The Drum and Bugle Corps

About 1932 the V.F.W. and Boy Scouts issued a call to all boys in the Menard and Bolton bands to join a drum and bugle corps.

An old soldier from World War "one" was put in charge.  There were about 75 volunteers making a good siz organization.  At this time money was short from the recession.  Our families had no way to purchase uniforms and drums and bugles.  The V.F.W. through a gift of a well to do person donated the drums and bugles, mostly equipment used before and donated, however very good quality and appearance.  Most of the boys were Boy Scouts and had uniforms, so Boy Scout uniforms became our uniforms.  Each scout troop had different colored neckerchief, so this made a very colorful corps of Boy Scouts.

Mr. Arthur Murphy, our leader, started our training immediately.  As most of the boys played in a band already knew how to march and obey commands.  It wasn't long before we surprised people of Alexandria Pineville marching in parades and other functions.  We continued operation about three years.  The last year we won the State Championship all around.  it was an organization enjoyed by all of us.  Our leader was a wonderful man and taught us a lot.

It was not too long before World War II started and most of us joined the Army or Navy.