MORE ON V-E DAY: After hearing John E. Rimer’s memories on Tuesday from the end of World War II, reader Frederick Young shared his own recollections from V-E Day.
Frederick celebrated as a member of the local band. He wrote, “On that day the director of the Citizens’ Band of Bradford sent a truck around to get various musicians who played large instruments.”
He described the band in detail.
“We were dropped off at the corner of Congress and Main Street that afternoon. The band assembled under the direction of Ed Bitner and we marched up and down Main Street playing the Stars and Stripes March by J P Sousa. This was unusual because we normally did not march! Ed played the trombone along with Dwight Foster and others. On the bombardini (baritone horns) were Libby Monaco and Dick Ernst. Ray Arnold and others (perhaps Mary Rossi) on Sax. There were many Rossis in the band who played trumpet or cornet. Joe Petillo was the solo cornet assisted by Shirley McKenyon, various Rossis and Petillos, and Messrs Conger and Schillinger. There were a number of barbers who played clarinet in the old Italian style. I played the bombardon (the contrabass tuba) and a young fellow named Ives played the bass tuba. John Romano played the alto horn in the old country style. Mr. Vibard played the snare drum and Emilio Chiodo may have played the bass drum.”
It sounds like quite a party ensued.
“The streets of Bradford were full of celebrants. We played concerts all week on the street by City Hall and Pennzoil. Our vocalists were Benz, Gloria and Marilyn Horne.
“Marilyn Horne went on to become the famous operatic diva. My apologies to anyone I failed to mention but 69 years is a long time to remember! In the crowd was a handsome young discharged decorated soldier (Elmer DeLucia) who parted his hair in the middle and worked at Bovaird & Company and is still well known for his WWII service,” Frederick wrote.
Speaking of Marilyn Horne, we received information from an acquaintance of hers recently letting us know she was honored in Santa Barbara recently. We’ll have more on that on Monday.
