Oct 21, 2017 — GREENWOOD, BC (BG)

Over the years in early Greenwood, a number of initiatives were taken to form a brass band for the City's entertainment. The earliest mention is from November 1896, when an evening of entertainment was planned as a fund-raiser for the first band:_[1]

"A series of entertainments will be given this winter by the "Boundary Creek Entertainers" to create a fund for the purpose of purchasing instruments for a brass band. The club has at present fifteen members from different parts of the district, including Greenwood, Anaconda and Boundary Falls. At a meeting the other day Mr. Miller, of Anaconda, was appointed chairman; Mr. Wilbur, secretary; and Mr. Law, treasurer; who will act with Messrs. H. Wright, J. H. Mitchell, R. N. Taylor, and Sansom as a committee of general management, first entertainment — a minstrel followed by a dance — will take on New Year's eve."

While the Greenwood brass band was just getting a foothold at this early date, theirs would not be the first band in the Boundary in the late 1800s. Midway already had a band that was greeting newlyweds as they returned home from their honeymoon, _[2] and bands were formed in Grand Forks, Penticton and Nelson. The Grand Forks band played at their town's Dominion Day celebration in 1899._[3]

Less than six months after their first fund-raiser, the Greenwood brass band was able to purchase its first set of instruments._[4]

"Greenwood has now a brass band. The instruments arrived last week, and the boys have been practising ever since. Indeed, the man who blows the big trumpet has been sued for damages by his legal neighbor."

The first announcement we find of the band performing was from the Boundary Creek Times, December 9th, 1899,_[5] when the band assembled on the railway platform to welcome an excursion of a few hundred businessmen coming through to survey the mining boom towns.

Overall, the Greenwood brass band was found to be playing either at social events in the area, at more formal events as representatives of the City of Greenwood, or at their own fund-raising events. And there is a fascinating array of such events to be found in all three categories, with much cross-over. Of course, many social events also doubled as fund-raising events for the band. At various times, the City also contributed funding to the band, to ensure their presence at important events.

The band's first request for assistance from the City came in September 1900, as mentioned in a Council report:_[6]

"J. R. Porter on behalf of the Citizens Brass Band, sent a letter requesting financial support for the band, signed by 14 business men. City agreed to pay $5.00 per week, if band gave one weekly concert on the main street."

Mention of the band is found in various auditing reports_[7] for the City. For example, in 1903, the City reported an expenditure for the Bandmaster's salary, of $300.00/year. Also recorded that year were assets valued at $171.00 — (the instruments — against which depreciation of $18.79 was duly recorded.

In February 1906, Council gave a small grant to the band for one particular event:_[8]

"The question of giving public assistance to the city band came up for discussion. The mayor explained that the city of Rossland had invited the band to take part in the carnival, offering $200. This had been increased to $275 through the liberality of some of Rossland's citizens, but the Greenwood musicians could not go for that amount without going into debt and $100 was asked for from the council. To this there was no opposition. It was felt that the band was an important factor in keeping the members of the fire brigade together, and as Greenwood was one of the few Boundary towns that had an efficient band every encouragement should be given it. On motion of Aldermen Nelson and Mathison it was decided to grant the band the sum of $50."

The Greenwood Citizens Band, c. 1906
[ Photo: Greenwood Museum, #P76 ]

It's interesting to note the connection made above between the brass band and the Greenwood fire brigade. A Times report from 1899_[9] notes that:

"Friday evening, December 22nd, the fire department will have a Christmas masque ball in Miller's Hall. Both the department's brass band and orchestra will be in attendance."

This appears to be one and the same group as the Greenwood Citizens Band. Sometime in 1903, it appears that Mr. A. D. Hallett, Chief of the Greenwood fire brigade, took over the task of Bandmaster from George E. Richardson. In fact, it was common at the turn of the century for fire brigades to maintain brass bands. Phoenix had their own fire brigade band.

In March of 1903,_[10] City Council appointed a committee (Ald. Ross and Gulley) to discuss matters in connection with the citizens' band, and this perhaps marks the time when band leadership changed.

By 1906, the band was asking the City to support them by way of facilities,_[11-12] asking Council to erect a band stand, promising that they would begin holding weekly evening concerts as soon as it was erected.

"An effort is being made to have a band stand erected for the use of the band. The city council have been petitioned to furnish the whole or part of the funds necessary. The citizens as well as the council should take this matter up and have a band stand erected at an early date."

Official Events

Among the many official events and important regional events the Greenwood Citizens Band played at, traditional annual celebrations were many. In 1900, the band traveled to Midway to play at their celebration of the Queen's Birthday._[13] In turn, the Midway Brass Band came to Greenwood to play at our Labor Day celebration. In 1902, it was the Grand Forks brass band who came to Greenwood, to support our Victoria Day celebrations. The following two years, our Citizens Band played at Midway's Victoria Day celebration, and again in 1906.

By 1904, the Greenwood Citizens Band was well known throughout the region for its fine presentation of music._[14]

"The Greenwood Citizens' band is increasing in numbers and musical ability. The band is an organization of which Greenwood is deservedly proud. An order has been given for natty uniforms for the boys. These should be here before the Grand Forks street carnival where the band plays a two day engagement. Later on a concert will be given to raise funds to pay for the uniforms."

Another important civic event the band performed at was an August 1905 Banquet_[15] in honour of Duncan Ross, long-time editor of the Boundary Creek Times. The banquet was given in honour of Ross's efforts in fighting for the railway, and that evening, "the Greenwood Citizens' band, in their natty uniforms, played several selections in honor of the occasion."

The band's appearance at the 1906 carnival in Rossland,_[16] towards which our City Council contributed travel funds, was a great success, and put Greenwood's musicians in the spotlight:

THE GREENWOOD BAND
Plays Sweet Music and Wins Kind Words From People and Press

BOUQUETS FOR THE BAND

"The Greenwood band have made a hit and they are the most popular fellows in the city. Their excellent music contributed largely to the success of the masquerade and all through they have played an important part. The Rossland Miner remarks that "As an amateur organization this band is well worth hearing; indeed it would shame many professional bands. The members are a fine lot of men and entered into the spirit of the carnival with much zeal."

So much did Rossland appreciate the Greenwood Citizens Band, that they invited them for a return to visit that summer:_[17]

WILL PLAY ABROAD
Citizens' Band Will Visit Republic and Rossland Next Month

"The Citizens' band is a local organization that may be depended upon to do Greenwood honor, from a musical standpoint, wherever they appear. Towns less favored than the metropolis of the Boundary that have had the privilege of hearing these musicians in days gone by have been longing ever since for the return of the boys in scarlet. Among these are Republic and Rossland, and the former has invited the band to assist in the Fourth of July celebration there, and the invitation has been accepted. Rossland has arranged for the band to take part in the Miners' anniversary to be held on July 16th. For the entertainment of local admirers the band will give a concert in the Auditorium on July 26th."

Fundraising Events

Although very popular with local residents and audiences outside the Boundary, the brass band was constantly concerned with the business of fundraising._[18] Keeping their instruments in good repair, paying the bandmaster's wage, updating their snazzy uniforms… all cost money. But the band was very proactive about earning their way.

Beginning in the Winter of 1902, the band leased the indoor skating rink for the season, and put on various events there, charging a small admission fee. The first season they offered two concerts a week at the rink. Their success in these endeavours was noted by council in its annual reports:_[19]

"Geo. E. Richardson bandmaster, D.A. McKenzie, pres. and L. B. Hodge secretary reported on behalf of the Citizens Band. Briefly they stated that the number of active members are 19, that the city owns 19 instruments, and four members have instruments of their own leaving room for four additional players as soon as they can be secured. The city instruments are worth $415.

That the city band is an enterprising institution is shown by their having leased the skating rink. The proceeds if any from running the rink will probably go towards securing uniforms. The officers asked that the influence of the council in maintaining the leading musical organization in the leading town of the Boundary."

In January, the happy events led by the band at the skating rink spilled over to the streets of Greenwood,_[20] when 300 people came to the rink, half of them dressed in costume for the first Masquerade Carnival:

"In the afternoon the members of the Citizens Band paraded the streets dressed up in costume to represent the "Hayseed Band". By the number of spectators (not counting dogs) who watched the different antiques of the Hayseeds and listened to the music we may also say this Grand Parade was a great success and did much in trying to make the carnival such a success. The Citizen's band have asked the Times to publish the following card:

On behalf of the members of the Citizens Band I thank the citizens of the town for their very generous patronage they gave our carnival on Thursday and I am also specially instructed to thank the gentlemen who donated prizes and acted as judges and door keepers for that occasion.

Yours respectfully,
L. BRUCE HODGE Sec. Treas.
Greenwood Citizens Band
Greenwood B. C,, Jan 16, 1903"

A second carnival was held that month, and prizes for best costume included a $5 gold piece:_[21]

"There was a large crowd at the second carnival, held at the skating rink on Thursday evening, under the management of the Citizens Band. The costumes were even prettier than on the previous occasion and some of the couples were very handsomely costumed and showed that a great deal of interest and trouble had been taken in getting them up and well deserved, the prizes they won."

A few weeks later, this announcement tells us the carnival had become an ongoing winter event for Greenwood:

"The citizens' band intend holding a masquerade carnival at the rink on Thursday, January 7. Get your face ready for the occasion."

By the next Fall, the band had put together a fresh repertoire of music, and performed for local residents:_[22]

"The concert given by the Greenwood Citizens' Band in the Auditorium on Wednesday evening was a great success, whether gauged by numbers present or by the programme given. The hall was filled by a appreciative audience which appeared to enjoy the excellent bill of fare. The programme was varied, embracing music by the band, vocal and instrumental solos, recitations, tableaux and an address, and there wasn't a bad piece on the list. The boys have every reason to be proud of their entertainment and its reception by their friends. The concert was followed by a social dance." [ ]

"The concert Wednesday evening must have netted the band boys a neat sum. A member of the band remarked today that when they received the $150 still due from the Grand Forks people for music furnished at their carnival, they would be out of debt."

That the band continued on successfully is noted in this Times report, from January 1905:_[23]

"The Greenwood Citizens' band held its annual meeting at the band room Monday night. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows: Hon. President, Mayor Naden; president, A. Eogan; Vice-President, L. B. Hodge; Sec'y-Treas., A. D. Hallett. It was decided to hold an entertainment in the near future as the band is in need of funds to purchase several new instruments. The organization is in first-class shape, and Bandmaster Hallett expects to be in even better condition than last year."

We can understand the effort required of the Citizens Band to raise adequate funds for its operation, given that in 1905, the admission price to a full concert was just 75 cents per person.

Greenwood Citizens Band Programme
[ Photo: Boundary Creek Times ]

The band faced other challenges, as well, and no doubt found it somewhat challenging to keep the audience full for their sustained program of concerts and performances over the year. From the Times, May 1905:_[24]

"The band concert in the Auditorium Monday evening was not so well attended as many, especially the performers, would have liked to see. However, the tickets were sold, so there is the consolation of knowing the band did well financially. Their work on Monday evening was a sort of a revelation, and in some of the selections they were listened to with delight, and after the concert many congratulations were tendered Bandmaster Hallett.

The concert, though very good, was altogether too long, the result being that the vocalists on the second part only sang to half an audience. Had the programme been cut in two it would have just been the right length."

Even with the challenging of keep the local concert halls full, the band continue to push its growth, as reported by the Times in December 1905:_[25]

"A meeting was held in the city hall Monday evening to devise ways and means by which the Citizens' band could be continued. There was not a very large turnout. A. D. Hallett, the bandmaster, stated that the boys were not asking for financial support, but if work could be obtained in the nearby mines for fifteen musicians it would increase the number to 34 or 35 pieces, making the band one of the best in the province. No definite action was taken at the meeting, it being decided to hold another meeting after the Christmas holidays." [ ]

"Greenwood Citizens' Band. Give the Band your support. If you can't boost, don't knock. By helping others is one way of gaining more for yourself. Help the Band. We are not asking you for subscriptions, but we are asking you for support.—The band."

Events held at the skating rink continued to help support the Citizens Band. By January 1906, the Times _[26-27] was reporting that:

"The Citizens' band played in the skating rink yesterday evening. The rink is the most popular resort in the city this season, doubtless owing to the excellent management of Captain Swayne."

"The Greenwood skating rink is being generally patronized this winter. The band proves a great drawing card. Preparations are being made for the big fancy dress carnival on the 15th, and some startling costumes will be seen on the ice."

The Greenwood Citizens Band, c. 1910
[ Photo: Greenwood Museum, #P181 ]

Social Events

Among the very many social events the Citizens Band played at, the following highlights give us a sense of just how much the band was part of the fabric of Greenwood society.

1903:

The Women's Association of St. Columba Presbyterian Church's "Rainbow" Social
Met Mayor Smailes at the station upon his return from a trip to the coast
Ball Tournament
Greenwood aerie of the Eagles club's excursion to Curlew Lake, picnic for 500
Met Dr. and Mrs. Spankie at the station upon their return from a honeymoon
Greenwood Miners Union's 4th Anniversary celebration
Met J. R. Brown M. P. P. and his wife at the station, upon their return from honeymoon

1904:

Shaw's annual bonfire and garden party, fundraising for the Presbyterian church
The funeral procession for Herbert Redpath
Oddfellows of the Boundary supper event

1905:

C.P.R. excursion train and Hot Air line to Republic's Fourth of July celebration
Greenwood lawn fete
Ladies of the Methodist Church ice cream and strawberry social
The Oddfellows anniversary church parade
The Oddfellows of Boundary Valley Lodge, attending services at the English church, in full regalia and accompanied by the band

1906:

The Presbyterian Church's Mikado Festival
Dance in the Masonic Hall

1907:

Commercial Hotel impromtu concert, the band in their new khaki uniforms
Presbyterian Church garden party
Republic, WA Fourth of July

In the first decade of the 1900s, any event that was not graced by the presence of the Greenwood Citizens Band was likely not as wonderful as it might have been. As one witty Times writer put it:_[28]

"All the large stores in Greenwood were closed Empire Day. A few of the residents went over to Grand Forks to see how dull a town really can be without throwing up the sponge. Neither Foulds Bros. nor the Citizens' band went over."

Boundary Creek Times — Dec 22, 1905
[ Photo: Greenwood Museum, #P181 ]

GREENWOOD CITIZENS BAND REPERTOIRE

For a non-professional brass band, the Citizens Band had a surprisingly large and refined repertoire. Among the many pieces they reportedly performed were the following:

Marches:

"Noisy Boys" by Emms
"Tried Buglers" by Branhall
"The Kilties" by Morris
"Blaze Away" by Holznian
"Noisy Bill" by Lowey
"Scott's Special" by Phillips
"Blue Bell Medley" by Morse

Waltzes:

"Lazarre" by Blanke
"Spanish Silhouetts" by Pomery
"The Crescent" by Allee

Idyles & Melodies:

"Meditation" by Morrison
"Gounod" by Faust
"Old Hundred"
"Sonata in B-flat" by Chopin
"Yuss" by Chevalier

A Tone Picture (long scales):

"Southern Breezes" by Atherton

Cornet Solo:

"Down in the Deep" by Petrie

FOOTNOTES:

[1] Boundary Creek Times — Nov 21, 1896, p. 7
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0170617

[2] Boundary Creek Times — Jan 23, 1897, p. 10
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0170349

[3] Boundary Creek Times — Jun 10, 1899, p 3
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0170426

[4] Boundary Creek Times — Jul 01, 1899, p. 8
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0170384

[5] Boundary Creek Times — Dec 09, 1899, p. 8
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0170318

[6] Greenwood Weekly Times — Sep 12, 1900, p. 6 & 7
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0172852

[7] Boundary Creek Times — Jan 29, 1904, p. 6
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0170933

[8] Boundary Creek Times — Feb 09, 1906, p. 4
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0171835

[9] Boundary Creek Times — Dec 16, 1899, p. 12
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0170316

[10] Boundary Creek Times — Mar 06, 1903, pp. 1 & 3
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0171077

[11] Boundary Creek Times — Mar 24, 1905, p. 6
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0172466

[12] Boundary Creek Times — Apr 14, 1905, p. 6
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0171963

[13] Annual Celebrations & Official Events:

Greenwood Weekly Times — May 19, 1900, pp. 2 & 3
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0172761

Greenwood Weekly Times — Aug 16, 1901, p. 6 & 8
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0172941

Boundary Creek Times — May 16, 1902, p. 1
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0171113

Boundary Creek Times — May 15, 1903, p. 5
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0170859

Boundary Creek Times — May 20, 1904, p. 1
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0171135

Boundary Creek Times — May 18, 1906, pp. 5 & 8
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0172013

[14] Boundary Creek Times — Jul 22, 1904, p. 6
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0170980

[15] Boundary Creek Times — Aug 04, 1905, p. 1
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0171922

[16] Boundary Creek Times — Feb 09, 1906, p. 4
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0171835

[17] Boundary Creek Times — Jun 29, 1906, p. 1
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0171802

[18] Citizens Band Fundraising Efforts & Events:

Boundary Creek Times — Nov 14, 1902, p. 5
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0170825

Boundary Creek Times — Dec 12, 1902
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0171059

Boundary Creek Times — Dec 25, 1903, p. 1
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0171002

Boundary Creek Times — Apr 28, 1905, p. 6
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0171966

[19] Boundary Creek Times — Jan 09, 1903, p. 1
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0170929

[20] Boundary Creek Times — Jan 16, 1903, p. 5
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0170931

[21] Boundary Creek Times — Jan 30, 1903, p. 3
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0170884

[22] Boundary Creek Times — Oct 28, 1904, pp. 1, 5 & 8
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0170853

[23] Boundary Creek Times — Jan 13, 1905, p. 6
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0171829

[24] Boundary Creek Times — May 05, 1905, p. 5
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0172016

[25] Boundary Creek Times — Dec 15, 1905, pp. 4 & 8
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0171894

[26] Boundary Creek Times — Jan 05, 1906, p. 4
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0172488

[27] Boundary Creek Times — Jan 12, 1906, p. 6
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0172626

[28] Boundary Creek Times — May 26, 1905, p. 8
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0171970