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Thank you for visiting our website.
Hi Bill I checked oa the site and it's awsome. Chuck
Chuck Guthrie <ceg426@aol.com>
Albq, NM USA - Monday, August 13, 2001 at 15:28:38 (MDT)
You have a beautiful website! I enjoyed it very much. I am a Bon Bon's alumni
and marched with them from 1945 till I
aged out in 1956. Miss the "Corp Life" always!!!
Marlene M. Brown <kmbrown1@msn.com>
Bellmawr, NJ United States - Friday, August 24, 2001 at 08:12:56 (MDT)
Dear John Dowlan and Bill Beckman, Great to see an Osmond Post Cadets
Website up and running. Thanks to you
and whomever else are providing background support (cousin extraordinarire,Pat
Roach ?)for this connection with
our past. Encouraged by Joe and Pat Roach in late Summer, '46, jumped ship
from the Olney Legion Corps to
Osmond, and the next five years were the best. What memories! What great
people involved! Again, thanks and good
luck with this venture. "Little Johnny" Danks
John A. Danks <SeanAD96@aol.com>
Belleville, MI USA - Tuesday, August 28, 2001 at 10:14:17 (MDT)
Please pass on this website address to everyone you know and ask them to
contribute. All our friends and Corps are
encouraged to send photos and news paper clippings, even stories to Bill. I
think its a great website and we would like
other Corps Like McCall, Vinny's Garfield (Holy Name), E.Gtn. (Liberty Bell)
Upper Darby and others to join in.
Please let everyone in on this and help let it grow. Pat
Pat Roach <proach5962@aol.co>
Phia., Pa USA - Saturday, September 08, 2001 at 14:36:42 (MDT)
Bill your website is great! We can give you some additions and corrections.
Can't seem to get thru to you via Email.
Plesae respond.
Arlene & Ken Hayes <kenhayes1@prodigy.net>
Glenside, PA USA - Sunday, September 09, 2001 at 20:30:20 (MDT)
I enjoyed the Osmond website very much. It was especially good to hear the
old music. I marched with Liberty Bell
from 1950 through 1957 so I got to see Osmond many times. I also enjoyed
seeing photos of the other corps we
competed against. It is nice of Osmond to take the time to have their website
cover all the corps that competed in the
three state area in the late 40's and 50's. I am with the Reilly Raiders now
and all I can say is, "Isn't this a great
hobby?" I joined my first corps (Rising Sun) 55 years ago and I am still
learning and I am still enjoying.
Robert Schaefer <rfssms@aol.com>
Haddonfield, NJ USA - Thursday, September 20, 2001 at 21:42:09 (MDT)
I marched with Yearsley Blackhawks in the 60's. It was great seeing Ted
Locker picture at the reunion.. Ted was the
Drill instructor that made Yearsley Champions again.. We love you Ted..
Yearsley's Guard.. even thought you could
not remember our names.. My husband Mike and I are marching with Reilly now,
and are having the time of our life..
doing what we love with the greatest people in the world..(Drum Corps people)
Erda (Armstrong) Graham <erda_g@yahoo.com>
West Norriton , PA USA - Friday, September 28, 2001 at 09:39:41 (MDT)
Great effort! I enjoy it/
Dick McDonald <rmcdonal@bellatlantic.com>
Doylestown , PA USA - Thursday, November 22, 2001 at 06:56:51 (MST)
Certainly brings a memorable time alive once again for each one of us, as we
relive some of the best years of our life.
Thank you for making it happen.
Don Adair <dbaok.com>
Phila, Pa USA - Thursday, November 22, 2001 at 10:59:48 (MST)
enjoyed reading your website please add my name to the guideon line joined
the corp in 1951 was the guideon for the
bassdrum line and french horn line was also captain of the color guard in 1955
look forward to more news from
osmond oldtimers. good luck
phyllis (blessing ) rogerson <drogerson@home.com >
rockledge, pa USA - Thursday, November 22, 2001 at 18:11:31 (MST)
Great site Bill,had some great times huh! You forgot Ron Seirocimo in the
soprano line, one of the best top horns
around, remember, he came from Liberty Bell in 52. Keep it up, those were the
days, later.
don rogerson <d.rogerson@home.com>
rockledge, pa USA - Friday, November 23, 2001 at 09:03:27 (MST)
Hey BILL Great site,two sopranos you forgot.Ron Serocimo,played in 52,came
from Liberty Bell great horn,also a
guy named Lowry, was in my rank in53. Brings back alot of good memories. A
Hymie Walker story. In 52 we went
down to this bar at 6th & luzerne called Lou& Bills,you might of heard
of the place.I was in Bob Dunns car,and he did
not lock the car, as a matter of fact, he left all the windows open.Well as
fate would have it, my horn was in the back
seat, and of coarse it was stolen.Well, we sat for quite a while thinking of a
story to tell Walker. We finally came up
with the excuse that I had left it up in the infamous equiptment room on the
second floor. Someone had an old brass
horn and let me borrow it. At the next practice we all lined up and I stood
there with this brass horn which stuck out
like a sore thumb. All of a sudden I heard this loud yell of "wait a
minute, wait a minute" Walker came running down
the line and of course stopped directly in front of me and screamed in my face
"where's your horn." When I told him
somebody stole it, he let out a "WHAT" that you could have heard in
South Philly. Upon seeing that I was upset, he
took me aside and made me explain the situation. He told me to wait in the
room (the infamous coatroom) till he got
back. All kinds of strange things were going through my mind of what he was
going to do to me. He came back in with
another horn in the case, and explained to me what he was going to do. First
he told me the horn was worth $98.00
and that I would pay every nickle of it back to him. He said first of all give
me a $1.00 down-payment and I said I
didn't have a $1.00, could he lend it to me. He stared at me for awhile and
said "I don't believe this", and agreed to
lend me the $1.00 and pay him $.50 a week until it was paid off From that day
until I left the Corp years later, the
Man never asked me for a dime.
d.rogerson <d.rogerson@home.com>
rockledge, pa USA - Sunday, November 25, 2001 at 15:57:00 (MST)
Yo Bill Iwasnt finished yesterday, but Phyl closedit and sent it. I get no
respect. Anyway, he never asked me for any
money. Good thing he didnt, I would have had to borrow that from him also. We
were so poor the poor wouldnt
associate wiyh us.Any way what aguy huh ! This man had to get a special spot
wherever he might be. This summer we
went to DCI in Buffalo, wonderful experience.There was a part from the opening
ceromonies where they gathered
different horns from all the corps, and played America the beautiful. Well it
was awsome,and all those memories
started coming back especially of Hymie and the many good things that he had
done for us.Iwas a very lucky kid to
say the least,also of all the guys that have passed over this passed 50yrs. I
looked over at phyl, and both of us were
crying, because without all those folks, none of what we were watching would
have been possible. Thank you, and
goodnight Ishould have done this with a musical background, waddiya think
Ilove you truly, or Roll over Bethoven, but
i didnt and thats probobly best for all concerned Catch ya later.
don rogerson <d.rogerson@home.com>
rockledge, pa USA - Monday, November 26, 2001 at 10:21:52 (MST)
hi bill Fred eckert and myself played french horn in 54, but the best line,
was Govvy, Tom Brown and Angie Napola.
don rogerson <d.rogerson@home.com>
rockledge, pa USA - Wednesday, November 28, 2001 at 09:50:03 (MST)
I remember that Hymie was always so busy taking care of Corps stuff that he
never stopped to eat or think about
himself. So when my Mother and Dad were working in the Post Kitchen on Friday,
Saturday and Sunday evenings,
they started looking after him by preparing him dinner every night and making
sure he ate. Another story of Hymie
thinking about the Corps all the time is that when he and John Weckerly worked
for Blackman's syrup, Hymie would
use it as a means of making arrangements for places to stay, places to eat and
contest to be in while making his
rounds. Unfortunately, I think he spent so much time thinking about his kids,
that it eventually led to his marital
breakup. There were some other stories, too, but you would have to read
Recollections to appreciate what a
wonderful person he was. Pat Roach
Pat Roach <proach5962@aol.com>
USA - Tuesday, December 04, 2001 at 11:03:56 (MST)
The music from the other corps sounds great Bill, I have a few of the old
corps. Ill have to dig them out and see what I
have, get them on tape, and foward them to you. Roge.
don rogerson <drogerson@home.com>
rockledge, pa USA - Thursday, December 20, 2001 at 13:24:47 (MST)
More and more people are now contributing whole scrapbooks and photos to
the Website, including Bettyanne
Gindhart, Ray Mountain, Dave Masterton,and Dick Penrod. Keep it coming folks -
we need YOU.
Pat Roach <proach5962@aol.com>
Lansdale, Pa USA - Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 11:56:31 (MST)
A Hymie Story submitted by Stepanie. When I was in the Corps, one night I
came home with extreme pains. When the
doctor arrived, he diagnosed it as severe appendicitis. My Father didn't
drive, so Hymie came over and drove me to
St. Mary's Hospital downtown at 2:30 in the morning. He stayed there with my
Dad until the operation was over and
everything was alright. Then he drove my Dad home. What a guy!
Stephanie (Smith) Southrey
Philadelphia, Pa. USA - Friday, January 25, 2002 at 17:21:02 (MST)
Just wanted to inform everyone that Joe Sneidinger, this weekend, was named a
Life Time member of the Reilly
Raiders, at their annual banquet. Joe went from Osmond to Reilly about 1954,
staying through the fifties, and then
returned when their alumni corps formed in 1994. Joe continues playing his
horn, and with that same upbeat attitude
he always had. What a guy! Reilly has been blessed to have Joe on the rolls
all these years. However, he did get his
training from Osmond, so it was no surprise to me. Love Ya, Joe......Bob Adair
Bob Adair <mcdair@bellatlantic.net>
Villas, NJ USA - Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 11:06:52 (MST)
Great Site! Thanks
Kris <kris@webhostwizards.com>
San Diego, CA USA - Thursday, February 14, 2002 at 19:57:59 (MST)
Just checking to see if the guest book is working. However, all the previous comments are not there now. Pat
Bill It's working OK, just different than before. Pat
I check your web site quite often and am pleased that you are keeping it updated. I was with Blessed Sacrament in the early fifties. Since I moved down south (St Simons Georgia) my involvement with the corps is only on the internet. Memories...
I love the new colored slide pictures! I could also listen to the "Drum Beat" all night long! It makes you feel like getting up and marching. Really a great job well done! Thanks for the memories! Marlene (Miller) Brown
Really GREAT site Bill. Love all the new stuff and the music. George Mohelski, (first horn- Osmond-1949-1953)
Just checked out your website, my good buddy Jim Cossetti of the Reilly Raiders gave my the link, also I was up to Massachusetts HOF April 26th and had a chance to tour the Princeman's Palace, their trophy room Had a picture of the Osmond Colorguard, I play Soprano with the Hawthorne Caballeros from 1952 to 1963, and have Judged, instructed corps in Horns, M&M etc, I remember when you used the girls as guide per squad, great, and the girls also did a drill, out of this world, today all that is lost in the shuffle, called DCI.>>>Hugo Evarelli
I graduated from Cardinal Dougherty in 1971, member of the band under John Danks. If you have his e-mail would be be so kind as to forward my address to him? thanks, curt.anderson@drexel.edu
Bill, Thanks for your call tonight. Great to see a web site like this one. It brings back good memories of my old corps, Howard C McCall and a fellow snare drummer originally from Osmond, Don Mikok. I have seen him a couple times in the last few years, most recently in a visit to see Bill Reamer, our drum instructor at McCall. Bill Maling drumsir@aol.com
From: Bill Maling, snare drummer with McCall in 1943-1951 drumsir@aol.com After I retired I started playing again with a couple fife & drum corps (one in Ohio and one in Connecticut). They play the old rudimental style and the cadence of about 110 is just right for older, slower hands! They still use many of the old solos like Downfall of Paris, Army 2/4 and Connecticut Halftime. Any old snare drummers from Osmond or the other Philly corps might be interested in a website... beafifer.com Ed Boyle runs a Philadelphia FDC which plays for the city at Independance Hall. Details and photos are at beafifer.com/twenty.htm He also does a lot of 'freelance' gigs in the Philly area. Anyway, It is great to be playing again and I was very moved as I reviewed Osmand's site. Lots of nostalgia! Thanks to the webmaster and all the contributers. Keep it up. I sent Bill Beckman a 2000 photo of Don Mihok and I playing together again (after 40 years) in Gettysburg, PA. We had a chance to "jam" outside the Dobbins House in Civil War getup... during one of the Camp Chase (OH) FDC gigs for the Park Service.
The best corps web site i have ever seen. I was in the Mass. State color guard in front of Lt. Norman Prince in Phily VFW 1954 member of the Springfield Marksmen now honorary Marksmen alumni
The best corps web site i have ever seen. I was in the Mass. State color guard in front of Lt. Norman Prince in Phily VFW 1954 member of the Springfield Marksmen now honorary Marksmen alumni Don Lappie debarydon@aol.com
Wow...I was looking for a photo of the old Yearsley Blackhawks' Blackhawk and came across this site. Many names I recognize. My brother Michael Cobb and I (Dolores (Cobb) Phifer also marched in the horn line. Michael was 1st horn and made the police siren sounds and I was 2nd horn. After they broke up I joined Pal, then when they kicked the girls out I joined the Earls of Bucks for a season or 2 before I went down to Blue Rock where I stayed until I retired at the ripe old age of 21 back in 1973. These were the best of times and sometimes I do miss them and even now, my ears still perk up when ever I hear the sound of a drum beat in the near distant winds from one of the local high school bands. This is neat. Thanks for all of the memories. And, hello to my old friends. Peace and blessings. Dolores Cobb Phifer
Beautiful job on the web sight, great memories...jim Klug, Bracken Cadets & Cavaliers jimsandyklug@aol.com
Beautiful job on the web sight, great memories...jim Klug, Bracken Cadets & Cavaliers jimsandyklug@aol.com
Great Site! Gary Matczak Erie Thunderbirds
I am a drum corps graduate of the 1948 to 1951 era,I marched with the Holy Family D&B corps in the CYO circut.And a devout fan of DCI drum corps also, and I've been a professinak musician (drummer)for 25 years retired now. This is quite a coincedence,"Yankee Drummer" is the name of my business, a giftware Wholesaling and Website www.yankeedrummer.com. Doing a Search on Yankee Drummer brought me to your tribute site, which I enjoyed browsing through, the Photos brought back many memories of my few years in drum corps, Thanks Dave Morin, dmorind@msn.com
Hello Bill and the Osmond Post. Thanks for sharing your Yearsley stuff. My brother Michael and I were in Yearsley between 1963 until 1968 when they broke up. Then we went to PAL. I stayed until they kicked the girls out in the early 70's. I marched a season in the Earls of Bucks, then went to Blue Rock where I retired at 21 in 1974. Well, here is a list of my old LP records that I have and that I am willing to lend them for a while to copy. I haven't the foggiest idea of how to do that... perhaps one of you have the equipment to do so. My old LP records: * Richmond Records: Drum and Bugle Corps on Record: #22-464 - V.F.W. New Jersey States, Wildwood, NJ on June 26, 1971 ( The Golden Knights and St Andrew's Bridgemen). Some one wrote on it "SAC is BACK". There is a back-an-white pic of Sac on the cover. * Fleetwood: 1966 DREAM, Vol 2, #FCLP 2171 at Roosevelt Stadium. Jersey City, NJ on August 21, 1966 (Blessed Sacrament, Casper Troopers, Les Diplomats) * Fleetwood Records: An Evening with the Corps, #FLP 2119 (Blessed Sacrament, Ballantine Brewers, the Appleknockers)... my best guess is 1963. There is a color pic of Sac on the cover. * Fleetwood Records: The National DREAM Contest, Vol 1, #FCLP 2256 at Roosevelt Stadium. Jersey City, NJ on August 9, 1970 (Golden Knights, Bridgemen, Blue Rock, 27th Lancers). There is a color pic of Sac on the cover. * Kendo Records: 1967 National Association Championship, September 24, 1967, Reading PA, KDCS 1006 (Brookhaven Crusaders, Yearsley Blackhawks, Shadettes, Media Fawns) * Fleetwood Records: The VFW Nationals, August 20, 1969, Philadelphia PA, Vol 1, #FCLP 2238 (Kilties, Boston Crusaders, Kingsmen, Blue Rock). There is a color pic of the Kilties on the back cover. * Fleetwood: Reflections... Blue Rock, #FCLP 2306 There are 3 pics on the cover (front and back). The back discusses 1968, 1970, and 1971. * Fleetwood Records: The VFW Nationals at the BIG "D", The Cotton Bowl , Dallas TX, August 18, 1971, Vol 1, #FCLP 2297 (Santa Clara Vanguards, Madison Scouts, 27th Lancers, Belleville Black Knights). I made this trip with some of my ole Yearsley and PAL buds... what an adventure. And that is another story... I went down with 3 guys, 2 of which were old boy friends. They were perfect gentlemen. * The db Recording Company: International Preview! The 1972 Drum Corps International, Vol 3, # db 1003 (Blue Rock, Anaheim Kingsmen, Argonne Rebels, Cadets of Garfield) Things that we do when we are kids... taking buses, trains, and planes to get to a contest even through you aren't in it... even thumbed my way to a few. I remember once taking a train, bus, and thumbing the rest to get to a show in Boonton NJ... looking back I am lucky to be alive. It's funny now and I find myself smiling writing this. Well, I live in Hatfield PA... minutes away from the Lansdale Exit of the Blue Route of the PA Turnpike. I have past Bar or Post on Route 63 in Willow Grove/Horsham PA that I had seen Reilly Raiders on the sign outside. I would be glad to meet someone somewhere. Unfortunately, I already have previously committed myself on Labor Day Weekend... one of my cousins invited me up to NY for their big Native American Pow-wow. So good luck if you have a showing up in Allentown PA that weekend. I do have some old photos of various corps over the years... that I'd be glad to lend you to copy. Sorry , none of the Osmond Post. I hope that these bring back some old memories... Looking forward to hearing from you. Later. Peace and blessings. an ole drum cops nut, Dolores (Cobb) Phifer of Yearsley, PAL, Earls of Bucks, and Blue Rock (1963 - 1974) P.S. My brother Michael Cobb was the one who used to make those crazy Police sirens during Hawaii 5O and other police songs. He later (after he was 21) became one of the horn instructors in PAL.
This is for Dolores (Cobb) Phifer(Former Yearsley) If you want to get in touch with me to send pictures, etc. Email me at w.beckmann@cox.net, I was not able to contact you from tour guestbook comments because you didn't give an e-mail address. would love to hear from you! Bill
I see that you are in touch with some names of my past. Bob & Don Adair. Great heroes of my younger days. The musical influences they brought to my life at such a turbulent time kept me out of a lot of trouble. Thank you George Holt Bracken Cavaliers 63-72
Help Us Please, The members of the USAF Academy Drum Corp are planning a Reunion at next years DCA. The problem is we have lost touch with alot of our group. Some have already passed on. We want to get our guys together before we loose any more. If you know anyone that marched with us, please have them get in touch with me . We need their name and any others guys they can remember. Thank you for your help. Jim Henry hispromise@comcast.net
Great website!! Especially enjoyed all the corps pics and histories. Have a great time at your upcoming reunion!! (and I see Jim Henry has already been here to advertise the search for USAFA D&B peoples...) Catherine Burr <catherineburr@yahoo.com> French Horn Bugles In G Midwest Legends, Milwaukee, WI
Hello - may not remember me but I started my Drum Corps with Osmond in 1953. Competed through 1955 then went to Archie in 1956. Stayed with Archie until 1964 then went to Reading Buccaneers until 1970. Taught color guards until 1973 then became drill instructor for the Neshamniy Langhorne Marching Band. Stayed with Neshaminy until 1988 and thought my association with marching units was over. WRONG! A good friend of mine from Hawthorne introduced me to Alumni Corps. In 2001 I went back to Archie where I still play bass horn. All this started because a grammar school classmate of mine - Chuck Ward talked me into joing Osmond. I am really looking forward to the Osmond 2002 reunion this weekend. Hope to see a lot of old buddies there. George Hildebrand October 8, 2002 White Plains, MD
I was visiting your site again and saw what you have done to it .. Great Job! I would like to let you know that Teb Locker was a member of Reilly way back when.. Larry Scott Sr knows when. He also was a National Association Judge I think M&M and Drill Instructed Guard and Field for the Ridley Park Rangers in the 60's,He was Yearsley' s Drill Instructor Guard and Field from 1962 until 1969.. I hope this information helps to add to Ted's history.. Say Hello to him for me.. i am sure he won't remember me.. I love the pictures you have posted of Yearley.. I am Hoping to get you some good ones .. I always ask past members if they have any good pictures. I do enjoy your Web site very much.. Keep Up the Good work.. Erda
When you've had the privilege of being instructed by Don Mihok and Lee Wolf, and then grow up to be in a corps with Larry Scott, Sr.,Dick Penrod and Joe Sneidinger (to mention just a few of our former Osmond "greats") it dawns on you that you are one fortunate person. I consider myself blessed to have grown up in a Philly drum and bugle corps (The Vasella Musketeers) and to have followed the winning traditions of such great junior corps as Archer-Epler, Osmond, Imhof, Liberty Bell and so many others. Many of us in the alumni drum corps movement are now marching with "the big guys" who were with Archie and Reilly when those two powerhouses were representing our great Commonwealth and winning championships all over these United States.Thanks for putting together this outstanding Website. Going through its many pages is a heartwarming experience. Thanks also to all of you, for "leading the way" and "showing the way" for those of us who would follow in your footsteps. Have a fantastic reunion! Joel Leson, Fairfax Station, VA, "Marching With Champions", The Yankee Rebels and The Reilly Raiders.
HAD A GREAT TIME AT THE 2002 OSMOND RE-UNION.IT WAS WONDERFUL SEEING ALL OF YOU AGAIN. ON THE WAY BACK TO VA.BEACH, MY CAR KEPT WANTING TO TURN AROUND AND GO BACK.------------GEORGE MOHELSKI
Spent Saturday night at the 2002 reunion. Had a great time seing a lot of old friends, and meeting a lot of new.. Never played in Osmond, was with Liberty Bell. Went specifically to see my "teachers" and was not disappointed. Bob Adair and Lee wolf, both Osmond guys and good friends, had a great deal of influence on my drum corp life. I thank them for that. All in all it was a great evening. Thanks again Ken Newman Liberty Bell 1954 to 57 Archie 1958 to 85 Reilly Alumni 2002
Hello Bill!!! Wow!!! That is all I can say on your website! You did a great job and I really enjoyed it!! How I wish we could do those days over! What great memories!! Marlene (Miller) Brown -Bon Bon's
From: Bill Maling, McCall snare line 1943-1951 Several of us "old guys" had another chance to drum together at a jam session in Bill Reamer's town of New Holland, PA in June. In attendance were John Flowers, Tom Bitner, Don Walls, and my self... all from the old junior corps in eastern PA. Also there was a drummer from Greensburg, PA, Jim Smith and a drummer from Kirtland, OH, Mark Robertson. Glenn McCausland of Glenmore ,PA was also there... one of my old private students. Don Mihok was invited but unable to join us that day. Bill Reamer is in good heath and enjoyed having all of us tour his drum shop after treating us for breakfast. At breakfast we were joined by Mark Beecher who had to leave for a fife & drum gig in Philly. Mark produced the video..."History of Rudimental Drunmming" (see www.beafifer.com) Jim Smith, Mark Robertson and I were on our way home after teaching drums at a Civil War Field Music School held the previous weekend on Pea Patch Island (Delawre River south of Wilmington), the location of Fort Delaware. We had 50 young drummers, half beginners! The other 40 yongsters were fifers and buglers. I enjoyed the additions to the Osmond web site. You deserve a lot of credit for "pulling together" the old corps. keep it up!
What a wonderful piece of drum corps history. You have a great website. Man! How were you able to get all those pix? It was great to see you guys were having fun back then. Especiall the shot with some of the guys holding the booze bottles. Or was it soda? LOL. HB
This is mind blowing. I have three recordings of Osmond Cadets but had no idea who they were. Well, now I know. :) Good work! Glenn CorpsMemories.org
A wonderful site! I loved the pictures from the reunions. I hope more will be added from the 2002 reunion. I knew Ted Locker from my old Ridley Park Ranger days. I recognize some of the names of the people who have posted their comments in this guest book as well. It sure brings back some great memories. Marty
Hello, We are looking for USAFA Enlisted D&BC Alumni. There is a 30th anniversary reunion planned in conjunction with DCA Finals. We have a Patrick TULLY on our list of members to find. Any information welcome, call (941)764-7410 or e-mail hispromise@comcast.net Thank You, Jim Henry
COOOOL Website here..........All Best Wishes......From Drummer Richard Baxter <img src="http://www.richardbaxterdrums.com/Richard.jpg"> <img src="http://www.richardbaxterdrums.com/rickdrums1998.jpg"> <img src="http://www.richardbaxterdrums.com/lightning.gif">
Hi Bill Sorry I took so long to get back to you but, thanks for the CD of the Osmonds. Absolutely awesome piece of drum corps history. Did you say you need some Skliners years? HB
Finally found your website, lived in Olney all my life and never joined the corps, should have, as I won 4th of July baby parade dressed in Osmond uniform that was home-made. Two Uncles (DeBolts) were involved with the DAV Cadets from Olney which is never mentioned anywhere. Cousan was with Olney Post American Legion (George Schuler) those were great days. Remember the compatitions at Olney High field?? Really enjoying the web, keep it up. Walt Bauer (from 2nd & Olney Ave.)
Thanks for the great site !!! I was with the Regimental Cadets of Staten Island, N.Y. in the early 60's and the O.L.P.H. Ridgemen of Brooklyn, N.Y. 64-67 (drum lines). Again, thanks for the flash back !!!
DOLORES COBBS{PHIFER} I MARCHED IN YEARSLEY THE SAME TIME.. E-MAIL ME AT michaelbuschman@yahoo.com
does anyone remember a guy named harry mc cauley from osmond. mail me at ginnyhar1@aol.com .
I thought this book was very good and should be read by many people. Thank you NO ONE YOU SHOULD KNOW
Loved visiting your website - what a great historical collection! I still get chills when I hear a great drum corps. Marched with Yearsley Blackhawks from Germantown in the 60's. - Jim Smith, still in Philly. jsmith5bn6ada@netscape.net
HI! my name is Harry Mc Cauley i don't suppose anyone remembers me,but i was in " osmond" 1936 to 1942.memories are a great thing,arn't they? we competed at places like clementon lake,wildwood,atlantic city,and of course my favorite N.Y.worlds fair.If it was not for drum.corp i would never have left Phila. during my school years to go any place.And the guys and gals i met,they were fantastic group of people.guys like Bob Adair,Larry Scott,the Mountain brothers,john dowlan, and then there's the greatest arranger of drum and bugle music since "Walt Fuller"-------LEE WOLFE. Who in later years was to arrange and instruct me in some of the greatest music i have ever played in my career.in fact his music is still being played at Archer Epler today.There was a man i met as a boy in osmond who had a profound effect on my life.A surrogate father if you will,that would be of course HYMIE WALKER!!!! A truly great human being.
Bill, Art Younglove, former Bracken Cadet, 1955 to 1961, former director, 1964 to 1970. I really enjoy your work and appreciate the effort required. John Buss who marched with your son in Bracken told me of your work. I'm trying to gather all of Bracken's history prior to our 80th Anniversary Alumni celebration the entire weekend of October 15,16 and 17, 2004 and hope to establish a web site featuring all I can find. I don't know if you would be interested in helping me, but I sure would appreciate it! Let me know through Govey's wife, Vivian. Thanks, and keep up the great work!
Bill: AMAZING work you are doing with the website. Now we have VIDEOS. I know of no other site which is as impressive as that of Osmond, now especially with the visuals. It should open up a whole new area of interest....everybody should be searching around the house, or at least making inquiries as to the availability of some old black and white film of the corps. Who's going to be the first to submit something? In the meantime, Bill Beckmann is going to get my vote as Webmaster of the Year. Bob Adair
My name is Bob Pepsin and I played with Blessed Sacrement Golden Knights of Newark, NJ from 1952 thru 1960. Came upon your guest book while searching for Blessed Sacrement recordings or tapes from early to late 1960's. If anyone can contact me with this information please contact me at: snobyrddremz@adelphia.net. Thank you, Bob Pepsin
In 1953 in Milwakee Wis. I had the pleasure to compete in the VFW Nat'ls. and it was our first time at a Nat'ls Osmond won the prelm but got caught in a rain storm at the prade. They were late at the final's and it cost them the show. They took a 2 point penalty, it was their show. They placed 5th but they were less than 2 points out of first. We (The Most Precious Blood Crusaders)placed 3rd behind the Bon Bons. The Bon Bons were 1 tenth behind Vinnies and we were 1 point behind Vinnies. It was a great show for us. But I always felt bad for Osmond. They trully had a great Corps. Today I am retired in the Sunny state of Florida. I also have the privilege of being to one of Osmond's great drummer's John Dowlan we have spent many hours talking about the old day's and he has some really great story's to tell. This is a great site and I'm glad I finally got to it. Walter D'Agostino
In 1953 in Milwakee Wis. I had the pleasure to compete in the VFW Nat'ls. and it was our first time at a Nat'ls Osmond won the prelm but got caught in a rain storm at the prade. They were late at the final's and it cost them the show. They took a 2 point penalty, it was their show. They placed 5th but they were less than 2 points out of first. We (The Most Precious Blood Crusaders)placed 3rd behind the Bon Bons. The Bon Bons were 1 tenth behind Vinnies and we were 1 point behind Vinnies. It was a great show for us. But I always felt bad for Osmond. They trully had a great Corps. Today I am retired in the Sunny state of Florida. I also have the privilege of being a neighbor to one of Osmond's great drummer's John Dowlan, we have spent many hours talking about the old day's and he has some really great story's to tell. This is a great site and I'm glad I finally got to it. Walter D'Agostino
Hey! What happened to the guest list? Looks like people stopped signing on months ago. Anyway, as a Bayonne, NJ native I was very pleased to find this site and enjoy the material here. St. Vincent's, Blessed Sacrament, Hawthorne Caballeros, etc., etc.! Brings back great memories of wonderful competitions I attended as spectator. If only drum corps competitions were as easy to attend up here in CT. Thanks for the site...I've recommended it to many others already, ......Mike
I said "Hey! What happened to the guest list? Looks like people stopped signing on months ago.", but I should have looked first at the postings *before* the last one. Sorry.
MY BEST REGARDS TO THOSE FOLKS OF THE OSMOND POST. IAM THE SON OF DORIS ANN ZITZER. SHE MARRIED MATTHEW EDELMANN, AND MY NAME IS CRAIG EDELMANN. THE MOST FONDEST OF MEMORIES WERE THOSE OF CORPS LIFE. MY MOTHER EVENTUALY GOT MYSELF AND BROTHER DAVID INTO DRUM CORPS WITH THE JR. SUNRISERS IN THE LATE 60S. I LATER WENT TO 507 HORNETS AND BLUE ROCK. BOTH WERE SHORT LIVED STINTS BUT I DID LOVE MY TIMES WITH THE ST. HELLENAS GOLDEN EAGLES. I LOVE YOU BOB ADAIR. MOM HAD A LOT OF RESPECT FOR YOU.AND ADMIRED YOUR TALLENTS IN THE MUSIC REALM. IT IS MY SAD TASK TO LET YOU ALL KNOW OF THE DEATH OF MY MOTHER DORIS ZITZER ON FEB 20 2000. UP TO THE DAY SHE PASSED MOM WOULD LISTEN TO DRUM CORPS ON CHANNEL 12 PBS. AND COULD NEVER KEEP HER FOOT STILL.MOM WAS A PHILLY GIRL AND STILL CALLS PHILLY HER HOME. SHE IS LAID TO REST AT GREENMONT CEMETARY WITH HER MOTHER AND FATHER. AND I THANK OSMOND POST FOR GIVING MY MOTHER THE BUG AND PASSING IT ON TO ME. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE MY MOTHERS NAME ON THE ROLL CALL IF YOU COULD IT WOULD BE DEEPLY APPRECIATED. SHE WAS AFTER ALL CORPS TO THE BONE. I AM NOW A MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST AND MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL AND CANT WAIT TILL WE ALL WILL BE REUNITED IN THAT SHOW OF SHOWS FOR THE KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. GOD BLESS YOU ALL REV. CRAIG P. EDELMANN godistheanswer54@aol.com
Just wanted everyone know that Earl Tyson passed away, the brother of Bill Tyson, in November. He resided in Texas. He was a cousin of Ed Hackett and Charlie Hackett. Charlie and I are looking forward to seeing everyone at the next reunion. Hope it will be soon, we are not getting any younger. Ed Hackett
Agreat opportunity for one of the original members of St. VBincnents Cadets back in 1945 when it started as a boy scout group and grew to national prominence. It is a shame that we don't have a web site as yours. The pictures and the sound of Osmond brought back so many memories. Thanks for that and all the hard work in putting it together. Computers are great, but Drum Ciorps were and still are the greatest. thanks again. George McCusker, age 76, but a true beleiver, that there is only one age...ALIVE
I have been looking for a web site for the Bracken Cavaliers. Bob if you get one up let me know. I was a member from 1966-72 played Contra bass. Vernon Walderon vcwtwo@mail.com
Delghted with the site. I was a soprano bugler for the Irwin Post Kingsmen from '51 to '54 then St. Vinnies through '59 and the Caballeros in '60. Enjoyed 10 state championships and 4 Major National Championships and it all flooded back this afternoon with those fabulous memories in the Osmond Site. I've got tons of "stuff" including period photos of all of the corps that I competed against with Vinnies that may have value to you. Let me know and I'll dig them out for you. You have given this old man a chance to walk with kings again this afternoon and for many more to come. Bob Kelly
This is with out a doubt the best web site featureing drum corps I have seen. I keep logging on to revisit all the competitors section, it truly brings back lots of great memories. Dom De Vito St. Vincent's early 50's
Thank You for a great memory from the past; loved the Corps back then. Pete (Hawthorne Caballeros 1962-03
YOU SITE TAKES ME BACK 50 YEARS WHEN I JOINED THE HADDON HEIGHTS VAGABONDS AND PLAYED BARITONE BUGLE, AND WAS TAUGHT BY DON ADAIR, OUR HORN INSTRUCTOR. BOB ADAIR WAS THE DRUM INSTRUCTOR AT THAT TIME ALSO. MARCHED WITH THE VAGS FROM 55-59. RETURNED TO DRUM CORPS FROM 69-71 WITH THE YANKEE REBELS. PRESENTLY WITH ARCHIE ALUMNI SINCE 2000. GIL DAVIDSON E-MAIL AT AE3TDBARI@NETZERO.COM
My Dad is the GREATEST !!!! Tom Danks jr.
I love this site. It is great to read about all the rich Drum Corps history. Nice job. Dan Hines Skymello2@aol.com NY Skyliners
Boy do I remember all those names my brother talked about all the time..Thanks for the memorys Richie Keenan (Jack's brother)
Dear Bill Your new photos are great.Its alot of work, Im proud of you.Listen, that disc that you made of the corps, that you sold at the reunion, is from the 53 corp, not the 51 corp. Its a great recording, but I really cant forget any of them to tell you the truth. I can explain it if you like. Sorry it has taken so long, Phyl, and me have been hung up on health stuff. It was the only year, that we did not learn any new music.If you listen, we kick off with We the people 1950 kickoff, Madem Butterfly 1951 kickoffand the 3rd is from the 1952 corps that we played leading into mounties You can check out that with the 52 record from the dream that I know you had.That corp was made up from agroup of people from every corp that was breaking up in the area.We had the remains of quite a few, namly McCall,East Germantown,Upper Darby, Bracken,Tri Community,Horn ross weiss and some from liberty bell. LARRY Scott, taught us that north jersey drill, and we had a screw you additude.Lost state on astupid peneltyand Nationals was even better. We won prilims, by close to 8 points, and vinnies chose not to go on after they seen us, which they could I guess as reining champs. What happens, we wre late getting to finals, and get penalized again, and still damn near won.Great corp, all the way around.I gotta stop Im really tired.Please answer,signed Don Rogerson. I loved that Corp----------
To Don Rogerson.. Hi Don, Tried to phone you, but can't seem to get through, The last e-mail address I had on you didn't work either! Please e-mail me at www.w.beckmann@cox.net and give me your phone no so I can call! Bill Beckmann
hello. great site. i am trying to reach anyone that marched in the 1975 royal coachman (n. tonanwanda, ny) drumline. i marched snare and have so many fond memories. i would love to chat to chat w/anyone from that year/era. thanks seeya . email me at kevindrums61@aol.com
was thrilled to find this website. I marched with Our Lady of Loretto - Brooklyn - back in the mid 50's and early 60's - I would love to get in touch with anyone from those days...great memories - thanks for this great link...
Great to visit this site - comments are all the same only the corps names are different - what great memories..at the time it seemed like a lot of work...but know it's a pleasure to look back and see what a truly wonderful experience it was.. Lou Zollo - Our Lady of Loretto - Brooklyn, NY - mid 50's early 60's theresazollo@comcast.net
Although I was not associated with the corp, it brings back memories that my dad spoke to me about when I was a young boy. Great job! Thanks, Ed Schnell Jr. egsjr@voicenet.com
Hey, I love your site. I am a marching member of the New York Skyliners Drum and Bugle corps. I checked the site out numerous times and I finally found a place to add a comment. The old tunes are really good. The Skyliners are going strong. We are open class this year and things are going good. Hope to see some of you at a show or 2 or 3. Talk to ya later. ~Jimmy Eldridge~ New York Skyliners -2003- Bass Drum New York Skyliners -2004- Bass Drum
This is Jack Cassidy and I would like to know how ROGE & PHYL are doing. I can't reach them by phone or e-mail.I'm hoping the best. If anyone can help me I'm at DEVONAYR@PTD.NET
I like your website alot and I thank you for the platform. I am currently searching for a recording of St. Rita's Brassmen, CMCC Warriors, Hawthorne Muchachos on CD, wax, or any other media. Please email me at gkr44@msn.com
This is the best drum corps web site I have ever seen. Great job Osmond! Best wishes for your reunion. We just had the first reunion ever for my first junior corps yesterday (8-21-04) and it was a real hoot seeing guys I have not seen in 44 years. Hope yours is great and please tell Don Adair that Beaver (Ralph McFarland) who he taught at Ridley Park Rangers circa 1963 & 1964 said hello and God Bless. Ralph (Beaver) McFarland Norristown Invaders, AKA (Nuss, O'Hara, Todd) Ridley Park Rangers Reilly Raiders US Navy Recruit D&B Corps at Great Lakes, Il.
Hello to all Osmond Post Cadets. I love your website. I am a marching member of the New York Skyliners Field corps. We are anxious to start up the 2005 season good. I really like what I saw on this site. Escpecially listening to the music as you view the pictures. Nice touch. Who knows, maybe I will be able to see a Osmond Post Cadets Alumni drum and bugle corps perform at the Alumni spectacular at the 2005 DCA Finals. Once again, the site was great. ~Jimmy Eldridge~ New York Skyliners Drumline 2003-????
JOe Martino marched with our lady of loreto golden knights 1955 to 1961 contact Joey84 @optonline.net
Great little website. I marched with the Chessmen from Easton PA in 71 and 72 and the Hawthorne Muchachos in 73. Wouldn't it be great to see video of some of the past shows? Like the 74 or 75 Muchachos or Blue Rock from 70-71? Are they available anywhere? Walt Reilly <wareilly@yahoo.com>
mugu@yahoo.com it is nice site
I luv your retro site... It took me back b4 my time in DC. I started in 1966 when I joined a Boy Scout Drum and Bugle Corps. ( BTW , I joined the BS only because of the D & B Corps. Later I joined the St. Joseph Patron Cadets and then we becamed The St. Rita's Brassmen , both of Brooklyn, New York. Keep up the memories and the history of your once proud corps , god bless you all ! A fellow corps member... please visit our site ... www.stritasbrassmen.org and sign our guest book ! Reg Henry Bklyn, New York
Marched with Floyd Bennett Golden Eagles and had George Rodriguez as Horn Instructor, Hy Drietzer as Arranger, Carmen Cluna as Drill Instructor and Jimmy Shea as Drum Instructor.... ALL SKYLINERS. What a way to spend time growing up. Danny Vitale danvitale@comcast.net
Marched with Floyd Bennett Golden Eagles and had George Rodriguez as Horn Instructor, Hy Drietzer as Arranger, Carmen Cluna as Drill Instructor and Jimmy Shea as Drum Instructor.... ALL SKYLINERS. What a way to spend time growing up. Danny Vitale danvitale@comcast.net
Press Release February 3, 2005: In the spring of 2000 inquiries were made concerning the possibility of establishing a Drum Corps Hall of Fame for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It appeared that there was interest among a number of prominent members of the Drum Corps community in various areas and regions throughout the Commonwealth such as the Philadelphia area, the Harrisburg area, the Pittsburgh area and the Erie area. Representatives of these areas assembled on several occasions in Harrisburg during the fall of 2001 and on into 2002 to discuss the feasibility of such a venture. A total of 8 members of this organizing committee were able to hammer out a series of goals and criteria to determine membership. A set of By-Laws were established to give stability to our organization were drawn up and were ratified and signed on December 5, 2003. As of December of 2004 we have incorporated and all that is now needed is you. The Organization Committee members are Mark Fulcomer, Director of the Archer-Epler Musketeers and full member of the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame, Gary Matczak, Business Manager of the many time Mini Corps World Champion Erie Thunderbirds, Bill Toomey, one of the many driving forces behind the rejuvenated Westshoremen Drum and Bugle Corps, Frank Cicco, Associate member of the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame, former member of the Pittsburgh Rockets and presently with the Steel City Ambassadors Drum and Bugle Corps, Don Kretzer, who began his involvement in the Drum Corps activity in the mid 1940’s and has served in every capacity imaginable with a number of Drum corps in the Pittsburgh area over the past 60 years, Dave Fite, of the Air force Drum and Bugle Corps, Archer-Epler Musketeers and Past Director Emeritus of the Steel City Ambassadors Drum and Bugle Corps, Tom Matczak, member of the Erie Thunderbirds and Michael Siglow, presently playing with the Steel City Anbassadors, the Archer_Epler Musketeers and the newly formed Bridgemen Alumni Drum Corps. This Committee worked very diligently on developing the concept of having criteria and levels of membership. It is a new and exciting idea as far as determining membership is concerned as explained on the button marked “Levels and Criteria” on our website. The purpose for these various levels is to hopefully give those members, administrators, and staff members of the Junior Corps throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania who participate (and have participated) in our activity to receive recognition for their accomplishments and dedication and to hopefully see these young performers (as well as those who may have gotten a “late start” in the various “competing” senior as well as “alumni” corps) to move from one level to the next. One of the hopes is that this will help to perpetuate our activity by encouraging people to remain within the activity and foster its growth not just in Pennsylvania but throughout the rest of the nation as well. Those who are inducted at Level 1 will receive a Pennsylvania Drum Corps Hall of Fame lapel pin. Those inducted at Level 2 will receive both the lapel pin and a Pennsylvania Drum Corps Hall of Fame patch. And those inducted at Level 3 will receive the lapel pin, the patch and an engraved crystal plaque with a proper acknowledgement of their contributions the Drum Corps activity. At present we are accepting nomination applications for the first 3 levels. In the not to distant future we will begin accepting application for “Meritorious Service” awards as well as “Honorary Memberships”. But more information will become available at a later date. Our website address is: www.padchof.org. There you can click on the button marked “Nomination Form”. A PDF form for Levels 1, 2 and 3 can be downloaded for your convenience. If you are unable to download the Nomination Form for any reason you can send an email to Pennsylvaniadchof@comcast.net and a copy of the form can be sent as an attachment which you can print out and submit for verification. You can disregard the deadline date of January 30, 2005 listed on the Nomination Forms. That deadline has been extended to February 21, 2005. We will process as many Nominations as we can. Those we can’t get to this year will automatically be held for next year. If you have any questions please fell free to send those questions to Pennsylvaniadchof@comcast.net and they will be answered. Here is wishing all Drum Corps throughout the nation and the world, but especially here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania much success in the coming year.
hi Everybody my name is Don Rogerson, my wife is Phyllis Blessing Rogerson, we were both in the corps in th early 50s.Phyl has been fighting a rare liver cancer for nearly 4yrs, and they just released her to at home hospice care, where a nurse comes in twice a week. She has been asking me over and over about the old crowd.I would like if you have the time,to send an e mail, a card, call, or for those near tostop bye for a few mimutes. I t would be greatly appreciated by all. God bless Roge
Hi again, Its still me Roge. I guess things would work easier if I gave you our address, and phone numbers, Phyllis Rogerson 411 Church Rd. Rockledge, Pa. 19046 E mail D. Rogerson@ Comcast. net Phone (215) 379- 0193 Thanks Guys Lotsa Love
ngio sarcoma research. Thank you for your cards E mails calls, and visits,It meant so much, Love you all very much. Donald Rogerson
Just wanted to let everyone know that Phyllis Rogerson passed away this morning at 5:55am at home with me and our three children all at her side. Thank you for your cards, calls and thoughts. It is a great comfort. Donald F. Rogerson
Great site
Hello Osmond Post. Just in case there are any old EARLS OF BUCKS/PENNSYLVANIANS/BRIGADIERS here... Hello Everybody. This is a short note to let you know that the restaurant has changed as follows: ------------------------------------- EARLS OF BUCKS/PENNSYLVANIANS/BRIGADIERS REUNION Saturday April 30, 2005. Cost is $20.00 per person, buffet dinner, cash bar, and DJ. Location: KASDONS 8734 New Falls Road Levittown, PA 19054 215-547-0610 Kasdon's is in the Leper's Thorn Ridge Shopping Center (Salvation Army is there as well) and Leper's Thorn Ridge Shopping Center is between Penn Valley Rd and Tyburn Rd. Time: 7-11:00pm Count is now up to 95..n nearing limit. Money due by April 1... still some room left Checks should be mailed to: John T. Jr and Lavina Kitchenman 38 Autumn Road Levittown, Pa 19055 H: (215) 946-0588 Jack's Mobile in case you get lost: 267-688-8897 Please bring scrapbooks, photos, movies, videos, and other memorabilia to share. They are planning a Memory Book and possibly a CD if enough interest. Look forward to seeing you there, and I'll update you when the start time is finalized. Bob Cook, Thomas Piatek ------------------------------------- Looking forward to seeing you again. Blessings. Dolores 'Dee Cobb' Phifer "Those who do not look upon themselves as a link connecting the past with the future do not perform their duty to the world" Daniel Webster
Hello Drum Corps World, Osmond & Bill Beckmann...Bill as I've said often-great site & thanks for having us as part of it. Us-St Vincent's Bayonne NJ is having our bi-annual reunion on Sept 10,2005 at the Shore Casino in Atlantic Highlands NJ. The spirit that has kept us together these many years is captured in the lyrics of one of our songs.."though green be our colors, true blue we'll always be, for we are St Vinnies, oh loyal men are we, and this be our motto, a motto hard to beat, we're all for one , and one for all, in victory or defeat". Our best to all...the beat goes on. St Vincent's Bayonne NJ.
Marched with Norman Prince Front Line snare with Scotty Chappelle and Eddie Brown,Fitzgerald and many more.Use to practice in the Old Malden City Hall ! Many,many years ago.Nice to see on the web any of the old recordings left ? (1955) Nick Adiletto
