1896-1900's

Things, however, began to change in February of 1896. Several leading band musicians got together to form a band that would be stable and permanent. They believed that for a band to be successful it had to be conducted on sound business principles. This meant the band was to be self-supporting, and not have to beg for money or play for nothing.

"The Quaker City Band was organized on the 15th of February, 1896; and now it has fifteen members. They meet twice a week for practicing, and for sociability. The cultivation and promotion of the latter is one of their objects.

They intend to give a concert every winter; and they would give evening concerts on the streets if there were suitable places. They have had engagements in some of the neighboring towns and cities; one of which was at Toledo, Ohio, for the Knights Templar, in September, 1897. This band is now self-supporting, and the members regard their future as bright. Their executive board now consists of George Chappell, Jerry Shaffer, and Edward L. Gilson. Their room is in the block at the northwest corner of Main and Ellsworth streets."

During the first five years the newly organized band was in very poor circumstances. It was coldly received by the public. With an empty treasury, it was usually in debt. Uniforms were unattractive and there was no library. The public had grown tired of supporting bands that never lasted, so it was almost impossible to raise money by concerts, dances, etc. What money the band had was usually raised by passing the hat among members.

As the years passed, band memebrs made it a policy to never ask for money unless they returned full value in music. The general public gradually voiced its approval and the band managed to survive. But there were many times during these early years that it almost "gave up the ghost" for lack of money.

The original 13 members of this early band included the following: Jesse Lanza, piccolo; Fred Lanza, b-flat clarinet; William Lupton, e-flat clarinet; George W. Chappell and Jerry B Schaeffer, coronets; James Butz and Walter Graham, altos; Edward L. Gilson and Joshua Leaf, trombones; Al Winder, baritone; Ben Snyder, bass; John Way, small drum; and Irvin Bard, bass drum.

George W. Chappell was bandmaster for the first 13 years, except for two short intervals in 1898 when George Mitchell and Emil Reinkendorf directed. Rehearsals were held weekly on Monday nights. An executive board composed of Chappell, Gilson and Schaeffer took care of the band's business.

The first meeting was held in Irvin Bard's barber shop, and the next few meetings took place in a room at the Independent Hose Co. (Gurney Block). During the summer of 1896 the band met in rooms of the Elks Lodge, then in the Mont Cook building (southeast corner of E. State and Penn Ave.).

In the fall of 1896 it rented a room in the Anderson Block (northwest corner of State St. and Ellsworth Ave.). Then, for the next five years, the band occupied rooms in the Vernon Block (529 E. State St.), the Oak Bldg., the Anderson Block again, and the Hogan (herald) Bldg. (192 E. State St.). Finally, in 1901, it moved into rooms in the Gurney Block on S. Broadway.

In these early years, oil lamps and a coal stove provided light and heat for the band. The first member to arrive was delegated to kindle a fire and warm up the room preparatory to band practice.

By the fall of 1901 the band had purchased new uniforms. The public, now convinced that Salem had a real band, became more generous in its support. City Council also showed its support by paying the band $300 for summer concerts.

This band had already gained some recognition. In 1896, during the first McKinley-Bryan campaign, it had played several times in Canton. It also played at McKinley's funeral in Canton in 1901, and again when the McKinley Monument was dedicated in 1903.

The band was also becoming quite active with various local organizations. In 1901 it accompanied the Salem G.A.R to the national encampment in Cleveland. In 1900 and 1902 the Salem firemen took the band to Martins Ferry, Ohio, and in 1901 the Salem Eagles took it to Akron. Citizens were showing increasing pride in its performances.

George W. Chappell was director of the band from its organization until 1908. John Hundertmarck then succeeded him. Both men donated their time and services without pay. It was a labor of musical love for them. Both deserve much credit for their contributions to making Salem a better place in which to live. They were great boosters for community music.

After taking over as director, Hundertmarck worked ceaselessly to develop the band into one of the best in the state. He also directed local orchestras and performed as a solo violinist. This talented gentleman was, indeed, an outstanding citizen. He made an important mark on Salem musical history..