North Star 8182

There were two corps from Beverly, MA, the Cardinals and the Crusaders. Both started as part of St. Mary's parish before the parish dropped both corps. The Cardinals were the Class A corps and the Crusaders were the Class C "feeder" corps. The Crusaders were actually all male until the early 70s. The Crusaders were Class C Eastern Mass champs in 1972, 1973 and 1978. In 1979 the Crusaders moved into Class "B" and did quite well. The corps marched it's final year in 1980 after putting out a very small but mighty corps (just 12 horns) that actually went on tour to both Butler, PA and Marion, OH. As with many corps in Massachusetts, membership numbers and finances were low and the corps could not be sustained. The Cardinals, as you probably know, ultimately merged with several other corps, including the Blue Angels, Reveries and Wilmington Crusaders to become North Star. Here's a link which lists all Eastern Mass Circuit champs in all classes from 1951-1998. It is quite a trip down memory lane. Enjoy! http://emass.org/4.html

I was just thinking today that it's been 30 years since the North Shore dominated the Eastern Mass Circuit. Class C Champs - Beverly Crusaders Class B Champs - Arbella Class A Champs - North Star I marched with Beverly Crusaders from 74 to 80 before marching with North Star in 81 and 82. Looking back, it's hard to believe that on the North Shore alone there were three championship drum corps in the Eastern Mass Circuit. I have such incredible memories of that year.

Boston Crusaders housing location. Just added to their website at crusaders.com The corps will be staying at: Peary Middle School 1414 West Gardena Blvd Gardena, CA 90247

North Star Chrome Wall

Boston Crusaders...I mean come on, they have certainly paid their dues!

Yes, it is definitely 1981. I had the privilege of marching North Star in 81 and 82. We wore these uniforms both years. However, in 82 we added silver sequins over the black stripe on the cross sash and cummberbund to give it more of a North Star look. I'm not sure the audience really enjoyed the new unis in 81. A bit too serious for North Star and certainly not as flashy as the prior years. By the way, not to make this about 27th...but, although I marched in North Star I had nothing but respect for them. We generally followed the same tour schedule so I had many opportunities to watch them perform and enjoyed them every time. How can you really compare North Star and 27th? Both had very different styles and both were crowd pleasers. All in all, great kids in both corps that worked #### hard to put out great shows... and that was long before the days of rehearsing every day starting in Memorial Day. My two cents.