John Hundertmarck

John William Hundertmarck was born in Berlin, Germany on Dec. 21, 1880. As a nine-year-old clarinetist, he joined the Quaker City Band in 1900, its fourth year. Already, he could play several instruments, including the violin, organ and piano.

In 1904 Hundertmarck entered West Point, and remained there for the next year and a half. Unfortunately, his ear infection was severe enough to make him unfit for military service. After being discharged he returned to Salem, where in 1908 at the age of 27 he took over as director of the Quaker City Band.

His first son, John L., was born that same year. Two more sons would be born - Frederick and Rex. The family lived in a red brick, flat-roofed house on W. Main (424 W. State) St.

Hundertmarck was an engineering draftsman, working for the Buckeye Engine Co. He then became superintendent of engineering at the American Steel & Wire Co. (Nail Mill), and later worked for the W. H. Mullins Co., Electric Furnace Co. and Keener Engineering.

Throughout his lifetime, Hundertmarck played in marching bands, dance orchestras, concerts, vaudeville productions, and for moving pictures. He worked diligently to raise the standards of the band so that it became known for playing very difficult compositions.

When the band gave its 31st annual concert at the old Grand Theater in 1927, Hundertmarck was recognized as "Salem's most versitle musician." He directed the band, and played "high brow" music on his violin, accompanied by his wife, Mildred Amanda.

That same year, the Salem High School basketball team was runner-up in the state tournament. It lost by one point but the Quaker City Band was there giving its support.

Hundertmarck eventually was instrumental in bringing about an affiliation between the band and the Charles H. Carey Post 56 of the American Legion. This was a progressive move that helped both organizations. This also provided the band with a fine rehearsal room at no charge.

In February of 1933, after 25 years as director of the band, Hundertmarck resigned. At that time, only two other members from the band of 1900 were still alive. He continued performing with the Hundertmarck Trio, which included his wife on piano, and son, John L., on violin. He played cello.

John L., like his father, was plagued by an ear infection. It resulted in a sever loss of hearing. But despite this handicap, he enjoyed considerable success as a violinist and teacher of violin. When the Quaker City Band gave a concert at the Simth Center on June 30, 1980, John L. was invited to conduct. He did so with the help of his father's baton.

Frederick ("Fritz") is also musically talented. He played tenor banjo and guitar in local orchestras, and for square dances. Rex took music lessons as a youngster but accidentally dropped his father's clarinet, breaking the mouthpiece. That put an end to his future as a musican.

John W. Hundertmarck died Feb. 20, 1944 at the age of 63. His sons John L., Frederick and Rex all live in Salem. They have many remembrances of the Quaker City Band. One surprise event happened on their father's 50th birthday. He was at home and members of the band visited the front yard to play "Happy Birthday." Neighbors gathered to sing and it touched him to tears. All Salemites respected this man's musical talent and the lifetime he spent sharing it with the community.