Jump to content

75th Anniversary of Battle of Gettysburg 1938


Recommended Posts

For you folks not near my neck of the woods and not a big history buff, tomorrow is the 150th Anniversary of the three day Gettysburg Battle. Motels have been booked for two years, tons of security (anti-terrorism, etc), more re-enactors than you knew ever existed and just a huge ##### mess for any poor person who has to get around there for the rest of the week.

Born, raised and still in the South Central part of PA. Been to the battlefield more times than I can count and have bunch of off beat books on the subject. Also since 1981 have lived near areas where the Confederate advance troops marched on the way to Harrisburg (one place a block or so away). Sooooo what does that have to do with Drum Corps besides me marching in the towns parades a few times?

For the 75th Anniversary G-burg had events over a couple of days which included Civil War veterans (average age 90+), President Roosevelt dedicating the Peace Light, various ceremonies and one or two parades (sources contradict). As the picture filled book "Hands Across the Wall" (one of my offbeat possessions) put it

"The second days (7/2) ceremonies centered on a parade through Gettysburg. It was more than five miles long and after moving through town passed in review before the veterans, guests and a large crowd at Memorial Stadium. It was truly a glorious day for all veterans organizations in the United States. In the evening, many bands and drum and bugle corps played".

Note: believe Memorial Stadium is the site of the pre-season exhibitions held in the 1990s/2000s that included Cadets and Crossmen.

In the 75th Anniversary of the Hanover, PA Lancers is a listing of the corps in the parade:

AL Post Hanover, PA (later named Lancers)

VFW Post Hanover, PA

Hamilton AL Post Baltimore, MD (future home of Yankee Rebels)

Morris Frock Jr corps Hagerstown, MD

VFW Post Aurand Harrisburg, PA (later named Privateers)

AL Post #202 Albert Linz Jr (SAL?) Gettysburg, PA (first appearance)

Aurand Post won top corps category

Also own a DVD with Newsreels of the parade which have a few quick shots of some musical groups in the parade. Haven't taken the time to freeze frame and copy to try to pick out who they are.

Note: No idea which corps where in the evening event at the stadium. Part of my post-retirement/bucket list is to find out the corps involved.

Just wanted to show there was a corps connection to this big deal in the area. Sadly no parades that I know of or corps presence today. Somewhere in the cellar is a booklet that lists the groups in the 100th Anniversary parade. IIRC only one corps wich was from the military. Can't quite remember and can't find the book.... and not sure where I even found it (book sale at local library??).

Edited by JimF-LowBari
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Our drum corps fraternity was well represented this past weekend at the first of two major re-enactments highlighting the 150th Anniversary of the battle of Gettysburg. A second event will be held here next weekend.

As my 2nd Batallion entered the field in support of the Iron Brigade who advanced against over 3,000 fierce Confederates on Friday morning, I could hear the calls of our 3rd Brigade bugler, Douglas Grunn (Manville Crusaders, Sunrisers), several hundred yards to the front. A quarter mile away to my far left, Rich Pawling (Reading Bucs) echoed the call to advance.

We all carried authentic style French Clairon single twist bugles. These are "period correct" instruments pitched in Bb that look like modern flugel horns without valves. A competent bugler can project calls at least a mile over open ground, even above the sound of artillery and rifle fire.

As we awaited Pickett's charge at the top of the hill yesterday afternoon, we could hear the Confederate drums and bugles coming from the woods on the far side of the field, at a distance of a mile and a quarter. These are, after all, "field" instruments, meant to be played loudly, the drums larger and tuned lower than modern drum corps, and played with thicker, heavier sticks.

In addition, the Federal Camp alone included buglers, fifers and drummers who had marched with Blue Rock, Cadets, Chocolatiers, US Air Force, Crossmen, Hanover Lancers, Westshoremen and Hurricanes.

These Civil War individuals and small ensembles were the direct ancestors of our modern corps. I encourage anyone with a serious interest in that activity to investigate its roots.

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Never had an idea you or so many corps people were involved in this, thank you Frank. This was my jaw dropper for the morning. And now you've got me wondering who else I might know in that list of PA corps and USAF.

Will have to add checking this era out to my retirement/bucket list. At this point I only have some booklets (courtesy of a trip to Henry Ford Museum) and vinyl of Civil War Era music that was probably bought in Gettysburg. LOL - forgot I had it until now.... :doh:

Edit: reread the post and can just picture where you were. Man, LOT of trips in that area over the decades.....

Edited by JimF-LowBari
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Never had an idea you or so many corps people were involved in this, thank you Frank. This was my jaw dropper for the morning. And now you've got me wondering who else I might know in that list of PA corps and USAF.

Will have to add checking this era out to my retirement/bucket list. At this point I only have some booklets (courtesy of a trip to Henry Ford Museum) and vinyl of Civil War Era music that was probably bought in Gettysburg. LOL - forgot I had it until now.... :doh:/>

Edit: reread the post and can just picture where you were. Man, LOT of trips in that area over the decades.....

Jim and all other interested parties,

Here's a look at the horns we use:

http://www.rjsamp.com/clairons.html

All told among Infantry, Cavalry and Artillery, there are a couple of hundred different Civil War calls. A Chief Bugler would know most of these by heart and all that pertained to his particular branch.

They are fun and challenging to play and easily found online.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Jim and all other interested parties,

Here's a look at the horns we use:

http://www.rjsamp.com/clairons.html

All told among Infantry, Cavalry and Artillery, there are a couple of hundred different Civil War calls. A Chief Bugler would know most of these by heart and all that pertained to his particular branch.

They are fun and challenging to play and easily found online.

That is awesome, Frank. Like Jim, I didn't know you were involved in this.

My brother Lenny... also a Sunriser... was a reenactor in the 33rd New Jersey, along with Doug, for several years. They both participated in the 135th anniversaries of both Antietam and Gettysburg.

Barbara and I attended that 135th Antietam reenactment. One of the most amazing, breathtaking events I've ever seen in my life.

Edited by Fran Haring
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

That is awesome, Frank. Like Jim, I didn't know you were involved in this.

My brother Lenny... also a Sunriser... was a reenactor in the 33rd New Jersey, along with Doug, for several years. They both participated in the 135th anniversaries of both Antietam and Gettysburg.

Barbara and I attended that 135th Antietam reenactment. One of the most amazing, breathtaking events I've ever seen in my life.

As you can see by my photo, (125th NY, getting ready to march in Gettysburg Parade). I have done many re-enactment's. I also think the period "Brass Bands", at many CW events, reminded me of my Other hobby, "Drum and Bugle Corps".

Edited by 2B or not 2B
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

As you can see by my photo, (125th NY, getting ready to march in Gettysburg Parade). I have done many re-enactment's. I also think the period "Brass Bands", at many CW events, reminded me of my Other hobby, "Drum and Bugle Corps".

Then you probably know that today July 2, is the 150th anniversary of one of the decisive battles within the 3 day battle which historians agree changed the tide and influenced U.S.A. history for centuries to come...

Specifically, Col. Rourke of Rochester NY and his NY volunteers were supposed to and had written orders to lend support to the "Wheatfields" but on his way Col. Rourke saw that a rather famous little rocky hill was about to fall into Confederate hands which would allow them to put cannons on the high ground and take the left flank of the Army of the Potomac... seeing this and recognizing the danger, he ignored his orders and led his men onto "Little Round Top" where they dismounted due to all the rocks and ferociously took the hill back from the rebels in hand to hand combat... while saving the day, Col. Rourke took a musketball to the throat and died... at 26 years of age... He had been #1 in the West Point class of 1861... the same class where the cadet in last place was none other than George Armstrong Custer... It was also the class the saw the head of West Point - General Robert E. Lee - and about half of the class resign and leave NY to join the army of Virginia....

This one skirmish allowed the Union to put cannon on little round top and cover the left flank forcing Robert E. Lee to attack the center strength of the Union lines on July 3rd... as the flanks were well protected now and would have been suicide... because of this, his attack failed and eventually he retreated with what he could salvage and left the northern states never to return north of the mason dixon line... The war was clearly now taken to the South and although it took 2 more years, Gettysburg clearly led to ultimate victory and preservation of the union.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Then you probably know that today July 2, is the 150th anniversary of one of the decisive battles within the 3 day battle which historians agree changed the tide and influenced U.S.A. history for centuries to come...

Specifically, Col. Rourke of Rochester NY and his NY volunteers were supposed to and had written orders to lend support to the "Wheatfields" but on his way Col. Rourke saw that a rather famous little rocky hill was about to fall into Confederate hands which would allow them to put cannons on the high ground and take the left flank of the Army of the Potomac... seeing this and recognizing the danger, he ignored his orders and led his men onto "Little Round Top" where they dismounted due to all the rocks and ferociously took the hill back from the rebels in hand to hand combat... while saving the day, Col. Rourke took a musketball to the throat and died... at 26 years of age... He had been #1 in the West Point class of 1861... the same class where the cadet in last place was none other than George Armstrong Custer... It was also the class the saw the head of West Point - General Robert E. Lee - and about half of the class resign and leave NY to join the army of Virginia....

This one skirmish allowed the Union to put cannon on little round top and cover the left flank forcing Robert E. Lee to attack the center strength of the Union lines on July 3rd... as the flanks were well protected now and would have been suicide... because of this, his attack failed and eventually he retreated with what he could salvage and left the northern states never to return north of the mason dixon line... The war was clearly now taken to the South and although it took 2 more years, Gettysburg clearly led to ultimate victory and preservation of the union.

very good tom. didn't know you knew your history. i learned about that in grammar school. i was always interested in the civil war and especially getteysburg.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Then you probably know that today July 2, is the 150th anniversary of one of the decisive battles within the 3 day battle which historians agree changed the tide and influenced U.S.A. history for centuries to come...

Specifically, Col. Rourke of Rochester NY and his NY volunteers were supposed to and had written orders to lend support to the "Wheatfields" but on his way Col. Rourke saw that a rather famous little rocky hill was about to fall into Confederate hands which would allow them to put cannons on the high ground and take the left flank of the Army of the Potomac... seeing this and recognizing the danger, he ignored his orders and led his men onto "Little Round Top" where they dismounted due to all the rocks and ferociously took the hill back from the rebels in hand to hand combat... while saving the day, Col. Rourke took a musketball to the throat and died... at 26 years of age... He had been #1 in the West Point class of 1861... the same class where the cadet in last place was none other than George Armstrong Custer... It was also the class the saw the head of West Point - General Robert E. Lee - and about half of the class resign and leave NY to join the army of Virginia....

This one skirmish allowed the Union to put cannon on little round top and cover the left flank forcing Robert E. Lee to attack the center strength of the Union lines on July 3rd... as the flanks were well protected now and would have been suicide... because of this, his attack failed and eventually he retreated with what he could salvage and left the northern states never to return north of the mason dixon line... The war was clearly now taken to the South and although it took 2 more years, Gettysburg clearly led to ultimate victory and preservation of the union.

Well-said, Tom.

You're right... that was a huge moment in American history.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well-said, Tom.

You're right... that was a huge moment in American history.

And done with minutes to spare if sources are correct. End of the line held by Col Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain of the 20th Maine Regiment (a corps name IIRC).

Well 150 years ago this evening Lee had tried both ends of the "fishhook". What will he try tomorrow? And what would have happened if Jeb Stuart (aka Lees' eyes) hadn't been delayed by a skirmish with Yankee cavalry (including Col. Custer) on June 30? Little place called....... Hanover. Battle of Hanover

Edited by JimF-LowBari
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...