CoronetBandText

Here's what Nancy has already written to get us started: Farmington’s Coronet Band

The band’s beginning may have started with an idea to organize but it wasn’t until March of 1873 when the idea actually became something more. [March 20 1873 – Farmington Chronicle] We learn that the young men of our village are again attempting to organize a brass band. A preliminary meeting was held Tuesday evening in Engine Hall, and another will be held Thursday evening. A paper is now in the hands of Capt. F. V. Stewart, who will present it to our citizens, and we hope all will encourage the movement.

The group met a week later [March 27 1873- Farmington Chronicle] and an appeal went out to the community “…money is needed to buy instruments. Let no one be ungenerous when the subscription paper is passed to him…” The group met at the music room of C. A. Allen and tried out a number of instruments.

[April 17 1873 - Farmington Chronicle] “One of the pleasantest duties that we ever performed, editorially, is to call attention to the announcement made in another column by Capt Merrill, chairman of the subscription committee, relative to the Farmington Coronet Band and we are sure that those of our citizens who have helped the good work along will take equal pleasure in reading the results.” Another meeting was scheduled at the Engine Hall (Thursday) evening.

[April 24, 1873- Farmington Chronicle] The subscribers met at the Engine Hall for the purpose of purchasing instruments for a Cornet Band to be formed in Farmington. Capt. E. I. Merrill called the meeting to order. Hon. F. G. Butler was chosen chairman, and A. H. S. Davis clerk. A committee of two – Hon. J. W. Fairbanks (Chairman and financial Agent) and George B. Cragin was chosen to purchase the necessary instruments; it was voted that the remaining funds in the hands of the Financial Agent after the instrument purchase, shall be turned over to the Treasurer of the band for the purpose of employing a first class teacher. “It was voted that the Purchasing Committee be directed to consult some legal gentlemen for the purpose of ascertaining in whom to properly rest the title of these instruments….”

By May 1st, the subscription money for purchasing the instruments had been nearly all collected, and the purchasing committee was heading to Boston to buy instruments of “First Class German Silver”. John C. Stewart gave the band a pair of cymbals, and Thomas Williams, manufacturer of drums at Farmington Falls, will furnish the drums, making the band a present of the smaller one.

Hon. J. W. Fairbanks, financial agent of the subscribers for the fund raised to purchase instruments for the Coronet Band went to the Boston Musical Instrument Manufactory and purchased instruments, which arrived in the village and were exhibited in Mr. F’s parlor. [May 15 1873 – Farmington Chronicle] They are beaties, made of the best German silver, and consists of the following pieces: 2 Eb Coronets, 2 Bb coronets, 1 baritone, 1 Bb bass, 2 Eb tenor, 1 30inch bass drum, 1 16 inch drum, 1 pair 11 inch cymbals. The firm warrants the instruments to be correct in tone and tune, and the workmanship to be first class and durable in all respects. The band has secured a competent teacher and the first lesson will be given next Monday night.

The subscribers met [May 22 1873 – Farmington Chronicle], F. C. Perkins was chosen chairman and A. H. S. Davis Clerk. F. C. Perkins, F. G. Butler, and J. W. Fairbanks were elected Trustees, in whom the title to the instruments is to be vested in behalf of the subscribers. Several more meetings were held and in June [June 26, 1873 – Farmington Chronicle] Mr. A. P. Thompson of Bath was voted as teacher, showing that his services are appreciated. In July, the Chronicle reported they “dropped in” to a meeting of the band expecting to hear all sorts of unpleasant sounds. “But we were happily disappointed” The band played “The Star Spangled Banner, Yankee Doodle, Waltzes, Quicksteps” and others. The remainder of the article expounded on the band’s talents, with the expectation of having a first class band.

In August [August 7 1873 – Farmington Chronicle] the band gave an out-door concern on the upper balcony of the Forest House. After the concert, Mr. Milliken provided the band with ice cream and cake. “Our band is getting to be an institution of which any community might feel proud. They have already received requests for their professional services from two or three quarters”.

In September, the band held a concert at the Court House and A. P. Thomason of Bath conducted. They also played at the Fair on Sept. 24th.


 * Additional research needed here **