When Sousa Came To Shoot - In Milton, 1914

 

John Philip Sousa ( November 6, 1854 – March 6, 1932) was an American composer and conductor of the late Romantic era known primarily for American military marches. He is known as "The March King".  Sousa wrote over 130 marches, including "Semper Fidelis", the official march of the US Marine Corps, Stars & Stripes Forever, the National March of the United States, & The Liberty Bell, best known as the theme song from Monty Python's Flying Circus.

On June 19th 1914, Sousa came to Riverside Park, the Amusement Park between Milton and Watsontown, for the Milton Sportsman's Club Trap Shoot.  See photos of Riverside Park here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/search?q=Riverside+Park

Sousa at an unidentified trap shoot.  

"Attended Shoot at Milton. W. T. Speiser, of this city [Danville], yesterday attended the second registered tournament of the Milton Sportsmen's association, held at Riverside park at that place. The shoot was one of the largest and most notable .ever held in this section, noted amateur shots from all over the country participating. Among those who appeared behind the traps was John Philip Sousa, the famous baud master and composer, who is an ardent follower of the sport of trap shooting." - The Danville Morning News, June 1914

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While best known for being the "March King" and conductor of the United States Marine Corps B

and, John Philip Sousa was also a passionate outdoorsman and competitive shooter.

Sousa helped to represent the Navy during an Army versus Navy competitive shooting match in Pinehurst, NC in 1919, ending the day as the top shooter for the Navy.

 
The National Museum of the Marine Corps holds two double barrel shotguns from Sousa's personal collection. The first is a 12 gauge shotgun manufactured by the Hunter Arms Company of Fulton, New York. This A2 grade shotgun was shipped to Sousa on 10 August 1909 and features a fancy grade American black walnut stock and heavy engraving."