Over 100 Years of History!
The Town and Country is a local newspaper “serving the municipalities of Bally, East Greenville, Green Lane, Hereford, Lower Salford, Marlborough, Milford, New Hanover, Pennsburg, Quakertown, Red Hill, Trumbauersville, Upper Hanover, Upper Salford, Washington Twp. and nearby communities.”
Check out these historic mentions of the Red Hill Band in the Town and Country, compiled by our very own Terry Bieler of the trombone section!
July 20 1901
Odd Fellows 50th Anniversary Parade. Participant: Red Hill Cornet Band 28 pieces.
May 24, 1902
One of the Most Progressive Musical Organizations of this Vicinity
Although only organized less than a year and a half ago they use professional band music
The Red Hill Band was organized December 7, 1900 by Eugene Styer of Red Hill. At the time it was started the band had 23 members and mostly all from Red Hill. This number has gradually increased to the number of twenty seven which number the band has at present. In this body can be found some of the best musicians and the band in general is made up of excellent musicians.
During the first few months after organization Eugene Styer was the conductor, after which Romanus Miller, then of Pennsburg, now of Allentown acted in that capacity for about two months. After his resignation Fred Ettinger, then of Bally now of Red Hill, was elected as conductor which position he still holds.
The band had many engagements during their existence and in fact filled engagements every Saturday during the summer months last year. They have numerous engagements for this season. The band is fast gaining a reputation as a famed musical organization, as it is becoming generally known that it uses all latest music used by professional bands.
(Article includes a picture of the band)
January 24, 1903
New Leader of Red Hill Band
David C. Croll of Pennsburg has this week been engaged as teacher of the Red Hill Band. Mr Croll is an experienced musician and there is no doubt but that the band will benefit by his teachings. He is also leader of the famous Croll’ s Orchestra.
May 16, 1903
Band Will Picnic at Red Hill
The Red Hill Band will hold a picnic on Saturday afternoon and evening of June 27 in Dr. Jesse Z. Hillegass picnic grove at Red Hill. A dance will be one of the attractive features in the evening.
May 30, 1903
Fred Eddinger, a member of our band, has been engaged by the Schwenksville Band to assist them in the Decoration Day exercises which will be conducted there today
November 7, 1903
Red Hill Bazaar Will Open Tonight
The Red Hill Band will open its bazaar in the band hall this evening. Charles Strohl, the Pottstown cornetist accompanied by two renowned musicians, will be present and render the music on this occasion. Thebazaar will continue to be open every Wednesday and Saturday evening until New Year.
November 21, 1903
Firemen’s Parade on Thanksgiving
The arrangements for the big firemen’s parade at Norristown on Thursday are completed and the residents of the county seat will witnessone of the largest parades ever given in that town. The Pennsburg Fire Company with the Red Hill Band will be in the first division
November 28, 1903
The Red Hill Band furnished the music for the Pennsburg Fire Company on Thursday
January 2, 1904
The Red Hill Band will serenade the citizens of the two boroughs of Red Hill and Pennsburg on New Year’s Day.
June 24, 1905
NOTED MUSICAL ORGANIZATION OF THE UPPER END MAKES WONDERFUL STRIDES
FOR PERFECTION
For a number of years Red Hill was the home of some rare musical talent, but development was lacking as organized opportunity to bring out the latent abilities of its citizens did not exist. Finally after much discussion it was determined to organize a band and in December 1900 a number of the young men and several older ones gathered togetherand formed what is now the well and favorably known Red Hill Band.
The first director chosen was Eugene Styer and under him considerable progress was made. He was succeeded by Romanus Miller. Soon after the election of Mr Miller he moved out of town and Frederick Eddinger was chosen as his successor. Mr Eddinger served till January 1, 1903 when the present director, David E. Croll of Pennsburg was chosen.
Under the direction of Mr. Croll the band has made wonderful progress so that although organized but a few years ago, it has come to be recognized as one of the leading musical organizations of the county, and not only is its fame confined to its immediate vicinity as it has filled engagements in various cities and towns within a circuit of thirty miles. It is the aim of Mr Croll to make this one of the largest and best bands to be found outside of the largest cities.
The band has an envious reputation for its fine appearance and for the excellent music rendered in parades. Its programs are made up of well known classical and popular selections so that they are able to cater to the taste of all who may desire their services.
Twelve engagements have been filled so far this season and there are a number of engagements booked for coming events. The service of the band is in constant demand and it well deserves the favorable comments so freely made in regard to its proficiency and the charming manner in which the selections are rendered.
(article is accompanied by photo of the band)
July 29, 1905
FIRE ENGINE WILL BE HOUSED NEXT SATURDAY
It Will Be an All Day Holiday for Residents of the Borough of Red Hill
The events of the day are:
- Firemen’s parade at 1: 30 p. m.
- Dedication of Engine House 2 p. m.
- Baseball game, Pathfinders vs. El Paterno of Norristown 3:00 p. m.
- Testing of engine 4 p. m.
- Firemen’s picnic afternoon and evening at C. F. Metz’s grove.
- The program at the engine house is:
- Invocation by Rev. G W. Lutz
- Music by the band
- Address by William H. Kern
- Housing of engine by Hancock Fire Co. of Norristown.
Many different bands and fife and drum corps will be present in the parade who will render music during the afternoon and evening. Among them will be the well known Red Hill Band which will render a concert both afternoon and evening.
August 12, 1905
St. Paul’s Sunday School picnic today in the woods near the church. Music by the Red Hill Band.
June 2, 1906
FIREMEN HONOR VALOR OF DEPARTED PATRIOTS
FINE DISPLAY ASSURED IN FIREMEN’S PARADE
The Pennsburg company will be under the command of Leo Sechler, the chief, and will be accompanied by the drum corps of the company.
The East Greenville company has engaged the Citizens’ band of that borough, and the Red Hill company will march behind the Red Hill Band.
June 9, 1906
PARADE ON MONDAY A MARKED SUCCESS
Red Hill Band, 25 pieces.
November 3, 1906
The bazaar of the Red Hill Band will be opened this evening in the hall at the hotel. A fine assortment of goods for the bazaar arrived on Tuesday. The Citizen’s Band of East Greenville will supply music this evening.
December 1, 1906
PENNSBURGERS LEAD NORRISTOWN PARADE
Because of Trouble With the Musicians Union Three Bands Refused to Parade.
Pennsburg and Red Hill Companies Turn Out
The Red Hill Company had fifty men, with John Von der Heide foreman. The Red Hill Band of 30 pieces accompanied the company.
June 15, 1907
Parade Today in Green Lane
Tohickon Tribe, Improved Order of Red Men, of Green Lane will have a picnic in Mark Hiltebeitel’s grove, that place, next Saturday. The Red Hill Band will supply music.
July 27, 1907
Band Purchased New Instruments
The Red Hill Band ,this week, added several new instruments. One is a new baritone and the other is a twenty-four inch bell Helicon Bass horn. The latter instrument will be used by John Pflieger.
September 21, 1907
Parade Today in Green Lane
Demonstration to Commemorate Golden Eagle Castle’s 20th Anniversary
The following organizations will be in line:- Red Hill Band
October 19, 1907
Pennsburg Fire Company Has Provided Many Attractions- Concert by Red Hill Band
The fair of the Pennsburg Fire Company will be opened in Harley’s Auditorium at 7 o’clock this evening. The Red Hill Band will give a concert.
October 26,1907
FIERMEN’S FAIR OPENED
Large Attendance on the First Night. Red Hill Band Gives Enjoyable Concert.
