Pictured here is the Perryville Boys' Band in about 1929. In June of that year, the Perry County Republican reported that there had “started a movement in Perryville that should have the commendation of all our people. There has been organized a boys’ band that is now having regular rehearsals under a competent instructor.”
The article went on to praise the idea that it was “a wholesome creation with associates that are engaged in a worthwhile occupation.”
For several years following, the band played for a variety of people and occasions. On May 29, 1930, the band gathered at the Union Soldier Monument on the courthouse lawn to help observe Memorial Day and served up some patriotic tunes for attendees.
In June of 1930, the band helped celebrate the opening of the Perryville Municipal League’s first baseball season by first playing a concert in the public square, then moving on to St. Vincent’s Field, where they played several selections.
The band also performed at the War Mothers Flag Day program in June of 1930. The band also performed at various community events, including the annual Lutheran Church & School Picnic and the Seminary Picnic.
The Perry County Historical Society has tentatively identified some of the boys in the picture. The boy in the first row on the far left appears to be a young “Bud” Flentge. Second row, second from left is Stephen Paul Bey. Third row, second from left is Wallace Young, and at the far right in that row, sitting on the stair railing is a young Le-Roy Hart. Fourth row, far left and playing the baritone horn is who we believe to be Sandy Klaus.
Can you identify anyone? Please contact the Perry County Historical Society at 573-768-2470 or percohistsoc@ yahoo.com if you can help.
Thanks to Mary Lynne Young Gotto for donating this treasure to the PCHS.
