The Millerstown Brass Band
(The Macungie Band)
The Macungie Band was founded in March of 1855 under the name of Millerstown Brass Band. Founding members were local residents Henry Hangen, Harrison Miller, Henry Neumeyer, and Peter J. Weiler. Twenty men signed the original By-Laws dated April 12, 1855. Their names were, in order of signing: James Singmaster, J. Peter Haas, Harrison Miller, Monroe Miller, Tilghman H. Schmoyer, Edwin Singmaster, Henry G. Hangen, P. S. Leisenring, Henry Neumeyer, Charles Swenk, J. T. Kuder, Thomas Christman, Henry S. Tool (?), James F. Mertz, W. B. Erdman, F. Schulz, Peter J. Weiler, Edward Diehl, Alexander Weaver, and James Christman.
James Singmaster (1823-1896),
the first man to sign the original Millerstown Band By-Laws,
became the first Burgess of the Borough of Millerstown in 1857.
Wertz, Allentown; circa 1863
Macungie Historical Society Collection
Instruments were purchased from Klemm and Brother of Philadelphia, and it appears that the initial selection of instruments was a ‘game of grab’. O. P. Knauss reports: “On a mild and pleasant evening the horns were laid on the windows around the room of the old school house on School alley, and the members were called on to select their instruments. ... The finely polished horns were “a thing of beauty and a joy forever”, to those who were present at the school house.” The first regular uniforms of the band were of the long dress pattern militia style, made from heavy gray cloth, and according to O. P. Knauss: “Practice was assiduously prosecuted and within a reasonable time good results were obtained.”
Frederick T. Iobst of Emmaus, who at that time had acquired a reputation as a skilled musician, was hired as the first director. He was succeeded by Professor John Hook of Reading, Frederick Benkhardt of Allentown, and George Douglass, a leading member of Beck’s Famous Band of Philadelphia. Knauss writes: “The band was very diligent and persevering in practicing. They met for rehearsal almost every evening. Later they ceased to meet in the school house and practiced in the tinsmith shop then standing where the [Boyko Funeral Home] now stands.” In 1861, local musician Peter J. Weiler assumed the leadership, and under his direction, the band achieved an excellent reputation.
In his 1932 History of Macungie, Knauss published the following account: “The first venture of the band to play on the street, was on a dark and warm summer night, several months after its organization. It was quite an event for the village. No previous announcement had been made, so that the people were taken by surprise. They played piece ‘No. 1’, which was a poor apology for music. It is doubtful whether any note smaller than half occurred in the composition. But the effort was a stride forward.”
“The first appearance of the band, if recollection serves right, was for probably what was the first Sunday School picnic in Millerstown. The Lutheran and Reformed Sunday School of Solomon’s church made a picnic in the woods back of Henry Ricker’s, on the hill, and the band was employed. It was a great event and the attendance was very large. …”
“By persistent practice and frequent rehearsals the Millerstown Band improved rapidly, and in a few years, it had in its musical repertory a large selection of a higher grade of music than piece No. 1. They had pieces which, if played with reasonable skill, would not be out of place on any public occasion, and at the end of two or three years, could hold its own against any of the country bands.”
On July 31, 1861, the War Department issued General Order No. 48 authorizing military bands of 16 to 24 musicians for each Union volunteer regiment; and on August 19, the Secretary of War issued an order calling upon the governors of all Northern States to “send immediately to Washington all regiments and parts of regiments in their respective states”. As a result, several members of the Millerstown Band started a movement to answer Abraham Lincoln's call, and on November 8, 1861, the Millerstown Band was mustered, as a unit, into the 54th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry for a three-year tour of duty. Regimental band members included: Edward Diehl and John W. Bauer, E flat cornets; William A. Rems, B flat cornet; Monroe H. Miller, Henry B. Creitz, and John Haines, altos; Christian Dankel, Samuel E. Oswald, and Alexander Weaver, tenors; Samuel F. Creitz, baritone; Franklin Christman and John Hamburg, bass; William Miller, snare drum; and Franklin Mertz, cymbals. Peter J. Weiler was named Band Leader and Edwin H. Lorrish was employed as cook. In order to bolster its numbers of eligible musicians, Henry and Samuel Creitz, Oswald, and Hamburg had been recruited from Lynn Township, with Bauer coming from Oley Township. Pennsylvania state regimental records also record the name of Alfred Miller, although his area of participation in the band is unknown. O. P. Knauss reports: “A large crowd of citizens were at the railroad station to bid them good-bye, and as was quite natural and proper under the circumstances, the wives and female relatives were very much affected and indulged their sadness in tears. It was one of the most important events in the history of the village.”
The 54th Regiment PVI trained at Camp Curtin in Harrisburg. On February 27, 1862, the Regiment was ordered to Washington, and upon its arrival, went into camp near Bladensburg Cemetery. Then on March 29, the regiment was ordered to Harper's Ferry, where it was dispersed along the line of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad at the beginning of General George B. McClellan's Peninsular campaign. The 54th PVI was attached to the Railroad Brigade, Middle Department, with regimental headquarters established at Great Cacapon, and later at Sir John's Run, along the Potomac River, in Berkeley County, Virginia (now West Virginia).
Military brass bands played a significant role in the life of the common soldier. They were the pride of their units, and it was acknowledged by the military staff that these bands provided the morale boosting so badly needed by the army. Bands found their services much in demand for concerts, playing for troops on the march, and playing for ceremonies and various civic functions. Although bandsmen were considered noncombatants, duties often included battlefield chores of serving as stretcher bearers and assisting in medical operations.
By early 1862, however, the Federal government, experiencing financial difficulties brought on by the ever expanding war, soon realized it could no longer support the multitude of bands at the regimental level. On July 29, 1862, the War Department issued General Order No. 91 directing the Union Army to discontinue use of regimental bands within 30 days as a cost-cutting measure. As a result, the 54th PVI Band members were discharged in late August, 1862, and they returned to Millerstown in September. O. P. Knauss reports: “The members seemed to have agreed not to send any notice ahead of their coming; and our people were very much surprised one afternoon, to see the band arrive at home, most of us thinking that it had come home on furlough. It was a pathetic and memorable scene when the band struck up ‘Home Again’ on its arrival, especially to the relatives and friends of the members”. After returning to Millerstown, several members of the band were later drafted or enlisted into volunteer service with other units of the Union Army.
William A. Rems was probably the last Millerstown Band member to serve as a musician with the Union Army. He was mustered, as a musician, into the 199th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment on September 17, 1864, and was with the Army of the Potomac at the surrender of General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865. Rems was mustered out of service on June 28, 1865.
For many years following the Civil War, Millerstown Band uniforms consisted of the regulation army frock coats and low caps of the 54th PVI Regimental Band. When the uniforms were practically worn out, a new set of similar color and design, but differently trimmed, was used. In November of 1875, when the name of the Borough was changed from Millerstown to Macungie, the musicians accordingly changed their name to the Macungie Brass Band. At some point, woodwind and reed instruments were added to the original brass. Knauss writes: “The band had earned an excellent reputation for its renderings and filled many engagements. It was at the height of its proficiency [early 1880s], and then gradually disbanded, owing to the leaving of members for other places and bands.”
Peter Weiler, a watchmaker by trade, also served terms as a town councilman and burgess. He had an ear for music that enabled him to write the scores of tunes by memory, and “much of the success of the organization was due to his ability and watchfulness.” Although a skilled musician and instructor who played various instruments, “his favorite instrument was the cornet and in his prime there were few performers in these parts that could equal him.” He remained director of the Band after the Civil War and held that leadership until the Band went inactive prior to his death. When he died on November 8, 1906, O. P. Knauss wrote in Weiler’s obituary: “By integrity, honesty and a career that was spotless, his life has reared for him a monument that will endure in the minds of his fellow men. His life was a model for all men who would pass into the beyond honored and respected. Such men as Peter Weiler are the salt of the earth, the safety of the nation and a guidepost to rising generations.”
Peter John Weiler (1825-1906)
R. W. Wint, Allentown: circa 1890
Macungie Historical Society Collection
By the late-1880s, interest among the musicians had declined. Rehearsals were conducted only at extended intervals, and by 1889, all activity went dormant. In the October 10th, 1889 issue of the Macungie Progress , Knauss lamented: “We are now to have street lights. Next, we want water works, and a band to blow music when these improvements are added. Come to think of it, we had better get up a band first. Macungie without a band ! Too bad, when such good material is at hand. Whoop it up, we want music again.”
During the next twenty-five years, unsuccessful attempts were made to again start up a band in Macungie. For several years, New Year’s Day was the catalyst that would bring together young musicians to serenade the village (a popular tradition continued by the Macungie Band during the 20th century). But these attempts never produced anything permanent as Knauss would report in January 1893: “The brass band... is not yet organized and it seems the matter has again been abandoned. This is certainly not as it should be. Try again, boys.” In August 1893, Knauss again wrote in the Macungie Progress: “There is nothing to be said about the band at Macungie, for, alas ! we have none. ... Most of the instruments of the old band are still here. A number of men, leading performers in neighboring bands have so far been unsuccessful in reorganizing, though a musical craving is still here and a good band would no doubt receive fair support.”
Other musical organizations, such as the Keystone Orchestra and the Keystone Fife & Drum Corps, tried to fill the void, but they never had the same following and great tradition as the original Millerstown/Macungie Band. Bands from the nearby towns of Alburtis and Emaus continued to provide Macungie with band music during this 25 year dormancy, but local lovers of the original Macungie Band would not let this great tradition die. “It is a pity we have to go to a small neighboring village for band music. While the music on the occasion was fair, it was not what we were used to and what Macungie has a right to expect. It is hoped ere many years pass the town will turn out its own band on such an occasion and one that will hold up its line with the best. With some efforts and the utilization of the material on hand this can be attained.” . . .
To be continued . . .
Copyright © 2005 Macungie Historical Society, Inc. All rights reserved.
Peter John Weiler (1825-1906)
R. W. Wint, Allentown: circa 1890
Macungie Historical Society Collection
By the late-1880s, interest among the musicians had declined. Rehearsals were conducted only at extended intervals, and by 1889, all activity went dormant. In the October 10th, 1889 issue of the Macungie Progress , Knauss lamented: “We are now to have street lights. Next, we want water works, and a band to blow music when these improvements are added. Come to think of it, we had better get up a band first. Macungie without a band ! Too bad, when such good material is at hand. Whoop it up, we want music again.”
During the next twenty-five years, unsuccessful attempts were made to again start up a band in Macungie. For several years, New Year’s Day was the catalyst that would bring together young musicians to serenade the village (a popular tradition continued by the Macungie Band during the 20th century). But these attempts never produced anything permanent as Knauss would report in January 1893: “The brass band... is not yet organized and it seems the matter has again been abandoned. This is certainly not as it should be. Try again, boys.” In August 1893, Knauss again wrote in the Macungie Progress: “There is nothing to be said about the band at Macungie, for, alas ! we have none. ... Most of the instruments of the old band are still here. A number of men, leading performers in neighboring bands have so far been unsuccessful in reorganizing, though a musical craving is still here and a good band would no doubt receive fair support.”
Other musical organizations, such as the Keystone Orchestra and the Keystone Fife & Drum Corps, tried to fill the void, but they never had the same following and great tradition as the original Millerstown/Macungie Band. Bands from the nearby towns of Alburtis and Emaus continued to provide Macungie with band music during this 25 year dormancy, but local lovers of the original Macungie Band would not let this great tradition die. “It is a pity we have to go to a small neighboring village for band music. While the music on the occasion was fair, it was not what we were used to and what Macungie has a right to expect. It is hoped ere many years pass the town will turn out its own band on such an occasion and one that will hold up its line with the best. With some efforts and the utilization of the material on hand this can be attained.” . . .
To be continued . . .
Copyright © 2005 Macungie Historical Society, Inc. All rights reserved.
Reference Bibliography:
“ANNO DOMINI 1861 – 12 Months History of the U. S. ”. Allentown: The Allentown Democrat, January 15, 1862;
Bates, Samuel P. History of the Pennsylvania Volunteers 1861-1865. Harrisburg: B. Singerly, Pennsylvania State Printer, 1870;
“By Laws ”, Millerstown Brass Band, April 12th, 1855;
Garofalo, Robert and Mark Elrod. A Pictorial History of Civil War Era Musical Instruments & Military Bands. Charleston, WV: Pictorial Histories Publishing Company, 1985;
Knauss, Oscar Penrose. History of Macungie. Macungie: Progress Printing House, circa 1914;
Knauss, Oscar Penrose. History of Macungie. Macungie: Progress Printing House, 1932;
Knauss, Oscar Penrose. History of Macungie. Macungie: Progress Printing House, 1943;
Knauss, Oscar Penrose. Miscellaneous news articles from the Macungie Progress, 1888-1907.
“Macungie Band Celebrating 100th Anniversary ”. Allentown: Sunday Call-Chronicle, March 6, 1955;
Matthews, Richard E. Lehigh County Pennsylvania in the Civil War. Lehighton: The Times News Printing, 1989;
Miller, William J. The Training of an Army; Camp Curtin and the North's Civil War. Shippensburg: White Mane Publishing Company, 1990.
Roberts, Charles Rhoads, et al. History of Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. 3 vols. Allentown: Lehigh County Historical Society, 1914.
“ANNO DOMINI 1861 – 12 Months History of the U. S. ”. Allentown: The Allentown Democrat, January 15, 1862;
Bates, Samuel P. History of the Pennsylvania Volunteers 1861-1865. Harrisburg: B. Singerly, Pennsylvania State Printer, 1870;
“By Laws ”, Millerstown Brass Band, April 12th, 1855;
Garofalo, Robert and Mark Elrod. A Pictorial History of Civil War Era Musical Instruments & Military Bands. Charleston, WV: Pictorial Histories Publishing Company, 1985;
Knauss, Oscar Penrose. History of Macungie. Macungie: Progress Printing House, circa 1914;
Knauss, Oscar Penrose. History of Macungie. Macungie: Progress Printing House, 1932;
Knauss, Oscar Penrose. History of Macungie. Macungie: Progress Printing House, 1943;
Knauss, Oscar Penrose. Miscellaneous news articles from the Macungie Progress, 1888-1907.
“Macungie Band Celebrating 100th Anniversary ”. Allentown: Sunday Call-Chronicle, March 6, 1955;
Matthews, Richard E. Lehigh County Pennsylvania in the Civil War. Lehighton: The Times News Printing, 1989;
Miller, William J. The Training of an Army; Camp Curtin and the North's Civil War. Shippensburg: White Mane Publishing Company, 1990.
Roberts, Charles Rhoads, et al. History of Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. 3 vols. Allentown: Lehigh County Historical Society, 1914.
Copyright (c) 2011 by the Macungie Historical Society, Inc. All Rights Reserved.