Nunda

Historical

Society

It was a chilly day when the Nunda band gathered for this photograph. In addition to the band members (note the instruments and uniform hats), a crowd of local gentlemen also posed for the photographer. It is not known why the Band was there, but it is clear that the mood was light - look closely at the top row above the drum!

This photograph appeared in the Nunda News several times over the years. The following is the caption written by Town Historian Marjorie Frost that appeared with the photo on September 14, 1972:

"NUNDA BAND ON TOUR....When this picture appeared in The News of Nov 12, 1953 (at which time it was lent by the late Alice Jones Richeson), it was stated that the dusters, caps and goggles indicated the occasion was one of the numerous motocades which used to tour the county, taking the band along to play whenever brief stops were made, The sign of the store bears V.T. Craig's name and since he ran a store in Groveland a number of years, the locale is believed to be Groveland. Drivers of the cars probably were one of the FitzGerald boys (behind the drums) and Walter (Abie) Hark, standing at the far right. Most of the band members are easily identifiable. Seated in front, left to right, Victor Fritz, Charles Wright, Ed Rathbun, Oscar Williard, Bruce Rathbun, Rob Wagor, Frank Higgins, Leon Willard, Ben Jones and Frank Wagor. Both Oscar Willard and his son Leon directed some of Nunda's best bands. Standing, with cornet under his arm, is Walter Bacon of Canaseraga, who often played solos with the Nunda Band and was characterized by a reader in 1953 as one of the finest triple-tonguing virtuosos in the business, and Maynard Duryea with his trombone, who also often took solo parts. Others in the photo also may be recognized by readers. Isn't that I.J. DePuy right behind the bass drum?"

Thanks to NHS member Gail Diemoz for finding this reference in the Nunda News.