In the mid-1970's, the three oldest Grasshoppers got interested in "marching bands". Many Sundays in the summer were spent by Mom and myself sitting on street curbing along many main streets in northeast Wisconsin watching The Elms Band and The Top Hats. I know that Paul accompanied us to many parades. Paul's biggest activity was picking up all the bubble gum, suckers, candy and balloons that were thrown off the floats. I don't know if Margaret ever joined in the frivolity.
It started with the Elms Band. I know that Debs and Kelly were in the Elms band. Kelly played the trombone. Debs was in the color guard and I think played some percussion instruments. The Elms Band was more traditional with the emphasis on music and color guard. I don't know if Christopher played in the Elms. I do know there were lots of friendships created within the band. One of the Grasshoppers took my white camaro one night and got arrested for throwing raw eggs out the window at the car of another member of the Elms Band. Ah, maturity reined supreme.
Then there were the Top Hats. This was a more competitive unit with an emphasis on marching including snappy mini performances in the parade. I believe they competed at some of the picnics that against other marching units. There was some serious competition. I know that Chris played drums and Shelby Jr. marched. Shelby Jr. marched? Yep! I don't know if Shelby Jr. played an instrument. There was one year where Chris was voted top male performer and Shelby Jr. top female performer. I think Debs also marched in the Top Hats. I remember a black and white outfit.
Chris would practice drums on a "special pad" during the week and then if was off to the Sunday performances. I do remember that every parent of a Top Hat performer had to accompany the band troupe to one city during the summer and actually walk along side the band. The purpose was to help any band member suffering from heat or dropping their drum sticks. That is right! Your mom and I marched with the Top Hats in Kiel and I remember picking up more than one drum stick. What a Dad! What a Mom!
The parades were almost always on Sunday and within a 30-40 miles radius of Sheboygan. I know there were some longer trips but I don't think we followed the few that were taken. It was Mom, Dad, little Paul and many times Nana and Grandpa.
Paul could not tolerate the shrill whistles put out by old steam engines. Grandpa George grew up around steam locomotives and couldn't wait unitl the old steam engines came by. I know that mom would cover Paul's ears and rush him away from the parade route. This is a kid that would play music in his bedroom 12-14 years later that was so loud, it shook the house. Go figure.
The bands, the marching, the horns, the drums and the colorful outfits made Sunday parades an event in our life for some precious years. There are good memories. My guess is that the three older Grasshoppers have better memories.
Love,
Dad