low prices
which prevailed throughout the entire season. Consequently many of our citizens are
much worse off financially than they were at the close of 1929."

Still, Huntington was looking forward to a prosperity which he saw just around the
corner. And there were efforts being made to construct prosperity. Work at the site
of the 18th-century Fortress of Louisbourg resulted in a number of foundations of
major buildings being stabilized, and a new stone Museum and Curator's house
constructed and officially opened in 1937. Additional local initiative was shown by
the Louisburg Broadbill Guides Association which tried to attract wealthy sports
fishermen during the swordfishing season. The Board of Trade was active in
encouraging town beautification, maintenance of roads and seeking ways to attract new
industry. But it took another war and the L. H. Cann ship repair facility to get
Louisburg's economy moving again.

The Origin of the Town Band

Wesley Townsend organized the Louisburg Town Band, as an activity for the many local
young men who had no work, particularly during the winter.[1] The Townsend family
was considered "musical" and both Wesley and his brother Fletcher had been members of
earlier bands. Wesley was also a member of a local dance orchestra, called the
Syncopators, that played for area dances during the later 1920's and early 1930's.[2]
Howard MacPhail recalls that he and a number of friends went to the Townsend house on
Station Hill on Sunday evenings to sing. It was on one of these Sunday nights,
according to MacPhail, that the topic of forming a brass band came up.[3]

There is no record of the date on which the Band was actually formed. Personal
remembrances generally recall the mid 1930's. Reverend Neil McLean, probably the
youngest member of the Band, remembers a practice early in the Band's development
during which Charles Stacey arrived to say that King George V had died.[4] This
would place the practice on Monday, January 20, 1936. Melvin Huntington provides
additional evidence for a mid 1930's beginning. When writing to Dr. J. C. Webster,
about the official opening of the new Museum at the Fortress site, he mentioned the
availability of ". . . the Louisburg Town Band which has reorganized during the past
winter.[5] Given that there were bandmembers unfamiliar with music, this would
suggest that Wesley Townsend began developing the new Band as early as the summer of
1935. John MacAskill reinforces this by recalling that the Band probably practiced
for about a year before going public.[6]

The inaugural appearance of the Band is described by Howard MacPhail. He recalls
that, "the first New Year's we had the Band we decided that we would play at
midnight, New Year's Eve, under the place ( on Main Street) where the Coal Pier ran
across. We we re up in the IOGT Hall, where the Library is now. We went up there in
the evening, and about eleven or a quarter to twelve we went down to the Pier. I
think we played Auld Lang Syne - I'm not too sure - but I think we did. But we also
played two or three waltzes that we had learned. And when we were finished,, Jerry
Smith, a Councillor - he lived a way up off the tracks - came down to congratulate
us. He made a speech. That was 1 o'clock on January 1st. That was our first
appearance." Alex Smith remembers his father standing on a concrete abutment
speaking to the Band. He says that before the event, while waiting in the IOGT Hall
the band members had an amateur-hour contest to amuse themselves.[7]

<::photo::>17. Louisburg. Looking east along Main street in the 1920's or early
1930's.

The next public appearance of the Band was on Saturday, May 2, 1936. Huntington
writes in his diary that he presided at a concert in St. Bartholomew's Hall ". . .
given by the reorganized Louisbourg Band which was, I think greatly enjoyed by a
large audience. This concert was directed by Harold Covey in the absence of Wesley
Townsend, the Band Leader, [who was unable to attend on account of illness]."
According to the newspaper account, the programme for the evening consisted of duets
and trios. There were also, no doubt, selections by the entire Band.[8]

Huntington recorded the names of the bandsmen taking part in the May 2 concert. They
were: Harold Covey - director, Michael Kennedy, Freeman MacKenzie, Charles Stacey,
Murdock McLean, George McLean, Neil McLean, Ernest Skinner, John MacAskill, James
Peck, Melvin Beaver, Walter Jewell Sr., Alex Smith, Danny Nicholson, Layton Coveyduc,
Howard MacPhail, Henry Roberts and William Dearing.

These were not the only people who would play in the Band. Freeman MacKenzie
remembers that Jack Johnson played the drum part time. Additional members included
Tom Bates, Alex Burke, Oscar Harris, Lloyd Harris, Dan Kelly, Alex Leahy and Harold
Wilson.[9] Bud Bagnell, while never a member of the Band, remembers sitting in the
Band Room with other youngsters during the practices directed by his uncle, Harold
Covey. On occasion, he would stand in for Bill Dearing on the bass drum. "My uncle
used to give me heck because I was off a beat," he recalls.[10] Tom Bates attended
two practices before he decided not to continue as a band member.[11] Interestingly,
there were never any lady members of this Band, though they shared equally in the
hardships of the time.

Wesley Townsend and Harold Covey were not the only 1920's Brass Band members who
helped the Band. As noted above, Jack Johnson played the drums every now and then,
and Walter Jewell, Sr., played in the first concert. Arthur MacQueen returned to
Louisburg from Sydney on several occasions to help with instruction. He brought along
friends who were members of the Sydney City Band. Other former band members gave or
lent their instruments to the boys. John McAskill used his step-father Guy B.
Hiltz's bass and Ernest Skinner used the circular bass that had also been used by
Hiltz. Jim Peck obtained his grandfather Duncan Lamont's baritone, Howard MacPhail
played Melvin Huntington's baritone and Freeman MacKenzie used his Uncle Walter
Jewell's tenor instrument.[12]

There was also a Band Committee. Reverend Neil McLean remembers that Jim Peck, and
later George McLean, held the post of president. Danny Nicholson was secretary and
Henry Roberts, the treasurer. But the Band never had a great deal of money. There
were no band uniforms, not even caps. There was some sheet music from earlier bands
and Wesley Townsend ordered, and presumably paid for, additional music. Jim Peck
recalls how Townsend had hoped to have the Band sponsored by R. J. Logue, a Sydney
car dealer, who had a business in Louisburg.[13] But, probably due to his illness,
Townsend was never able to follow up on this.

The first practices were held in the IOGT Hall on Upper Warren Street. But the Town
eventually provided some support in the form of a room in the Town Hall in which the
Band could practice and store its instruments. Reverend McLean remembers the
practice sessions and the order of the instruments during practice - the band was in
a circle and from left to right came cornets, alto and tenor horns followed by
trombone, baritones, bass and drums. Harold Covey provided the formal instruction.
However, Murdock McLean taught his brothers Neil and George some of the basics.
Murdock McLean was a talented musician playing in a local orchestra called the Super
Five. But some of the bandsmen also had previous experience with music. Neil McLean
played the piano, Ernest Skinner the trumpet and John MacAskill and Alex Smith the
guitar. There was help from the outside as well. Howard MacPhail remembers
instances in which four or five of the Band would go travelling into Sydney to
practice with the City Band.

http://fortress.uccb.ns.ca/search/band4.html

The Band and the Community

Melvin Huntington was sufficiently impressed by the band concert in May 1936 to
recommend its participation in the official opening of the new Museum at the
Fortress, planned for the summer of 1936.[14] The opening was postponed for a year
and by 1937, when the ceremony took place the Band was no longer active.

A month after the May concert, the Band traveled to Gabarus where it played at a
concert and dance in the Orange Hall. The members travelled along the shore road
through Kennington Cove in Beaver's truck and Danny Nicholson's car. Reverend McLean
remembers being in the car along with Melvin Huntington, Reverend H. D. Townsend and
Jack Johnson. Murdock McLean directed the Band that night. The newspaper coverage
of the Gabarus outing notes that, " . . . the concert was comprised of instrumental
solos, duets, trios, quartets and full band numbers all of which was well
received."[15] Melvin Huntington contributed to the concert by singing two solos.
Reverend E. D. MacKillop thanked the Band and, ". . . congratulated them on the
degree excellency reached by the members in the short time since their
reorganization." The evening was continued when several members of the Band formed
an orchestra for dancing.[16]

The next time the Band played was for the Fishermen's Regatta in July. These races,
sponsored by the Fishermen's Union, were first run in 1932 and continued until 1939.
There were 30 or more boats entered in several divisions running a course from the
Government Wharf down the harbour towards the Fortress and back again.[17] Harold
Wilson remembers the Band forming up outside the Town Hall and parading along the
street to the waterfront at the foot of Lower Warren Street. The photographs taken
that day show the Band seated on a raised platform constructed from swordfish boxes.
Wilson remembers that the bandmembers also operated one of the food concession
booths. Wesley Townsend directed the Band though, because of his illness, he directed
while sitting on a chair.[18]

While the Band paraded to the site of the Regatta that day, it never did have much
practice marching. Freeman MacKenzie reports that, "It was difficult to watch the
music and look out for potholes at the same time." John MacAskill also remembers
parading, on at least one occasion, from the Band Room to the Calvin Hall before one
of the Christmas concerts. But the Band never had enough practice to develop its
marching abilities and Howard MacPhail points to this as a limiting factor in its
taking part in special events.

<::photo::>18. The Louisburg Town Band at the Regatta in July 1936. The bandstand is
located at the foot of Lower Warren Street near the Government Wharf, the official
starting point for the Regatta. Seated on the far left, Jack Johnson. With backs to
the photogr apher John MacAskill, Ernest Skinner, William Dearing. Over MacAskill's
shoulder Howard Macphail. Standing and Playing l - r: Neil McLean and George McLean

<::photo::>19. The Louisburg Town Band at the Regatta in July 1936. The band is
seated on a platform constructed of swordfish boxes. Seated, l - r: Howard MacPhail,
Ernest Skinner, John MacAskill, William Dearing, Melvin Beaver. Standing, Murdock
McLean. Seated, under McLean's trumpet is Danny Nicholson and to the far right behind
McLean is Layton Coveyduc.

Still, the Band got some encouragement by example. In September, the Sydney Band
came to Louisburg and held a concert on the school grounds.[19] This was not the
first occasion or the Sydney Band coming to town. On September 3, 1933 it perform
edon the school ground for two hours. And two years earlier, in 1931, the Salvation
Army Band from Glace came to Louisburg and performed at the corner of Main and Warren
in the vacant lot, now occupied by the Post Office.[20]

As Christmas approached, the members of the Band felt that they had to do something
tangible for the Town. According to John MacAskill ". . . we were supposed to be a
Citizens' Band, a community band, and we thought it was a nice idea to put up a
Christmas Tree." The Band held several concerts to raise money and obtained
donations from businesses in town. MacAskill remembers that the concerts were held
in the old Calvin Hall on Strathcona Street. During the concerts the Band would play
several selections and then have an intermission when local ladies sold fudge. M.S.
Huntington records one of these concerts and community "sing song" in the Calvin
Hall, stating that there was, ". . . fairly good attendance of people of the town who
appeared to enjoy the programme. I sang two songs, When the Bell in the Lighthouse
Rings Ding Dong and the End of the Road."[21] MacAskill remembers a practical joker
plugging the horn of his bass instrument with a bottle which he did not discover
until it was time to resume playing.

At the end of November, Clifton Townsend gave a presentation, in Calvin Hall,
describing his trip to Vimy Ridge, in July, to the unveiling of the Canadian War
Memorial there. Townsend was one of the First War volunteers which the Louisburg
Brass Band had escorted to the S&L Station in 1914. The Band was present and played
a few selections.[22] Then, in December, the Band went to the homes of Duncan Lamont
and Wesley Townsend, both men being too ill to take part in any of the Band-sponsored
events. Alex Smith remembers the Band playing in front of the Lamont house with
Duncan Lamont sitting inside the porch listening to the music.

By Christmas Eve, the Band had achieved its goal for there was a tree, complete with
electric lights, standing in the vacant lot, on the corner of Main and Lower Warren
Streets, now occupied by the Post Office. Alex Smith remembers that he and Howard
MacPhail strung the lights. Huntington writes that the community Christmas Tree " .
. was dedicated tonight when the Louisbourg Brass Band under the direction of Harold
Covey gave an hours programme of music in the presence of a large audience. Carols
were also sung by members of the Band and others. During the concert bags of candy
were distributed to the children. . ." Huntington goes on to note that " . . the
tree was gaily lighted with coloured electric lights and presented a very handsome
appearance, the first of its kind in the town of Louisbourg . . . the tree is upwards
of 20 feet in height."[23]

The End of the Band

Wesley Townsend was ill for almost a year before he died on April 12, 1937. John
MacAskill remembers a number of the band members going to his house the night he was
waked and spending the night there. The Band also took part in the funeral
procession. Melvin Huntington wrote that ". . . the members of the Louisburg
Citizens' Brass Band, of which Wesley Townsend was the reorganizer, paraded in a body
to the church and grave - without instruments."[24] Townsend was buried in the
former Methodist Cemetery on Clarkes Road. His gravestone, a simple red granite
marker, has a musical note carved above his name.

The Band did not last much longer, though it is possible that it played for the
Regatta in 1937. Howard MacPhail notes that Harold Covey's interest became more
focused on his dance band and that he moved to Sydney in 1937 or 1938. Murdock McLean
took over responsibility for the Band, but the left for school in Halifax in 1937.
MacPhail remembers five or six members of the Band playing at the new rink on
Strathcona Street after it was opened for skating in January 1938. He says, however,
that by that time the Band had come to an end.

All the band members interviewed felt that an important reason for the Band coming to
an end was that the members went away for work or education. While this may have
been true, John MacAskill identified the central cause of the demise of the Band when
he said, "Thats what ... happened to our band. There was Wesley Townsend, he died.
Harold Covey came to Sydney (to work). And then Murdock McLean, he was the next
bandmaster, and he took up his trade in Halifax, x-ray technician, in the hospital.
So when they went we had nothing. There was nobody good enough to direct the Band."
As with both earlier bands a competent and interested band master was critical to
success or failure.

The memories are good, however, and every one of the remaining members of the
Louisburg Town Band looks on that short period of time with fondness. Thinking back
over fifty-four years, Howard MacPhail recalls, "It's an amazing thing about this
Band. Here's a bunch of fellows, ninety percent of them wouldn't know a note from a
lump of coal, no idea of music . . . And they took them all and they taught them how
to play."

<::photo::>20. The Louisburg Town Band walking in Wesley Townsend's funeral cortege
as it proceeds along Main street to the First United Church, April 17, 1936. Wesley
Townsend's gravestone.

PICTURE CREDITS

1. Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, Louisbourg, Nova Scotia.
2. Louisbourg Heritage Society, P. O. Box 396, Louisbourg, Nova Scotia.
3. Beaton Institute, University College of Cape Breton, Sydney, Nova Scotia.
4. Beaton Institute, UCCB.
5. Louisbourg Regional Library, Louisbourg, Nova Scotia.
6. Fortress of Louisbourg NHS.
7. Fortress of Louisbourg NHS.
8. Mr. Charles Stacey, Louisbourg, Nova Scotia.
9. Mrs. Donald Skinner, Louisbourg, Nova Scotia.
10. Mr. Todd Rudderham, Louisbourg, Nova Scotia.
11. Fortress of Louisbourg NHS.
12. Mrs. Alice (Ley) Fischer, New Waterford, Nova Scotia.
13. Mrs. Jean ( MacDonald) Scott, Middleton, Rhode Island, USA. 14. Top, left: Mrs.
Jean (MacDonald) Scott. Top, right: Miss Eleanor Huntington, Sydney, Nova Scotia.
Bottom left: Mrs Eva Lewis, Louisbourg, Nova Scotia. Bottom right: William A. O'Shea,
Louisbourg.
15. William A. O'Shea, Louisbourg, Nova Scotia.
16. Mrs. Donald Skinner, Louisbourg, Nova Scotia.
17. William A. O'Shea.
18. Mr. Howard MacPhail, Sydney, Nova Scotia.
19. Mr. Howard MacPhail.
20. Mr. Howard MacPhail & William A. O Shea.

ENDNOTES

In order to reduce the number of footnotes I have taken two shortcuts. In some
instances the source and date are quoted in the body of the text. In other
instances, you will find just a date and month. These refer to entries in Melvin S.
Huntington's Diaries which are found on microfilm at the McConnell Memorial Library
in Sydney, Nova Scotia, the Beaton Institute of the University College of Cape Breton
Sydney, N. S., and the Public Archives of Nova Scotia Halifax.

Introduction
1. Encyclopaedia Britannica, Wm. Benton Pub., 1973, v.3, p. 76. 2. Stanley Sadie,
ed., The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musician, MacMillan Publishers Ltd., 1980,
v. 3, p. 210.
3. Denis Arnold, gen. ed., The New Oxford Companion to Music, Oxford University
Press, 1983, Reprinted 1984, pp. 257-258.
4. The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, p. 210.
5. Douglas N. Anderson, "78th Highlanders Ross-Shire Buffs 1869," Historical and
Descriptive Notes, Portfolio B2, 1988, p.12. Located in the archives of the Halifax
Citadel National Historic Site, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
6. Donald E. Graves, " Siol Na Fear Fearail ( The Breed of Manly Men) The Nova Scotia
Highland Brigade: History, Uniforms, Insignia, Equipment and Colours," Military
Collector and Historian, Vol. XXXIV, No. 2, Summer 1982, pp. 52-59.
7. Nancy F. Vogan, "Music Instruction in Nova Scotia before 1914," in John Beckwith
and Frederick A. Hall eds., Musical Canada, University of Toronto Press, 1988, pp.
71 - 78.
8. Kenneth Donovan, " May Learning Flourish," in K. Donovan, ed., The Island: New
Perspectives on Cape Breton History 1713 - 1990, Acadiensis Press & University
College of Cape Breton Press, 1990, pp 89 - 112.
9. Reverend A. A. Johnston, A History of the Catholic Church in Eastern Nova Scotia,
Vol.11, 1827-1880, St. Francis Xavier University Press, Antigonish, Nova Scotia,
1971, pp. 348-349.
10. J. G. MacKinnon, Old Sydney, Originally published in 1918 by Don MacKinnon,
Sydney, C.B., Republished in 1989 by the Old Sydney Society, pp.129-134.
11. Sydney Daily Post, Sydney, Nova Scotia, 14 December 1901. In 1904 the St. Cecelia
Band and Prof. Liscomb's Orchestra amalgamated and became known as the Sydney Band
and Orchestra. Sydney Daily Post, 3 June 1904. 12. The New Grove Dictionary of Music
and Musicians, p. 210.
13. Sydney Daily Post, 6 August 1903 & 7 October 1904.
14. St. Joseph's Band photo in "St. Joseph's & A.O.H. Bands - Yesteryear's
Attractions," Coastal Courier, Glace Bay, N. S., 16 November 1977. Also, "The Bay
Shall have Music Whereever She Goes," Newspaper Article c 1965. Both articles found
in Scrapbook # 91, Music & Dance, Beaton Institute, UCCB. Also the Beaton picture
file - Bands.
15. Sydney Record, Sydney, Nova Scotia, 14 October 1902.
16. Sydney Daily Post, 22 December 1903.
17. Sydney Record, 13 November 1903. This article notes that John Murphy, who
organized the Louisburg Band had been a member of a Port Morien band. There is also a
photograph of Port Morien Band from a later period in Beaton Institute, UCCB,
#78-162-1912.
18. Sydney Daily Post, 9 December 1901. There are also two excellent photographs of
this band in the Beaton Institute Band photo file. The executive of the CMBA band
according to the SDP article included: Chief - Albert Somers; Sergeant - William
Raymond; President - Bernard Francis, M.D.; Secretary - David McDonald; Treasurer -
A. C. McCormick. Executive Committee - B. Francis, David McDonald and A. C.
McCormick. " The band consists of 18 pieces and was purchased from Whale Rayell &
Co., at a cost of $ 630.00. The services of A. C. Henderson, musical director of the
North Sydney Band have been secured as leader."
19. North Sydney Town Band, 17 March 1897, photo with caption, Beaton Institute,
photo file, Bands 76 - 6.
20. Letter from Rev. John Edwards to Sr. Margaret Beaton, 12 December 1963, Beaton
Institute, UCCB, Band File 77-555- 689, also photo. Father Edwards notes that
normally being Catholic or Protestant did not matter when it came to belonging to a
town band. There were tensions under the surface, however, and the incident which
resulted in the creation of the LOC band reflects these tensions. Fr. Edwards wrote,
"At the time of the particular event with which we are concerned, the parish priest
of the time at tempted to hire Sisters to teach in the parish school. As you can well
imagine, this effort generated quite a bit of opposition. Eventually the matter was
decided in a Town Council meeting - with the Protestant Mayor, Jim Purvis, casting
the deciding vote in favour of admitting the Sisters; the Council had split
three-three. As you can likewise imagine this close vote did not still all opposition
and controversy by any means. In the heat of all this, the Annual Town Winter
Carnival took place - a big social event of the day and one at which the town band
made it's big appearance. They were there and the costumed skaters appeared as per
usual. However, in the midst of all the fun - two young ladies from two of the
leading families opposed to the Sisters - appeared dressed as Sisters; the
implication of this of course was lost on no one - including the Catholic members of
the band and they quietly folded their instruments and walked out - together with one
Protestant - Adam Ross - whose name you see in the picture. From these objectors was
formed the LOC Band ..."
21. W. L. Chirgwin, "The 94th Argyll Highland Regiment," Weekly Cape Bretoner, 10 May
1958.
22. Sydney Record, 26 November 1902.
23. Sydney Daily Post, 25 April 1903.
24. J. G. MacKinnon, Old Sydney (1989 reprint), pp. 72 and 125. 25. Ibid.,p.133, and
Sydney Daily Post,14 August 1901.
26. J. S. Stephens Collection. Programme/Notices, Beaton Institute, UCCB., no date,
MG 12/206/7, and Sydney Daily Post, 3 September 1901.
27. Report of the Committee on Louisbourg Memorial, Society of Colonial Wars, New
York, 1896, p. vii. 28. Reverend John Edwards to Sr. Margaret Beaton, 1963.
29. Sydney Record, 29 August 1904.
30. Coastal Courrier, Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, 16 November 1977. 31. "The Bay Shall
Have Music Wherever She Goes," Scrapbook # 91, " Cape Breton Music & Dance," Beaton
Institute
32. Gordon Elman, " A Century of Band Music in Sydney," 12 November 1962, Beaton
Institute, MG 12/38. A good summary of Sydney band activities.
33. " Schooner Pond, Alias Dominion No. 6, alias Donkin," Scrapbook #15A, Beaton
Institute, UCCB, and from note of a telephone conversation with Ken Reid on 31
January 1991.
34. "The Bay Shall have Music Wherever She Goes," Scrapbook #91, Cape Breton Music &
Dance, Beaton Institute UCCB.
35. Notes from telephone conversations with June Martin, bandmember, and Barbara
Stetter, Band Director, 1 February 1991. Stetter is responsible for the Glace Bay
secondary school music programme. She envisions the newly revived Glace Bay Community
Band providing an opportunity for graduates from the school programme to continue the
involvement with music in the community. Should this prove successful the Town of
Glace Bay can look forward a vibrant community band into the next century.
36. Gordon Elman, "A Century of Band Music in Sydney," 12 November 1962, Beaton
Institute, UCCB.
37. Notes from a telephone conversation with Les Rowe and Wilson Rowe on 31 January
1991. The Sydney Mines Legion Band has the advantage of receiving an annual budget
allocation from the Sydney Mines Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. The Band also
take s advantage of the Provincial Department of Culture and Recreation funding
during the summer.

The Louisburg Citizens' Band 1903-1907
1. Sydney Record, 13 November 1903.
2. Ibid., 23 May 1904.
3. The first meeting of Council was in the living room of W. W. Lewis' home on the
west side of Lower Warren Street. Later meetings were held in the County Building on
Main Street. This building was located at the point where Aberdeen Street meets Main,
a nd was moved when Aberdeen Street was constructed. It ended up on the west side of
Aberdeen on the location presently occupied by the old Catalone School which moved
here several years ago and now used as Rovie's Pizzeria and a Toning Salon. The
County Building served as a Town Hall, a jail and later the Firehall. It was torn
down in the 1960's
4. Sydney Record, 18 November 1903 & 1 December 1903.
5. Ibid., 13 November 1903.
6. Ibid., 30 April 1904.
7. Ibid., 16 April 1904.
8. Ibid., 30 April 1904.
9. Ibid., 30 April 1904.
10. Ibid., 23 May 1904.
11. Ibid., 4 June 1904.
12 Sydney Daily Post, 4 June 1904.
13. Sydney Record, 21 & 28 July 1904. The Peters Bros. building, located on the north
side of Main Street a bit west of the Irving Gas Station, in the centre of Louisbourg
was completed in June 1902. The upper part was used as a Hall and the lower as a me
at market and general grocery store. See Sydney Record, 16 June 1902.
14. "The Bay Shall Have Music Wherever She Goes" and " St. Joseph's and AOH bands -
Yesteryear's Attractions" The Coastal Courrier,16 November 1977 in Scrapbook #91, CB
Music and Dance, Beaton Institute, University College of Cape Breton. Sydney Daily
Pos t, 6 October 1905. The St. Joseph's Band in Glace Bay was first organized in 1890
by Dan Hardy of Caledonia. Hardy lost his life in a mine accident in Caledonia #1 in
1893 and the band languished. In 1903 Ryan reorganized the band and it operated for 9
years. In 1914 St. Josephs's band joined with bands from Dominion and Bridgeport to
form the A.O.H. band which performed for 24 years. (Beaton Scrapbook # 91) The St.
Joseph's Band executive for 1905 was Joseph Guthro, President; John Cameron,
Secretary; Jo hn T. Ryan, Treasurer, Daniel McPherson, Property Manager; John T.
Ryan, Musical Instructor; Alex Curry, Band Sergeant. ( Sydney Daily Post, 6 October
1905 )
15. Sydney Record, 6 August 1904; Sydney Daily Post, 8 August 1902.
16. Sydney Daily Post, 7 September 1904.
17. Sydney Record, 19 September 1904; Sydney Daily Post, 19 September 1904.
18. Louisburg Band photograph, Fortress of Louisbourg NHS; McAlpine's Nova Scotia
Directory, Halifax, 1908, 1891 Census of Canada, District 28 Cape Breton County,
Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, Conversation with Mr. Guv M. Hiltz at the Sydney & Louisburg
Railway Museum, July 1,1990. It was with Guy's help that some of the possible
political affiliations were established. Of the 11 adult bandsmen, there were
probably 8 Liberals and 3 Conservatives. Of the 15 members in the Band there were
also 5 Roman Catholics, 6 Church of England, 2 Methodists, 1 Presbyterian and 1
Baptist.
19. Sydney Record, 21 October 1904. The Liberal-Conservatives formed a branch
executive for the area south of the Mira River in October 1904. Dr. D. A. Morrison
was President, Wm. Burke, Vice-President; James McPhee, Secretary. Captain R. H. Cann
was Chai rman of the Louisburg committee. See the Sydney Daily Post, 12 October 1904.
20. Sydney Record, 25 October 1904.
21. Ibid., 22 October 1904.
22. Ibid., 25 October 1904.
23. Ibid., 22 October 1904.
24. Ibid., 25 October 1904.
25. Ibid., 8 November 1904.
26. Ibid., 19 October 1904.
27. Ibid., 19 September 1904.
28. Ibid., 6 October 1904.
29. Ibid., 17 December 1904
30. Sydney Daily Post, 19 December 1904.
31. Sydney Record, 5 Jan 1905.
32. Ibid., 12 January 1905
33. Melvin S. Huntington, Diaries, 6 March 1905.
34. Sydney Record, 8 March 1905.
35. Sydney Daily Post, 9 March 1905.
36. Ibid., 17 March 1905.
37. Ibid., 15 March 1905.
38. Ibid., 21 March 1905. The concert was a rousing success raising $42. This was
supplemented by $10 from Sampson Lodge of the P.W.A. and $10 from the C.M.B.A.
(Sydney Daily Post, 21 March 1905 ), an excellent show of support for someone who the
communit y obviously admired. Unfortunately, Reverend Buchanan did not recover a his
body was returned from Boston to Louisburg in May 1905 where funeral services were
held. He is buried in Big Baddeck beside his mother and other relatives (Ibid., 4 May
1905, 6 Ma y 1905 ). Buchanan was born in 1869 a attended Sydney Academy, Dalhousie
University and Pine Hill Divinity College. He was inducted into the Presbyterian
Congregation in Louisbourg in 1899 ( Ibid., 1 May 1905 ).
39. M. S. Huntington, Diaries, Friday 28 April 1905.
40. Sydney Daily Post, 1 May 1905.
41. Sydney Record, 15 February 1906. Lyons was from Glace Bay. He married Miss Katie
McAuly of Pep (Pepperrell) Street, in Louisburg (Ibid.,15 February 1906).
42. Sydney Daily Post, 11 May 1905. Monday seems to have been the popular night for
the band entertainment.
43. Sydney Record, 1 June 1905.
44. Ibid., 14 June 1905.
45. Sydney Daily Post, 29 July 1905.
46. Sydney Record, 31 July 1905.
47. Sydney Daily Post, 4 July 1905; Sydney Record, 4 & 5 July 1905.
48. Sydney Daily Post, 13 July 1905. An arrangement was reached between the CMBA and
the LOL which allowed the LOL to use the Slattery Point grounds for the picnic on the
12th. In return, the LOL paid half the costs of material used for construction of
booths and tables ( Ibid., 10 July 1905).
49. Sydney Record, 24 July 1905.
50. Sydney Daily Post, 2 August 1905.
51. Sydney Record, 10 & 12 August 1905.
52. Sydney Daily Post, 7 September 1905.
53. Sydney Record, 27 September 1905.
54. Ibid., 4 October 1905.
55. Ibid., 5 October 1905.
56. Ibid., 7 November 1905.
57. Sydney Daily Post, 5 & 7 December 1905.
58. Sydney Record, 10, 19 & 26 February 1906.
59. Ibid., 9 January 1907.
60. Sydney Daily Post, 5 September 1907.
61. Ibid., 3 September 1904.
62. Sydney Record, 29 August 1904.
63. Sydney Daily Post, 17 March 1905.
64. Ibid., 10 October 1901; Sydney Record, 12 December 1905.
65. Sydney Daily Post, 18 September 1907.

Louisburg Brass Band 1913-1924
1. Sydney Record, Sydney, Nova Scotia, 7 March & 25 March 1914; Sydney Daily Post, 7
March 1914.
2. Sydney Record, 25 March 1914.
3. Sydney Daily Post. 7 April 1914.
4. Sydney Record, 5 May 1914. St. Bartholomew's Parish Hall, usually referred to by
Melvin S. Huntington in his diaries as the "Parish Hall" was constructed in 1909 (
Sydney Record 3 July 1909 and 18 September 1909 ) and torn down in 1989.
5. Interview with Charles Stacey, Louisbourg, 1989.
6. The Keefes or O'Keefes were a musical family. Their sister Mrs. Millie O'Toole (
later Tucker ) was for many years the organist at Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church
in Louisburg. Both Arthur and his younger brother Frank were members of the earlier
Lo uisburg Citizens' Band. The supposition that they were part of the later Brass
Band is based on the fact that the Band turned out to see Arthur off when he moved to
Glace Bay with his family on September 30 1916. And the proceeds of a dance, held in
the M asonic hall on April 4, 1918, went to Frank Keefe.
7. Draper received the appointment as Archdeacon in succession to the late Archdeacon
Smith in April 1914 - Sydney Daily Post, 7 April 1914.
8. Sydney Daily Post, September 6, 9, 10, 12, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22 1913. Sydney Record,
September 9, 11, 20, 22 1913.
9. Melvin S. Huntington, Diaries, 9 December 1914. Allison Kelland returned to
Louisburg to work at the Marconi Station in West Louisburg. He also married Laura
Lewis the daughter of the former Mayor W. W. Lewis. Kelland worked in North Sydney
and Canso. He later returned to Louisburg and ended his days in the old Louisburg
Hotel on Main Street owned by his nephew Harvey Lewis. Kelland was an accomplished
organist and played for St. Bartholomew's church in Louisburg for many years.
Conversation Harvey Lewis, Lewis & Company Store, Main Street, 8 January 1991.
10. Using Huntington's Diaries as the source, the following is an overview of the
number of band practices. The figures are qualified by the fact that Huntington did
not join the band until April of 1914. He may not have recorded each and every
practice. Nor are there any records for the practice by the lady members of the band
before they combined with the mens' band in 1919. Practice in the early years was in
the old Town Hall on the west side of Aberdeen Street. In the 1920's and possibly
earlier the practices were in the Band Room of the new Town Hall located in the
school house on the south side of Main Street at the end of Pepperrell Street. The
building is now used as the Church of God. 19 14 - 24, 1915 - 37, 1916 - 52, 1917 -
29, 1918 - 23, 1919 - 37, 1920 - 40, 1921 - 20, 1922 - 20, 1923 - 15, 1924 - 4
11. Telephone conversation with Mrs. Jean (MacDonald) Scott of Middleton, Rhode
Island in December 1990, also a letter from Jean Scott to Jean Kyte in Louisbourg
dated 23 April 1990, W. O'Shea Band file. Mrs. Scott thought that her father might
have playe d in a Salvation Army Band in Morien. There was a brass band c 1912 as
evidenced by a photograph in the Beaton Institute, University College of Cape Breton,
File 78-162-1912. John A. MacDonald also conducted the Calvin Church choir and later
the United Ch urch Choir in Louisburg.
12. Nancy F. Vogan, "Music Instruction in Nova Scotia before 1914", in John Beckwith
and Frederick A. Hall eds., Musical Canada, University of Toronto Press, 1988, pp
71-78.(p.78 ).
13. History of Modern Louisbourg 1758 - 1958, Louisbourg Branch of the Women's
Institute of Nova Scotia, 1958. Reprint 1988, Louisbourg District Planning &
Development Commission, p. 43. 14. Sydney Daily Post, 25 May 1915.
15. M. S. Hunt, ed., Nova Scotia's Part in the Great War, The Nova Scotia Veteran
Publishing Co., Ltd., Halifax, Nova Scotia, 1920. pp. 123 - 124.
16. Sydney Daily Post, May 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 25, and
27, 1916
17. Melvin Huntington would write in his diary on 23 October 1916 of hearing that
Sergeant Abe Wilcox had been killed in action. 18. Sydney Daily Post, 19 November
1914.
19. Melvin S. Huntington, Diaries, 16 December 1914.
20. Sydney Daily Post, 12 January 1915. The total amount collected for Louisburg came
to $356.99.
21. Melvin S. Huntington, Diaries, 18 August, 30 September, 16 December and 23
December 1915.
22. Ibid., 3 March 1915. Later in the war the president of the Auxiliary was Mrs. A.
L. Bates. see Nova Scotia's Part in the Great War, Halifax, 1920, p.365. Dr. Freeman
O'Neil was a local doctor and Major attached to the Regimental Headquarters of the 3r
d Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery in Sydney. For many years he had been associated
with the 17th "Sydney" Battery. See Peter Moogk, "From Fortress Louisbourg to
Fortress Sydney," in Kenneth Donovan, ea., Cape Breton at 200, University College of
Cape Breton Press, Sydney, Nova Scotia, 1985, pp.127-182 ( p.142 ).
23. Melvin S. Huntington, Diaries, 20 and 21 October 1916.
24. The school house was on the south side of Main Street at the junction of
Pepperrell. It was used as a Town Hall from the 1916 - 1920 period to the late
1960's. It was a restaurant called the Potager in the early 1970's and from 1991 to
the present the Pentecostal, Church of God.
25. Melvin S. Huntington, Diaries, 23 September and 22 November 1915.
26. Other than the fact that at a dance people danced and at a concert people
listened, there is no record of a compete program of either sponsored by the band. We
know from the earlier band that a dance could include a violin player for the actual
dancing with the band entertaining intermittently with a few solo pieces. Concerts
could involve band selections, other musicians and solo pieces. Huntington was called
on to sing on a number of occasions.
27. Verner transferred from the militia, the 94th Victoria Regiment (Argyll
Highlanders), to the 85th Overseas Battalion ( Nova Scotia Highlanders ). He is
mentioned in Nova Scotia's Part in the Great War as "Hell Fire" Verner for his
exploit at Vimy Ridge - see p.105. He was wounded in France - M. S. Huntington,
Diaries, 18 April 1917.
28. Nova Scotia's Part in the Great War. p.123.
29. Verner went back to Halifax and Lt. Fraser took over command of the Louisburg
volunteers. Included in the contingent were 9 men from Gabarus who had arrived in
Louisburg on 31 March, according to Melvin S. Huntington.
30. Melvin S. Huntington, Diaries, 29 June 1916.
31. Ibid., 31 October 1916.
32. Ibid., 6 October 1916
33. Skinner later moved out west and his family lost track of him according to a
nephew, Donald Skinner of Louisbourg in a conversation in the fall of 1990. The
Sydney Daily Post for 11 October 1916 mentions that Lt. G. S. Skinner was on a leave
of absenc e to recuperate from wounds received in the 2nd Battle of Ypres. He was
returning to Winnipeg, accompanied by his wife, for an operation before returning to
the front. If he did return to Europe, he survived the War since in the Sydney Post
Record obituar y of 26 January 1956, for John Hugh Skinner it is mentioned that he
had a brother, George, in Vancouver.
34. Melvin S. Huntington, Diaries, 25 April 1916.
35. Ibid., 15 August 1916. 44
36. Ibid., 11 May 1917, 2 July 1917.
37. Ibid., 22 June 1917, 29 June 1917.
38. Ibid., 20 July 1917.
39. Ibid., 24 July 1917.
40. Ibid., 8 August 1917,10 August 1917. The stations at Port Morien and Louisburg
were closed to public service on 17 August 1917 as a temporary war measure. See Mary
K. MacLeod, " Whisper in the Air, Marconi: The Cape Breton Years 1901 - 1945," in
Kenneth Donovan ed., Cape Breton at 200, University College of Cape Breton Press,
Sydney, 1985, p.121.
41. Melvin S. Huntington, Diaries, 13 April 1917, 8 June 1917, 18 October 1917.
42. Ibid., 14 January 1918.
43. Ibid., 12 February 1918.
44. Sydney Daily Post, 28 July 1904.
45. Ibid., 19 October 1905. Morrison arrived and stayed for a number of years.
Huntington notes on 24 June 1906 that he, Angus McIntosh, Duncan Crowdis, John A.
MacDonald and H. A. Douglas spent the afternoon with Morrison who played the piano
while they sang.
46. Ibid., 27 May 1919.
47. Melvin S. Huntington, Diaries, 10 April 1919.
48. Ibid., 17 May 1919.
49. Ibid., 19 May 1919.
49a.Conversation with Miss Eleanor Huntington, Sydney, Nova Scotia, 8 February 1991.
50. Sydney Post, 7 August 1919.
51. The Great War Veterans' Association ( GWVA ) came to Louisburg to organize a
branch on 11 December 1919. 52. Sydney Post, 27 & 29, 1919.
53. Ibid., 4 & 17 September 1919.
53a. The tunics were discovered in the house on Upper Warren formerly owned by John
A. MacDonald, but since 1945 owned by the Rudderham family. Todd Rudderham made the
discovery after W. O'Shea suggested the possibility of Band memorabilia being stored
in the attic. O'Shea had been following a lead given him by Erna Jean (MacDonald)
Scott, daughter of Erna Jean and John A. MacDonald. Larry Rudderham, of Ingonish, has
most kindly consented to donate the tunics to the Louisbourg Heritage Society.
54. Melvin S. Huntington, Diaries, 27 June 1920.
55. Ibid., 19 July 1920.
56. Sydney Post, 2 August 1920.
57. Ibid., 2 August 1920. Huntington for some reason fails to mention the
participation by the band in this event though he records the practice the night
before. There is no complete record of the Band's repertoire. However, Charles Stacey
of Louisbourg has some of the music used by his father, Wylie Stacey, who played in
the first two Louisburg Bands. All this music is for the Solo Bb or 1 st Bb Cornet,
the instrument Stacey played. - Whaley. Royce & Co. Toronto - Canadian Medley March
( including The Maple Leaf Our Emblem Dear), Red White and Blue, Bonnie Dundee.
- Geo. Southwell. Publisher. Kansas City Mo. These pieces were copyright between 1889
and 1901. 0ur Favourite Hymns (America, Nearer My God To Thee, Lead Kindly Light),
Scottische "Viola", Overture "Musical Gem", Tourist Club March, Funeral March - Flee
A s A Bird, Grand Waltz "Give Me A Kiss And Take One", Mexican Waltz "Over The Waves"
O.P.E.R.A Waltz, Brass Quadrille "High Flyers", George Southwell's "Great 4"
Sextettes, In The Shadow Of The Pines. Some or all of these pieces were purchased
from Thos. C Laxton's Music Store, Yonge Street, Toronto.
- H. N. White. Cleveland. Ohio - Union Maid and Funeral March ( Rock Hill ). This was
purchased from Thos. Saxton's Music Store, 197 Yonge Street, Toronto.
- Carl Fischer. New York - Nearer My God To Thee, Lead Kindly Light, Happy Day.

Wurlitzer Dance Band Book, published by The Rudolph Wurlitzer Co., Cincinnati and
Chicago, c 1904 ( MCMIV) by the Rudolph Wurlitzer Co. The music includes:
Encouragement March, Alberta Waltz, Advancement March, Ivera Waltz, Eureka March,
Vendome Schottisc he, Winona March, Adelaide Waltz, Algonquin March, Marion
quadrille, In a Minute Galop, Tonawanda March, Coon Capers March, Red Clover March,
Find and Dandy, Japonica Polka, Kyringia Mazurka, San Saba Spanish Waltz, Monticello
March, Golden Rod March, Eldorado March, Granite State March, Arona Walk, Nevada
Overture, Ambrosia Waltz, Crescent City March, and Our Heroes Dirge.
- Advertised in this book were the Wurlitzer Patriotic Band Book, Wurlitzer's
Progressive Band Book and Wurlitzer Operatic Band Book. The price was 25 cents per
book, with lots of 10 or more of the Patriotic Band book selling for 20 cents.
58. Melvin S. Huntington, Diaries, 23 July 1920.
59. Ibid., 1 February, 7 February, 28 March, 2 September 1921.
60. Ibid., 23 November 1921.
61. Ibid., 7 November 1921, 14 November 1921. McLauchlin and Doyle were speakers.
62. H. C. V Levatte. Henry Charles Verner Levatte was born at Main a Dieu in 1858. He
was educated there and at Port Morien. While a young man he moved to Louisburg and
worked for W. McAlpine's business firm. He was elected to the Cape Breton County
Counc il in 1878 and was re-elected every year until the fall of 1925. He was elected
County Warden in 1899 and remained in that post until 1925. He was appointed a member
of the Legislative Council of Nova Scotia from 1912 to 1921 when he resigned to
accept the position of Purchasing Agent for the Province. He remained in that
position until the Liberal government was defeated in 1925. He died suddenly in his
home in Halifax shortly after returning from service in All Saints Cathedral. His
body was returned to Louisburg where he was waked at the home of Capt. Thomas
Townsend on Lower Warren Street. The funeral service was from St. Bartholomew's
Church with Archdeacon Draper presiding. See Halifax Herald, Halifax, Nova Scotia, 26
April 1926, 1 May 1926; Sydney Record, 29 April 1926, Sydney Post, 28 April 1926 and
Melvin S. Huntington, Diaries, 25 April 1926, 27 April 1926 and 28 April 1926.
63. Melvin S. Huntington, Diaries, 21 April 1922 and 23 June 1922.
64. Ibid., 16 May 1922 and 25 May 1922.
65. Ibid., 23 October 1923.
66. Melvin S. Huntington, Diaries, 15 June 1922.
67. I was fortunate enough to be able to interview Miss Tina MacDonald at the Cove
Guest Home in Sydney shortly before her death in 1989. She was the last remaining
member of the 1913-1924 Brass Band. ( 2 March 1989 )
68. Melvin S. Huntington, Diaries, 8 September 1922.
69. Ibid., 13 November 1923.
70. Ibid., September 1924.
71. Ibid., 9 November 1924.

The Louisburg Town Band 1935 - 1937
In an effort to cut down on endnotes in this section I have cited former bandmembers
interviewed during research for the booklet only once. All other instances in which
they are cited directly, refers to the initially cited interviews.
1. This was the common reason given by all the former band members for the start of
the band.
2. The Syncopators included Wesley Townsend, saxophone; Mrs. Millie Tucker, piano;
Jack Skinner, violin; Moses Ballah, xylophone; Danny Ferguson, drums; Harold Covey,
trumpet.( Donald Skinner and Charlie Stacey, Louisbourg, February 24,1989 and John
MacAskill, Sydney, January 2,1991). The list from all these sources was similar.
MacAskill said that he remembered that one of Ballah's songs was called, "Get Out and
Get Under the Moon." Another orchestra called the Super Five included at various
times, Harold Covey, Murdock McLean, Danny Nicholson, Ernie Skinner, Howard MacPhail,
John MacAskill, Laura Wilcox and Alex Leahy. According to John MacAskill this group
formed shortly after the Louisburg Town Band came to an end (John MacAskill, January
2,1991). Harold Covey had another band, probably a permutation of the Syncopators and
the Super Five in 1936. An advertisement in the Sydney Post-Record for February 11,
1936 it notes that Harold Covey and His Merrymakers will perform at the Firemens' 7th
At Home in the Masonic Hall.
3. Howard MacPhail, Sydney, Nova Scotia, Notes from discussion, January 5, 1990.
4. Reverend Neil McLean, Notes from telephone conversation, January 3, 1991.
5. Melvin S. Huntington to Dr. J. C. Webster, 12 May 1936 concerning Webster's letter
of May 1936 about the official opening of the new Museum at the Fortress site.
Louisbourg Heritage Society files, and the Archives, Fortress of Louisbourg, National
Historic Site.
6. John MacAskill, Sydney, Nova Scotia, Notes from discussion, January 2, 1991.
MacAskill also provided me with a list of those he remembered in the band and the
instruments they played. Band Masters: Wesley Townsend, Harold Covey, Murdock McLean.
Bandsme n: Ernest Skinner, bass; John MacAskill, bass; Bill Dearing, bass drum, John
Johnson, kettle drum; Howard MacPhail, baritone; Jim Peck, baritone; Oscar Harris,
alto; Michael Kennedy, tenor; Lloyd Harris, tenor; Charles Stacey, alto; Freeman
MacKenzie, alt o; Henry Roberts, slide trombone but he moved to alto, Alex Smith,
tenor; George McLean, valve trombone; Murdock McLean, cornet; Neil Mclean, cornet;
Harold Covey, trumpet; Dan Kelly, cornet, Layton Coveyduc, cornet.
7. Alex Smith, formerly from Louisbourg but now residing at Breton Bay Nursing Home,
Sydney, Nova Scotia. Notes from conversation, February 13,1991.
8. Sydney Post-Record, Sydney, Nova Scotia, 14 May 1936.
9. Tom Bates, Sr., Louisbourg, Telephone conversation, January 4, 1991. Reverend Neil
McLean, interview and Harold Wilson, Louisbourg, Notes from conversation, February 6,
1991.
10. C.E."Bud" Bagnell, Sydney, Nova Scotia, Notes from telephone conversation,
January 7,1991.
11. Tom Bates, Sr., Telephone conversation, January 4,1991.
12. Evelyn MacKenzie and Freeman MacKenzie, Letter received March 18, 1989. Freeman
notes that he played the tenor horn - see above # 6. Also Howard MacPhail and John
MacAskill interviews.
13. James Peck, Louisbourg, Notes from conversation, January 2,1991.
14. Melvin S. Huntington to Dr. J. C. Webster, 12 May 1936. Louisbourg Heritage
Society files, also the Archives of the Fortress of Lousbourg NHS.
15. Sydney Post-Record, , 27 June 1936, p.13.
16. Ibid., 27 June 1936.
17. See Melvin S. Huntington's Diaries for the months of June and July from 1932
through 1939 for details of preparations, participants, officials, the course and
winners in each event. 18. Harold and Jessie Wilson, Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, Notes
from conversation, February 6, 1991.
19. Melvin S. Huntington, Diaries, 6 September 1936.
20. Ibid., 3 September 1933 and 16 August 1931. Freeman MacKenzie photographed the
open air concert from the tower of First United Church, across the street. original
snapshot, Freeman MacKenzie, Louisbourg, copy Louisbourg Heritage Society.
21. Melvin S. Huntington, Diaries, 12 December 1936.
22. Ibid., 21 November 1936.
23. Ibid., 24 December 1936. It was about this time that Huntington changed the
spelling of Louisburg to Louisbourg in his diary entries.
24. Ibid., 14 April 1937. Also Sydney Post-Record, 17 April 1937.

A special thanks to former bandmembers who shared their memories

The Louisburg Brass Band
Tina Macdonald

The Louisburg Town Band
Layton Coveyduc
John MacAskill
Freeman MacKenzie Reverend
Neil McLean
Howard MacPhail
James Peck
Ernest Skinner
Alex Smith
Charles Stacey
Harold Wilson
Bud Bagnell
Tom Bates

Thanks as well to

Harvey MacLeod for telling me about the pipe band.
Marjorie MacDonald and the Louisbourg Regional Library.
Melvin S. Huntington for having the foresight to keep his diaries.
Larry Rudderham and Todd Rudderham for finding the tunics.
Helen, Patrick and Kevin O'Shea for listening to my talk about the Bands.
Helen O'Shea for asking sensible questions about the text.