ed for the final benedition in the church. This tradition was, unfortunately, discontinued in the 1940's.

THE OSSIAN BANDS

The history of hands in the town dates hack to the 1860s. The Cornet Band led the Independence Day parade of 1869 to Ellefson's grove where the participants were generously served a picnic dinner hy the ladies of the community.

On July 28, 1881, another Ossian Cornet Band was organized for the enjoyment of the members and the entertaiment of the community. The following are listed as members of this group: H. A. Baker, leader, 1st cornet; G. R. Baker, E. Cornet; C. H. Langbein, E. cornet; Charles Meyer, 1st E alto; E. Tinling, 2nd alto; Louis A. Meyer, tenor; A. D. Baker, baritone; J. Tinling, B bass; and F. Mills, bass drum.

On Jan. 1, 1886, the Silver Cornet Band was reorganized. Several new members were added. These musicians included: H. A. Baker, A. D. Baker, E. J. Harron, L. A. Meyer, C. H. Langbein, F. J. Helwig, R. Ferris, P. Meyer, John Boyle and J. J. Schmitz.

An item of 1889 notes that the Ossian Silver Cornet Band is giving open air concerts on the stage over the town pump. This reference to the bandstand at the town square would imply that, at least by this date, it consisted of no more than an unsheltered platform. Indeed, reference is made to a picnic held on the platform by the Universalist Church Ladies, and to the platform built as a speaking stage for the politicians. The bandstand received a new roof in 1900--suggesting an existing cover prior to that date.

A picture of the Comet Band of 1892 was carried by the Ossian Bee. The personnel of this organization included: Frank A. Figge, William Townsend, Lester Richards, William Hemesath, Otto Gleisner, Dr. William Pegg, Peter F. Meyer, Louis A. Meyer, Fred J. Figge, Henry Bohr, Alfred Morris, John E. Boyle, Otto Figge and H. Blanchaine.

In 1894, the band serenaded F. W. Dessel on the occasion of his birthday. The Dessel family had already retired for the night, so the host appeared in his night cap and gown to admit the visitors. The paper reported that "a high time was had by all".

A string band was organized this same year with W. A. Townsend, W. W. Carter, A. W. Oxley and Newton as members. Townsend, Geo. Carey, Will Helwig and F. J. Figge combined their talents to form an orchestra.

A Fife and Drum Corps was organized in 1899. Glen Oyloe, Joe Heinen, Ray Boyle and Adolph Gunderson were listed as fifers; Frank Gleisner, Felix Gleisner, Robert Hickie and Jess Limbeck were snare drummers; and Robert Brown beat the bass drum.

There were quite a variety of musical groups listed in this year: the Ossian Brass Band led the parade on Independence Day. An account of the entertainment at the street fair enumerates; "The Haymaker", "The Ossian Ghosts" and "The Kid Band".

The area bands of 1900 were called: Haymakers, Strawmakers, Jo Figge's Band,

The Charivari Band and the Hayseed Band—the latter defined as, "tillers of the soil in the Ossian vicinity".

An enthusiastic band meeting was held in 1902. It resulted in the founding of a new band with the following twelve musicians: William Hemesath, Henry Bohr, Frank Schroeder, Ed Wershing, 0. G. Gleisner, Jos. Figge, P. F. Meyer, John Hemesath, Jos. Meyer, J. E. Boyle, Philip Meyer and T. F. Schmitz. Wm. Hemesath was chosen as the leader. They secured the use of the second floor of the city hall for practice sessions. The members donated the necessary furnishings. Pete Meyer offered a stove; Hemesath Bros, the wood; Gleisner the lamps; and the rest chipped in on the oil. They held a wood-sawing bee in front of city hall. All who wished to help were advised to bring their buck and saw, along with plenty of elbow grease.

A brief item in 1915 mentions that a new twenty piece band was being organized under the leadership of M. H. Blankenheim.

We find no more on band organizations until the forming of the Boy's Band in 1928. Monte, the jeweler (R. E. Montagne) was the leader of this project. The services of Rube Bills, the Calmar bandmaster, were obtained to instruct the fled