Calhoun Boys Band,

 "His musical Inclination drew him; along with other musicians to institute the Northumberland cornet Band In 1882. 

The name of the band was changed in the 90' to the Northumberland Military Band and later, Calhoun's Band. From Calhoun's Band originated the 103rd Regimental Cavalry Band in 1917, during the World War, and later the Calhoun's Boys Band. " - Obituary of William Calhoun Sr, 1935

Photo From:

https://www.facebook.com/Norry17857/photos/a.1453943794902437/2602709550025850/

In August 1934, Calhoun's Boys Band was in the Fireman's Parade in Northumberland, with a complete roster of 54 boys led by Director Daniel Calhoun.

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Boys' Band Follows Christmas Custom

- December 25th 1946

Calhoun Boys Band was on the job early Christmas morning and made its annual tour about the town playing beautiful Christmas music, with the result that one of the finest serenades in many a year was accomplished with the unit returned to the band hall, Second street, shortly before noon that day. 

 The group met at the band hall at 7 o'clock and at 7:15 o'clock began its long trek about the borough playing before various homes and at -nearly every street intersection. Contributions from the citizens amounted to $103 which will be used for the upkeep of accessories and to purchase new-music.

 The serenading was completed shortly before noon and was the earliest quitting hour the boys have attained in recent -years. Members of the  band deserve much credit for leaving their homes to form the unit and to serenade the citizens.

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1934

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December 26 1946

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In September of 1943, The Calhoun Boys Band, who had played for all football games, was to be dropped from the program and replaced with a High School Band.

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William H. CALHOUN, SR  DIES; 

OPERATED UP0N 4YRS AG0 

WILLIAM H. CALHOUN. SR. William H. Calhoun. Sr., 77. dean of musicians in Central Pennsylvania, former State Legislator and at one time Warden of the -Northumberland County Prison, died at his home, 72 Orange street, Northumberland. 

He had been In failing health since an operation four years ago. but despite that fact retained a position as watchman at the court house until stricken while at work on March 7. He was removed home end for the past week had been in a critical condition. 

Funeral services will be held at the late home at 1:30 o'cIock Wednesday afternoon and continued at the First Presbyterian Church, Northumberland, at 2 o'clock, in charge of Rev. Kenneth F. Fox. Interment will be made in Riverview cemetery. 

Two bands which he organized, Calhoun's Band and Calhoun's Boys Band, and the 103rd Cavalry Band, will march with the cortege to the cemetery. In accordance with a death-bed request. 

Northumberland merchants will close their stores from 2 to 3 P. M Wednesday, In honor of Mr. Calhoun, during the funeral rites. 

William H. Calhoun, of Irish and Scotch parentage, was born at the "Foot of Penn" in the Allegheny mountains, near Duncansville, Blair County, March 2, 1858, the son of Samuel and Jane Galley Calhoun.

 Mr. Calhoun, dean of Pennsylvania band masters and instructors of musicians was noted aa a boy for his musical inclinations, always trying to take music out of various utensils. His musical education consisted of hard study. 

He first learned to play a bass horn, but later concentrated on the cornet, especially the E flat Instrument, on which he became very proficient.

 His musical Inclination drew him; along with other musicians to institute the Northumberland cornet Band In 1882. 

The name of the band was changed in the 90' to the Northumberland Military Band and later, Calhoun's Band. 

From Calhoun's Band originated the 103rd Regimental Cavalry Band in 1917, during the World War, and later the Calhoun's Boys Band. The old Calhoun Band still retains its organization and on March 6, honored it leader of 52 years with a testimonial banquet attended by more than three hundred musicians

. The Old Bandmaster retired as such in 1933 leaving the Calhoun's Boys Band under the leadership of his son, D. K. Calhoun.

 Three sons follow In his footsteps as bandmasters, William H. Calhoun, Jr, director of the Sun- bury Tall Cedars Band; Edward S. Calhoun, director of the 203rd Regimental Cavalry Band, and D. K. Calhoun, director of the Calhoun's Boys Band; also grandsons, Charles Meekins and Edward Meekins, who direct small Dutch Bands.

 Bands which Prof. Calhoun organized and Instructed are the Calhoun's Band. Calhoun's Boys Band, Odd Fellows Orphanage Band, Shamokin Dam and Montgomery Citizens' Band. He also was leader and Instructor of bands at Lewistown, Berwick, Bloomsburg, Lewisburg West Milton, New Berlin, Mifflinnburg, Elysburg, Dalmatia and Asherton.

 It is said that he started more than a thousand instrumentalists on their musical career many of them afterward attaining national prominence.

 In addition to instructing bands he in years past had attained distinction as a choir director.

 He served a term as Assembly man at Harrisburg, from the first district of Northumberland County in 1925-28.

 Previously he was warden of the Northumberland County Jail from 1921 to 1923.

 Mr. Calhoun was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Fraternally be was affiliated with Northumberland Lodge 198. L O. O. F. and Sunbury Lodge, 267, B. P. O. E. Shikellirny Encampment No. 33, and an honorary member of Northumberland Post, 44, American Legion.

 He received a distinguished service citation from the Pennsylvania Department of the American Legion for his outstanding work as a band leader. He 1 survived by his widow, Mrs. Elizabeth Williams Calhoun, and the following children, Mrs. Anne O. Meekins, Daniel K. Calhoun, Margaret K. Calhoun, and Edward S Calhoun of Northumberland.

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 Recently  I was given access to a collection of old band photos.  Rather than stick them in a folder for later, I'm going to put them all online quickly, and then I can come back and fill in the histories at a later date.

Find the Index Of Band Photos Here
https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2019/11/bands-in-susquehanna-valley.html