Editor’s note: Area museums and libraries have been invited to send in historical photos and information for the History Spotlight column throughout the summer.
GREEN SPRINGS – This photograph of Green Springs Town Band at Lakeside is dated 1941-42. Although the exact founding date of the band varies, its origins began as a coronet band prior to 1898. J. W. Hahn is often named as “Father of the GS Band.”
In 1922, Ralph Schuster became the director and served as such for many years. Concerts were given weekly on a portable stage downtown and later on a newer bandstand in front of the police station (now a pizza shop). Still later there were some performances at the gazebo (recently removed) in the park. Many fond memories of locals noting the last performance took place in 2012.
Front row seated: Bruce Bauer, Carl Fritz, Ava May Erb, Galen Habecker, Frank Montegue and Bob Myers.
Second row: Arden Cleveland, Charles Harris, Jim Smith, Ray Zay, Harold Kohlenberg, Jim Ward, John Hoover, Robert Blakeman, Maxine Blakeman, Carlton Stigamire and Nereid Oakleaf.
Back row: Ralph Schuster, George Donaldson, Ronald Schubach, Hugh Sawyer, Claude Lloyd and Jay Erb.
Much GS Town Band memorabilia and photographs are exhibited at the Stemtown Historical Museum, 111 S. Kansas St. The museum is open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays; 12-3 p.m. Sundays; and by appointment by calling 419-639-0319. The museum is free. Donations appreciated.
The News-Messenger/News Herald
This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: History Spotlight on Green Springs Town Band
Reporting by USA Today Network / Fremont News-Messenger
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
