Elk Falls Band

[W. Gray]

The Elk Falls Band, courtesy of Jarhead.


Behind the band is the old bank building that was on the corner south east of O&B Oil Co

[Jo McDonald]

Ohhhhh Man!!! I remember that building!!!
Jo

[frawin]

Does anyone have a clue as to who some of these people might have been?
Myrna

[W. Gray]

In the meantime, here is what the Elk County history book has to say about Elk Falls and its musicians:

"In 1875, a band was organized with Prof. George Hiss as band master and instructor. Professor Hiss had served as Band Master for the 9th Kansas Infantry during the Civil War. It is said he was proficient in composing and arranging band music as well as being a very good artist on the cornet and clarinet.

"Other bands through the years have been formed and furnished music throughout the county. One in particular was mentioned, called the Richolson Band-composed entirely of members of the Richolson family and their in-laws.

"Later a band was formed with Allen Richolson as director, which was made up mostly from the Richolson and McDiarmid families. This band would have done credit to a much larger town. One member, Robert Ross, later was a clarinet player in Sousa's Band for twenty years as well as playing with the Ringling Brothers Circus Band a number of years. Another member, Roy Williams did much for the music of the town; giving of his time and talent to instruct and perform.

"Like many small towns, Elk Falls had a band stand in the middle of Main Street, and the town band, led by Richolson, gave concerts there every Friday night during the summer. This brought everybody to town to listen to the music and visit with his neighbors.

"Elk Falls had several orchestras of which to be proud. They furnished music for many public entertainments. However, since the advent of radio and TV, the interest in local music has almost vanished."

The Howard bandstand (or, at least a bandstand) was on the northwest corner of the courthouse lawn. I can recall a guy in a white coat with gold braid on the shoulder with a baton in his hand leading the band players.

[Diane Amberg]

By the last name of Hill perhaps?

[W. Gray]

Harold was probably his first name.

[Diane Amberg]