Twentieth Century Club report

Submitted by Lana Sue Jones

The Twentieth Century Club met on Monday, Jan. 10, in the home of our hostess, Ruth Woody, with Sandi Eaves serving as co-hostess.

The meeting was called to order by president Georgia Detwiler. The secretary was absent so no minutes were presented. The treasurer gave her report.

Our membership committee is still seeking new members. The yearbook committee will plan the new program, schedule hostess and co-hostess and a theme which we will discuss at out February meeting.

A motion was made that the current officers keep their same office. Old business was an inquiry about the progress of the new library and that we adopt a project with discussion at our next meeting. The entertainment was provided by Sherry Wiseman who presented eleven rules for formal dining etiquette.

Kay Sewell gave the opinion on respecting each other and their opinion. People should have discussions to form their own opinions.

The program was provided by Georgia Detwiler on high school bands. The first band was called the Boston Farm and Trade and began in 1857.

The oldest high school band in America was the Christian Brothers Band founded in 1882.

In 1898 the first successful school instrumental program was started in the U.S. The program had private teachers as instructors and borrowed instruments were used.

In 1900 students could choose music as an elective. During this time instruments were provided, rehearsal time was available, academic credit was given and there were full-time teachers.

Many extra-curricular and non-school bands existed to provide an opportunity to belong to a band rather than an orchestra.

Our city band was formed in 1885 or 1886 and the first director was C.V. Mickey and the band was named the “Wonder City Rube Band.”

In 1899 A.M. Henry became director and the band became known as Henry’s Park Band. The band played a prominent role in early El Dorado playing when the first train arrived in town and escorting the first automobile through town.

Women were able to join the band in 1919. W.W. and Lillian Sunderwirth became the longest-serving director. We hope the band will continue the tradition of “and the band played on.”