----Source: "Clippings" from the Greenwood Gleaner, Miller Family Album

THE SILVER AND REED BAND--26 APR 1895.

1.Ray Stevens, 2.Leonard "Lennie" Shanks, 3.Henry Wollenberg, 4.Ed Wollenberg, 5.John Judge (bandmaster), 6.Ed Hirsch, 7.Anson Dewey, 8.Roland "Patsy" Johnston, 9.Hugh Meek, 10.William "Bill" Smith (drums), 11.Lynn H. Miller, 12.Smith H. Miller, 13.Hixon Mead, 14.Valentine Volk, 15.Fred Justice, 16.Lee Palmer, 17.Bennie Johnson, 18.Arch Stewart, 19.Fred Oelig, 20.Claude Carter, 21.Dave Stewart, 22.Jack Syth, 23.Herb White, 24.Charlie Tripp.
*This photo was taken at the Ed Burch home and Edna Burch can be seen peeking over the porch railing behind #8.
Courtesy of Patricia A. Kay, from the collection of her grandfather, Smith Honeywell Miller.

Greenwood Gleaner Article, Vol. 16, No. 17., 19 APR 1906
Transcribed by Janet Schwarze

One will travel far and come back again before he finds a town that for its size can show the record Greenwood has as the home of musicians, vocal and instrumental. This is especially true of band musicians.

Dating back over twenty-five years when such now-old-timers as Thos. Syth, Horace Weston, Dave Shanks and his brother Robert, Pete Stevens, Pete Klein, Jack Smith, Dave Warner and other lesser and greater notables, now scattered to the four winds of earth, the love of martial music as played by an ambitious and strong band, though possibly lacking in numbers and the fine technique now looked for in such organizations, was dominant. This generation not only served its day in making glad the desert places, but can truly be said to have begotten a new generation of musicians who have improved on their forebears privileges until they have made a record that cannot be beat in any town of Greenwood's size and in but precious few that are many times larger.

What is known as the present organization, the Greenwood Silver and Reed Band, dates back eleven years ago today. And probably more to one man, Charles A. Tripp, now of the Second Regiment Band of Marshfield, than to any other, is due the beginning of this organization of which every Greenwood citizen has just reason to be duly proud.

Charlie Tripp had recently come from Augusta where he had played in the local band under the leadership of Prof. John Judge. He was a barber and gradually the boys of the town gathered to his shop as a convenient and pleasant lounging place. Being quite a band enthusiast, the contagion soon caught among the boys who gathered at his shop. John Judge was invited to come over and get the boys together, enough having declared their desire to form an organization. This was along the last of March or the first of April. The desires of the various boys as to choice of parts, etc., was learned and the instruments were ordered.

It was eleven years ago today April 26, 1895 that the boys, all alive with enthusiasm and deeply imbued with the spirit of Orpheus, took their instruments in hand for the first time and met to begin the long practices which have resulted in making a band of well trained parts and a credit not only to the members composing it, but to the town in which they live.

That first meeting will probably live longer and be brighter in the memories of those participating in it or within hearing distance than the best memory or keenest imagination of an outsider can possibly match. It is certainly to the credit of the boys and shows their appreciation of others feelings that they wanted to get as far from the habitations of their friends and kinsmen as circumstances would permit. The meeting was held in the office of the Hutchinson Cooperage Co., the building that has since been bought and moved up town by C. H. Carter and used as his office. E. L. Hirsch, bookkeeper for the company, was one of the members of this historic organization and was elected at this meeting as its first president. The other officers were: Archie Stewart, secretary Henry Wollenberg, treasurer Jack Syth, drum major Prof. John Judge, director. Evidently everybody must have been manager, for none was elected or recognized as such at the time, so far as we have been able to learn.

The boys were organized for business and though not one of them, except Charles Tripp and their instructor, John Judge, had ever played a note until less than three months before they tackled the job of playing inspiring airs and lively marches for the Fourth of July celebration held in Greenwood that same year. It was a memorable day, the one that more than one old residenter harks back to when you talk about properly celebrating the Nation's birthday. Gov. Upham of Marshfield and the Marshfield militia were over and next to the Greenwood band were the chief attractions. And not withstanding their lack of experience the boys set the pace which has made the band famous since. They showed their metal and talent and did splendidly. The half-tone printed herewith is from a picture of the bad taken that day, on the lawn in front of E. T. Burch's residence.

The first job away from home at which this band played was at Thorp, in September of this same year. It was a Woodmen celebration of some nature. The boys must have made a hit, not only in quality of music furnished, but in terms, for the band was again engaged by the good people of Thorp for an Odd Fellow celebration the next spring, it being on the first anniversary of the band, April 26, 1896. The third outside job was to play at a Woodmen picnic at Steven's Point, where the band came into open competition with the outside world and won the day and the good will of the vast crowds present, as has been the custom at every such occasion since.

Thus was the beginning of the musical organization of which our citizens through all this time have had reason to be proud. But like every other enterprise this company of young men and boys have had its share of ups and downs, and the money question has been the hardest of any to down. Times there were a plenty, too, when the older members were hard tried and well nigh discouraged because some talented and popular member would be obliged to sever his connection with the band and go elsewhere to more lucrative fields would do as so many have done in these eleven years go west to grow up with the country. But discouraging as it might be to the trained members to take the new beginners through the tedious stunts of sitting in to fill the vacant places as they occurred from time to time, there were always plenty ready to fill the gap and in due time become one of the tried and true ones.

And in this connection it should be a source of pleasure to know that with hardly an exception those who have served their time in the Greenwood band and later gone out to battle in the wider fields of life's activities, have been successes and are achieving honor, position and a goodly portion of this world's goods. Some have served their country under the star and stripes, and have since been called to other and we trust to higher duties in the Great Beyond. Fred Williams and Fred Justice are these. Others are holding trusted positions in mercantile companies, banks and the various professions. Still others, like Hixon Mead, Charlie Tripp, Philo Mead and possibly one or two others we cannot think of now, have at different times added strength to other and larger bands and their parent organizations. Whether as farmers, musicians in a larger band or in the various professions represented by the old band boys, they have set a worthy example for their youthful successors to follow as time and circumstances shall direct.

In the large picture above are shown the following: Lennie Shanks, Henry and Ed. Wollenberg, E. L. Hirsch, Ansie Dewey, Hugh Meek, and Patsy Johnston with cornets Lynn Miller, piccolo Smith Miller, Hixon Mead, Val Volk, clarinets Fred Justice, Lee Palmer, Bennie Johnson and A. Stewart, altos Dave Stewart, baritone Herb White and Fred Oelig, trombones Charles Tripp and Claude Carter, tubas Will Smith, snare drums, Ray Stevens, bass drum John Judge, conductor John Syth drum major.

Only three of the above, of the band, are still playing regularly with the band as it will appear to be these being shown in the smaller half-tone below.

Val Volk, Claude Carter and Ed. Wollenberg.

It will be noted by comparing the two pictures that eleven years make quite a change in the appearances as to age, maturity, etc.

It will be interesting to our readers to know what has become of the members of this first organization, as well as of the others who have served their time with the band between this first group and the present organization. As nearly as we can do so we give their present addresses and occupations. Henry Wollenberg is bookkeeper for the Medford Mfg. Co. at Medford; Ed. Wollenberg is assistant cashier in the Greenwood State Bank; Lennie Shanks is millwright at Mellen; E. L. Hirsch is still with the Hutchinson Cooperage Co., in Brinkley, Ark.; Ansie Dewey is a druggist, somewhere in the Walla Walla Valley; Hugh Meek is braking on the main line of the Wisconsin Central; Rolla Johnston is assistant cashier of the Colby State Bank; Lynn Miller is interested in a large lumber company at Tacoma; Smith Miller is with the Columbia River Lumber Co., at Wenatchee; Hixon Mead is looking after his father's farm; Val Volk is interested with his brother in the tailor business; Fred Justice is dead; Bennie Johnson is braking for the Wisconsin Central; Archie Stewart is a physician at Portland, Oregon; Levi Palmer is at Tacoma, Wash.; Herb White is braking for the Wisconsin Central from Fond du Lac; Fred Oelig is clerking for the Farmers Co-operative Supply Co.; Charles Tripp is running a barber shop in Marshfield Claude Carter is a painter Will Smith is general manager for the Columbia River Lumber Co., at Wenatchee, Wash. Ray Stevens is cashier for the Earl Bros., commission merchants of Chicago John Judge, still directing bands and teaching beginners the delights of music; John Syth, farming and dutifully caring for his new wife and aged mother; Charles Wollenberg, is deputy county clerk at Grand Rapids, Minnesota Fenet Wollenberg has just become interested in a farm at Irby, Wash. but for the past few years has been keeping books for a large mill and elevator at Ritzville, Wash. Philo Mead is an auditor for the Northwestern Railway Alvin Larson is bookkeeper in a bank at Park Falls; Ralph Van Voorhis has just completed a course at the LaCrosse Business college; Charles Sheets has just gone from the business college to a good position at Wheaton, Minnesota; Frank Peterson is farming at Grass Valley, Oregon; Denver Green is farming in the town of Warner; Fred Williams is dead; Charles Hepburn is railroading; B. O. Dodge is principle of the Algoma Schools; Frank Soule is in Milwaukee; Glen Armstrong is braking out of Fond du Lac; John Baxter is in the west for his health; H. V. Ross is with the International Harvester works at Madison; Harry Bryden is logging at Park Falls.

The personnel of the band now is as follows: Joseph Klinke, Malcolm Pfunder and Val Volk, clarinets Albert Eidsmore, Ralph Thompson and Ed. Wollenberg, cornets Harry Hartson, Jos. Thompson and Arvard Moeberg, altos Carl Shoemaker, trombone sever Eidsmore, baritone Claude Carter, bass Elmer Sheets, snare drum F. M. Carter, drum major Ed. Wollenberg, director; Claude Carter, manager. After tonight concert several new players who have been taking lessons from Val Volk for the past few months, will sit in , as the boys call it. With the exception of the two last named who are not ready to begin now, the new ones are as follows: Al. N. Simon, clarinet Wellen Hartson, alto; Charles W. Smith, bbass Liewellyn Youngs and Albert Huber, cornets.

Not the least interesting to the boys in the band during these eleven years has been the financial side. Nearly $3,000 has been paid out during this time for instruction. Over half as much more has been invested in instruments. (missing part)

An Institution like this in a small town is something to be proud of and to work loyally with and for at every possible opportunity, and it is no doubt owing to the fact that the boys appreciate such a spirit around them that has helped to keep the band as strong and well maintained as it has been during these eleven years. Let this spirit around them that has helped to keep the band as strong and well maintained as it has been during these eleven years. Let this spirit of harmony, loyalty and pride in a worthy home institution continue into the future indefinitely. The band deserves it and will be well repaid on the part of the public which is fortunate enough to have such a company in its midst.


 

The Silver and Reed Band
Marching on Main Street, Greenwood, Wisconsin in 1903.


Roland Johnston
A member of the Silver Reed Band and a nephew of Hattie Shanks and Belle Burch.

THE FIRST BAND
Transcribed by Janet Schwarze
Greenwood Gleaner Clipping, courtesy of the Greenwood Public Library

The first band in Greenwood had for its members: Pete Stevens, Jack Smith, Dave Shanks, Babb Syth, Tom Syth, Dick Stoker, Peter Klein, Pete Peterson and Ed Parker. The first director was a Mr. Neiman from Neillsville. Later Mr. Luder, who lived about one mile east of what is now the Schilling cheese Factory.

The last time this old band played was for a Fourth of July celebration. It had been advertised that a Negro band from Marshfield would take part in the celebration. The members of this band dressed, blackened to look like Negroes and boarded the Soo Line train at the Big Out which is a short distance east of the depot.

When they arrived at the depot they (the band) were met by a large delegation that escorted them into the city. Many were deceived for some time and it caused much merriment when they were found out.

The band that was pictured in the Gleaner a short time ago, was organized April 26, 1895. This was under the leadership of John Judge for many years. The greatest number of members at any one time was twenty-three.

You will find there are twenty-five in the picture that was published.

*Editor's Note The above article was handed us by one of our subscribers.
Thanks.

OUT OF THE PAST
SMITH HONEYWELL MILLER
Transcribed by Janet Schwarze
It was noted in the week before last edition wherein the picture of the first Greenwood Band was shown, that I might contribute something about it. I also note that the names were not printed so I am going to name them here with some possible comments on an individual or so.

I was most fortunate to get a picture that was clear enough to get a copy from. There was one over in Wenatchee, Washington, but it was too dim. The one I did get was borrowed from Charlie Tripp in Marshfield. Had a large one printed that is now with the historical society there that I hope will not fade.

Standing from left to right are: Ray (Buster) Stevens, Lennie Shanks, Henry Wollenberg, Ed Wollenberg, John Judge (Leader), Ed Hirsch, Anson Dewey, Roland Johnston, Hugh Meek and Bill Smith. These were all cornets and drums.

Sitting left to right: Lynn H. Miller, piccolo Smith H. Miller, Eb clarinet Hixon Mead and Val Volk, clarinets bb Fred Justice, Alto Levi Palmer, Alto Bennie (Gutna) Johnson, Alto Archie Stewart, solo alto.

Lying down: Fred Oelig, slide: Claude Carter, Bass Dave Stewart, Baritone Jack Syth, Drum Major Herb White, Slide and Charlie Tripp, Bass. And last but not least is Edna Burch peeking over Roland Johnston's left shoulder.

Out of the original twenty-five pieces who are still with usa are myself, Lennie Shanks (I think Roland Johnston) Bill Smith, Dave Stewart and Charlie Tripp.

If Roland Johnston is still around I have been unable to find someone who can tell me. I d like to know so I can write to him. I heard not too long ago that Dave Stewart is still in Portland, Oregon. Bill Smith is still over in Wenatchee, Wash., (150 mile from here) and I have had several very nice letters from Charlie Tripp.

Charlie Tripp was the one who instigated the band idea in the first place not so long after he opened up his little shop on the north side of Justice Hardware Store. He got John Judge to come over there and we didn't have much trouble to get going but it was a somewhat slower process getting so we could play out in the open. John Judge was about the most patient man I ever knew. The time he spent getting me alone to get my fingers in the right place on that clarinet was something to behold. I suppose this happened to another one or so also.

Anyway, it was not long until we were able to play one single bar of music and I remember so clearly that most of us got together one Sunday and all went over across the river to that old Schofield sawmill and played and played that one bar of music until our lips were all swollen. But we finally got into swing and it seems to one that we got to playing pretty good stuff. Anyway we were able to get out of town once in awhile to various places. We finally got part of uniforms cape and coats. It was a very queer combination for us little chaps who were wearing those tight fitting knee trousers. One July Fourth we went on an excursion to Steven Point. Everything was at a large picnic ground out near the Wisconsin River. One detail still stands out in my memory and I hope Charlie Tripp sees this, for I ll bet he will remember it. We doubled up with the Stevens Point Band and then Eb clarinet player was a great big Hollander. He was typical of the Hollander portrayed in certain comics and you can imagine the comparison of the two of us. The boys didn't let me forget that for a long time.

There were some very good players finally, Lennie Shanks sure went to town on the Eb cornet. Hix Mead and Val Volk could always keep their places very nicely. The original bass drummer had a bad time with his notes. He just couldn t seem to master them and was just as liable to come down crash bang with both symbols and stick right in the middle of a solo as not.

As I said we played in lots of different towns. But one outstanding night was when we played at Owen for a Republican campaign meeting. I ll never forget the scene. We drove up in buggies and got there after dark and as we got within a couple miles of Owen we began to see the folks coming in from all directions with their campaign lanterns. It was a most colorful sight. Something you never see anymore. They walked and came in buggies for several miles.

This particular campaign was the same as I mentioned in another article where Maj. Nutting and Steve Moore went to the mat. The man spoke that night on The Full Dinner Pail. I ll bet Steve Moore was there that night.

It seems to me that the Barracks Ballads apply to our old band members also. I don t think the General can monopolize the ballads.

Additional Notes From Researchers

Pete Klein, mentioned as one of the people in the frist Greenwood Band, moved to Michigan in 1900. His grandchildren are all dead now. Peter was my gr. gr. grandfather's brother.
John Klein,
kleinjohn@bellsouth.net