CODI

The first World Open was in September at Roosevelt Stadium in Jersey City, N.J. where both Juniors and seniors performed. In 1964 it was held at Hedges Stadium in Bridgeport right after the VFW's which were held in Cleve, Ohio. What a lineup of corps that year, with Chicago, Racine, SAC, BAC, Seldon, St. Lucy's. Hedges Stadium was a much smaller stadium, so the next year they moved to the new JFK Stadium which was also in Bridgeport. In 1965 the World Open was moved to Lynn. Fleetwood Recordsand DCN's had their offices in the next city in Revere. The move made since, and at that time Manning Bowl was in good shape. CODI

Puppet: I did not see your reply until this evening, and I have to agree Royal Airs of 65 were great!!!! Imagine not marching with any contra bass, and able to achieve that great sound. I remember watching them on some high retaining wall in McCormick Place, and the opening fanfare should blew everyone away. It is too bad the Nationals were held indoors that year because of rain. In 1964 The Troopers ventured East and their debut at the "World Open". They did not finish in the top 10 since PAL of Bridgeport beat them, by the way, did I say the World Open was held at Hedges Stadium, which was in the City of Bridgeport. Yes, the good old days of drum corps! The Troopers were invited back for the finals that evening and they put on an exhibition, and tore the place down. That was the beginning of the West invasion. Yes Puppet, there were some great adventures back then, whether it was at a show in Bridgeport between, St. Lucy's and Boston, or about the one with Boston and the New York Skyliners, or at the 1967 AL National Parade in Boston with Boston and Chicago. It was all about winning, and that is what it is all about. As the great Vince Lombardi stated, "Show me a loser and and I'll show you a loser."!!!! Green Bay had some great teams that won 5 championships out 8 years in the NFL, and that includes the first two Super Bowls. Just thinking of the good old days. Codi

Those were the good old days!!! You listened, and you obeyed as to what was to happen. Isn't it funhy that Manning Bowl was sold out during those years, and some great show were to be seen. Meanwhile, DCI is having trouble filling the stadium through the years. Attendance has dropped!!! Remember the big crowds in Montreal!! Plus, we had some great bistros that we could enjoy the ambiance of Montreal! I am sure Indianapolis has some great McDonalds, and Burger Kings. The Party is over, and it is only a matter of time before DCI self destructs!!! CODI

Let's thank "DCI"!!!! Another corps bites the dust!!!!!! Now we are down to 20. Just thinking of the good old days. CODI

Yes, Yes, Yes, Moe was there taking pictures when no one else was. I remember him at many at World Open on the side lines taking some great shots. Whether it was Jersey City, Bridgeport, or Lynn, there he was clicking away. I remember being at the DREAM and he had a table set up selling his prints, and you could not get near it. I have some great shots of Skyliners, Cabs, Hurcs, Boston, which are framed in my office at work. Got getem "Moe"!!!! Codi

I remember seeing "Chuck" in concert at Symphony Hall in Boston with a full symphony behine him. I believe Gary Niewood was on reeds with him at the time. It was one of the greatest nights of music. If I am not mistaken, that night he told us how he held himself captive in a hotel room for a weekend to write the score for the movie. Guess what? The movie was never released!!! I can't remember the star of the movie, but he was in "Zorba The Greek". and he was to be the lead in this movie. Never made it to the "Silver Screen"!!! CODI

Thank you so much for the welcome back, I guess nobody else is happy that I am back, but I am!!!! I met with Richard Hurtz, you might remember him he lives out in Holden, he said to say to everyone. Saturday/Duke Thursday/ NCS Sunday / Virginia 3 more losses. "Just thinking of the good old times" Remember, we are only here for a short time so let's have a great time CODI

Years ago when Stan Kenton had his big band, he had a great tuba player. Can anyone remember who it was? I will have to dig out my old LPS to find out. CODI

I was at the Boston College basketball game last night, when my buddy received a call that the current "horn" instructor was fired by "Flabo"!!!! Rumors have it that Buzzy Bergdoll is taking over the reigns. Interesting!!! My question to a certain individual is are you coming back? Just thinking of the good old days!!!! CODI

The following will be in top 12: Boston Crusaders Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights Cambridge Cabs Chicago Royal Airs Chicago Cavs Garfield Cadets Casper Troopers St. Vincent Cadets St. Kevin's Emerald Knights Madison Explorer Scouts Skokie Vanguard Belleville Black Knights. I'm sorry, I just woke up from a dream. "Just thinking of the good old days"!!! CODI

How about the night in 1967 at The Boston Crusaders Color Guard Contest at the Victory Road Armory in Dorchester, and A.J. (Tony) Smith marched out on the floor with the double bass drum all tied together with clothes line. That certainly changed the sound and music of drum lines. I believe the next year Boston marched with tymps!!! Def changing drum corps for ever!!! Just thinking of the good old days. CODI

I have just picked up this book and it is great!! I am now at the point where he is at West Point!!! What a dedicated man!!! No wonder he was a winner. CODI

Typical DCI!!! Why didn't they have them on a back up disc on a site in storage!! Thank god they weren't the Bank of America!!! The country would be in trouble. CODI

Sorry, I left out the two Conn Corps. Park City Pride looked great, one of the largest horn lines, and also the best color guard. They happened to stop right by us on Front Street, and I got to talk with one of the gals of Pride City. She had her music taped to the bell of her mellophone. We had a nice converstion. Conn. Alumni came down the street, and some of their members jumped out of the Galway Pub and joined the parade. They sounded great!!!!! CODI

Contra Lou: Thanks for the info you provided. In 1960,61,62,63, I would go over to Franklin Park and watch SKEK practice behind the closed gates. They would never allow anyone outside the corps to watch the practice inside. Evidently, they were The New England Patriots of that era. In 1965 if I am correct SKEK with their horn line led by Bergdoll never beat Boston in horns. I know for a fact SKEK never beat Boston after 1964. I have a copy of a letter that was send out to the SKEK members telling them they better get their act together. They were worrying about the "Jersey Boy's" so much they forgot what was happening their own back yard. If I can dig it up I will post it. It will show how competitive it was back in that era. Yes, drum corps was a 12 month "sport". As soon as the season was over you alway had a horn/drum rehearsal on Wed night, M&M on Friday night, and on Sunday it was horn/music from Noon to six. This went on until you were able to get outdoors, and then it was every night, all day saturday, and all day Sunday. By the way some of us had full time jobs(40hours). Not like today where Mommy and Daddy pay the $2,000.00 and let little Jeffery go off and play drum corps for the summer. Hope you are enjoying the BC/URI game, as you can see I am working very hard this evening. Talk to you later. Just remembering the good old days! CODI

What a great time we had in 1970 in Miami!! Boston stayed at two hotels in North Miami Beach that year. The drum line stayed at the Broaddripple Hotel, and the horn line stayed across the street at another hotel. I can't remember the name of the hotel fo the life of me. Ed Denon, the horn inst., had some of the most memorable practices poolside with the horn line that year. I remember myself and two other alumni would lay in the pool on a raft, with a beer, and enjoy the practice!!! The corps marched in "The Cootie Parade" on Monday night. This is a division of the VFW, and they had their own parade. Not many corps particpated. On Tuesday was the annual VFW Parade. What site to to Chicago, SAC, Garfield, Boston, Troopers, Blue Stars, Kilts,Madison, Argonne, 27th, Black Knights, Blue Rock, along with all the other corps. On Wednesday AM at 8 AM the Prelims commenced. The prelims were held at Hiealigh High School. It was hot, and there was not shade. When the Chicago competed they left the PA system on, and there was feed back, and Chicago Management put in a protest. I believe Jack Regan was the Chief Judge, and he advised Chicago that if they performed again they would have to take what ever score was the best. Believe it or not the first score was the best, and it had a pen. I don't know how the pen. was imposed. Chicago, was bull ----! That evening you could not have asked for a better evening for drum corps. It was so strange to see Chicago perform at a National Championship as the sun was setting. The did nice job, but you bet the judges left lots of space for movement with 10 corps to compete. SAC was the "b " that night!!! What a great job they did. Boston certainly peaked that evening, how far they came in two weeks since the CYO Nationals in Boston. When they hit the 10 yard line in "California Dreamin" those tassles on the uniforms were swinging in the wind. Needless to say their have been rumors through the years that Mr. Anthony (Tony) Scheltcta dictated as to who would win the VFW!!!! I was told by someone, who will remain nameless, that Jim Jones of the Troopers was told it was their championship until the SCV were ready to take claim to it. That only lasted on 1 year, and SCV took control in Dallas in 1971. SCV beat Troopers by .95!!!!!!! I would love to hear if anyone else heard this story. Through the "60's" I had marched in the VFW in Chicago(1965), attended in N.J.(1966), attended in Det,(1968) attended in Phil(1969) and Fla and Dallas in the next two years. There was always rumors floating as to was going to win and how "he" was running the show. I read that all the scores sheets for the VFW Nationals through the years was destroyed by his family. CODI

I have to make this short since the PATS are only 15 minutes away from kicking "the Bills" all over the field. Plymouth, Mass. once again did a fantastic job with their parade and alumni show. The weather could not have been better, sunny and temps in the high 40's, and little wind coming off Plymouth Bay. Many fife and drum corps from through out the New England Region were present. Hawthorne let the drum corps and boy did they look awesome. Coming down the street to the strains of Espana Cani with 55 horns, they blew out the crowd. Boston Crusaders were next and marching with 40 horns they sound like 80. It was good to some some old friends, Jackie La Salva, Rich Gaff. SKEK was next and led by the one and only Barbara Bergdoll. Those uniforms certainly bring back some memories, especially the cover of the 1960 Fleetwood album. Following SKEK was Light Brigade, small in size ,but always with a big heart!!! Heard they were going to be a bit larger for the show at night. With the sounds of " National Elbem" the black, white and gold of Blessed Sac came down Front Street like a storm. What a sop. line led by the infamous Eddie Haywood, in speaking with Eddie he said he was having trouble getting sound out of the horn, how come I could hear him a block away. Great job Eddie!!!! Scout House brought back some great memories. The last time I saw them was in 1963 at Mission Drums at Boston Collge, and the following night at Drums in the Night in Fitchburg, Mass. The notes of "Waltzing Matilda" were souring throught Front Street. Great job, and great to see "Scout House" again. Thanks have to go out to all the sponors of this parade who donate money, and are able to afford to bring in these great corps. It is a magical day and evening and it is always great to see old friends. Remember we are not here for a long time, so let's have a good time. Just thinking of the good old days. CODI

Vasella started out like gang busters, but they faded very quickly during the Summer. If I am not mistaken they finished in the high teens at the VFW in Chicago. Every corps they beat early in the Season made the finals such as Boston, SAC, Garfield. St. Lucy's did not attend. This was the only year the VFW had 15 corps in the finals. Also they were lost to Boston and Garfield at the CYO Nationals in mid July!!!! Just thinking of the good old days. CODI

How the "standstill contest" would break up the winter months. Back here in Mass. we would have a couple of standstills. Pittsfield Boy's Club would sponsor a contest in mid March and would invite some of the great eastern corps such as BOSTON, SAC, GARFIELD, BON BONS!!\\ The big show of course was sponsored by Lt. Norman Prince "Princemen" and it would be held at The Boston Arena!!! This contest was held for years, and if I am not mistaken "Boston" won the show 8 years in a row!!! Once again they would invite corps the greater Boston corps, and bring in Garfield, Bon Bons, St. Joe's! Also "Prince" would put on and exhibition, and I believe Hawthorne also marched in the show one year. Prince would invite "The Somerville Thunderbirds" and dthey allways put on a great show. Just thinking of the good old days!!! CODI

Back in the 50's and the 60's every parish either had a drum and bugle corps, band, or drill team. The parishioners welcomed the activity will open arms. On certain Sunday's there would be a special collection for the corps towards uniforms, instruments, etc. The kids in the corps would pay dues ($l.00 per week), and they would also be selling chances on a "case of cheer"!!!!! Quite a few parish's would have a bingo once a month. Just imagine gambling in the Catholic Church!!!! Some parishes would sponsor more than just one activity. A good example of that would be St. Kevin's of Dorchester. Father Kierce was in charge of the "Knights", "Gems" and the "Chips". Gems and Chips were feeder corps for the Knights. Every kids dream was to march with the Knights. The 2nd weekend in September was the CYO Finals at White Stadium. It was a a two day affair with the Class 3 and Class 2 drum and bugle corps, bands, and drill teams competing on Saturday. Sunday it would be the "big boys"!!! No holds barred!!! Just imagine sitting on a beautiful fall afternoon in Boston and watching the following Class A Corps. SKEK St. Mary's Beverly St. Mary's Charlestown I. C. Revereies, Revere I. C. Winchester. St. Catherine "Debs" St. Rose Chelsea Holy Family Defenders I. C. All Girl, Salem, Mass. Class A Bands St. Williams Band, Dorchester, Mass. Only band ever to march at the National Dream Contest St. Agnes Arlington, Mass. St. Peters, South Boston,Mass. St. Thomas, Jamica Plain, Mass. Hope this will assist you in your discussion. "Just thinking of the good old days" CODI

Being a former member of "The Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps" during the 1960's!! Congratulations!!! This young group of men and women are the heart and soul of this fine corps. I can't remember the year but it was during the mid 70's, it was a show at Manning Bowl and there was a rain delay, and "Boston" was to go on next and they were told to go back under the cement stands until the weather broke. They stood at "attention" for over 45 minutes and did not move. People were shocked, they could not believe what they saw, as they walked by eating burgers, hot dogs, and a coke. Boston was not at the top, but they were at the top with class and determination!!! To all the individuals who were named in the article, my hat goes off to you. Also through the years there were some other individuals, who will remain nameless, but know who they are, who kept "The Giant" living, my hat goes off to you!!! Now that the old staff has been replaced, namely "Howard"(Hope you have a good time with Garfield), I only hope the new staff will welcome back the alumni from the 50's, 60's, and and the heart and soul of the corps the "70's"!!! Neil Connolly was a "True Crusader", and I salute him!!! A true "Giant"!!!! "Just thinking of the good old years"!!!! Digga 50's, 60's, 70's

Just remember how much $1000.00 was worth back then. Gas was 23cents a gallon. Bread was 20 cents a loaf. Milk was 43 cents a l/2 gallon And it was so much more fun!!!! And there were so many more corps!!! CODI

Why don't we go back to pre DCI! Boston Crusaders 1967, I believe they went 31 and 2 that year. Great show, and introduce Anthony Smith on the double bass, which changed the sound of drum corps. SKEK in 1963 with the great sound of Voice of the Guns off the line. 1964 Troopers who surprised everyone with the "sunburst" at the World Open. Invited back at night to put on an exhibition at the finals at Hedges Stadium in Bridgeport, Conn. 1970 Boston Crusaders at the tail end of the season when they put it all together at the VFW at Miami!!! Racine Kilties in 1964 as they floated across Mun. Stad in Cleveland to land the VFW. The great Royal Airs in 1965 who won the CYO, VFW, and AL What a horn line and did not use Contra Bass, but what a sound!!! Chicago in 1961 to go undefeated. The foundation of drum corps to build on for future years. Maybe someone else from the pre DCI years could name some more of the great corps. CODI

I guess one organziation we can thank and that is: DCI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "Just thinking of the good old years!!!!" Cookie

I believe that if you go back to the 1962 recording of VFW Nationals of Fleetwood recording, you will here part of the retreat, or pass in review. If I am not mistaken, you will hear SKEK playing "Voice Of The Guns" from "Lawrence of Arabia" !!!! "Just thinking of the good old days!!!!" CODI