NORWICH – In July of 2010, Norwich City Band Business Manager Lee Wilhelm began searching for the names and history of a group of local musicians pictured, in uniform, in front of the T.S. Baker Drug Store. The problem? The T.S. Baker Drug Store no longer exists. And the photo? It was taken in 1907 and discovered by Wilhelm hanging on a wall at Fred’s Inn.
Over the past year, Wilhelm has identified only two of the band’s members, trombonist L. A. Cevasco and conductor William K. Johnson. In addition, he discovered a short article on the band – including the same photo – located on page 45 of the New York Interior Illustrated Magazine, Vol. 1, No. 2, published in 1907.
In the article, the band is described as the successor of the 22-member Red Men’s Enterprise Band, founded by S. M. Blanford in 1897. Re-christened the Norwich City Band in 1903, the group was “famous throughout the central portion of the state for its high class music,” according to the article. The directors at that time were S. M. Blanford, president; John Metzinger, vice president; Ira Robb, financial secretary and William Elliot, treasurer.
Members of the band included H. A. Curtis, William Cook, Matt Greenleaf and Herbert Rosing on cornet; Lou Clayton, Charles Van Vleet and John Sweenberg on clarinet; altos A. D. Clayton, W. E. Miner and Hube Gregory; bassos Robb and William H. Griffin; Cevasco, George W. Elliot, Metzinger and Frank L. Ireland on trombone; Blanford on baritone; M. J. Brennan and James Robb on drums; Louis Pertilla on cymbals and Benj. Ebe and C. E. Rathbun on saxophone.
“We’re simply trying to develop a more detailed history of the band and its members,” said Wilhelm, who’s been involved with the Norwich City Band for over three decades. “We’re hoping to speak with any relatives of the band members found in this picture and we’re looking for old stories of the band.”
Wilhelm said he’s already researched the band’s history extensively, and has gathered a large collection of photos, newspaper articles and other clippings. He admitted, however, that the story is not yet complete, and he intends to continue with his research until it is. He plans to assemble a booklet or pamphlet on the band, which will be made available to the general public.
“I kind of fell into this information,” said the business manager-turned-historian. “Over the last couple of years, I’ve become increasingly interested in digging up more.”
Wilhelm is asking for anyone with information on the Norwich City Band to contact him at 336-8537.