132 Community

In July, 1889, the Souris Band and the Militia under Captain Brennan met the Souris Volunteers. The Band led a parade from the railway station through the streets of Souris t0 the tune of “Marching through Georgia." This was just two years after band instruments had been supplied by Miller Bros. 0f Charlottetown.

3'.

mum-s, l’H‘tun-h mm Past m mm

Souris Citizens Band c.1907

Back Row L-R: Frank Sterns, Frank Scully, l)r. J.C. Houston, Percy Seaman, Leander Paquet. Will Brennan, John Garrett, Joachim MacEachern.

Center Row LR: Jack Walsh, George Sutherland, Dr. G. Marven, Eustace Shaw, J.E. MacDonald, Morley Acorn.

Front Row IrRC Joe A. MacDonald (Norris Pond). Neil Maclsaac, Roy C. McLean, Claude Shaw. Hal Stems, Phil Carter.

The comets, drums, Clarinets, trombone and cymbals gave zest to the skaters in the rink on Church Avenue and entertainment to the Breakwater Tea Party of 190.": and many other social events. The Band made excursions by boat to play in Pictou and Georgetown and by train to play in such places as Miscouche and Summerside. In 1900, they played in the newly erected band stand built on land owned by Dr. P.A. MacIntyre, the present site of Dr. Stephen O'Brien’s home.

They played in St. Mary's Church in 1892 for the funeral of Edward Mitchell, age twenty-two, and again in 1893 for his brother, Neil, age twenty-one. Both boys had been members of the Band. They played in the Court House often at benefit concerts such as the one held in 1911 to raise money for the purchase of uniforms for the Cadet Corps of Souris High School. Theirown uniforms ofroyal blue serge trimmed with gold braid had been purchased for eight dollars apiece as military equipment and were first worn Easter Monday, April 24, 190:3.