(above) Fife and Drum Corps on Michigan Ave., 30th anniversary parade, 1937
Fife and Drum kids “stole the show”
In the 1930s numbers of Kenilworth youths participated in fife, drum, and bugle corps units from Elizabeth to neighboring Cranford. Then in 1936, with support from their folks, the Kenilworth Fife, Drum, and Bugle Corps was established. Youngsters of elementary and high school age took part. If you could play an instrument great. If you couldn’t you’d be taught. The group had twirlers and flag staff carriers, too. At the start there were 20 members and over the years it grew to more than 60 participants. It last performed in the early 1960s.
In the throughs of the Depression funds were scarce. The fledging group held bake sales, hosted card parties, and solicited donations to raise money for uniforms and equipment. In 1939 VFW Post 2230 took over sponsorship of this patriotic group of local youth. They marched in local and state parades; performed at local functions and gave concerts.
The group competed far and wide, many times at the annual Union County competition held at Warinanco Park in Elizabeth-Roselle. It was in the competition of 1940 that the Kenilworth group had what was possibly its most memorable moment. Here’s what happened.
Heavily funded, long established and large units spread across the county from Elizabeth to Plainfield paraded in intricate formations blaring their music at the old Warinanco stadium. The newer, much smaller Kenilworth contingent strutted its stuff with fervor. Local parents cheered them on and the kids proudly kept going. In a few hours the winners would be told.
The time came to hand out prizes. One by one in the bright sunshine the winners were announced. When done, Kenilworth never was called. The brave little group from Kenilworth seemed to have escaped recognition. What happened next changed that, and stunned many.
Going off script the emcee stated that he felt the program should end with the playing of the National Anthem. He scanned the groups assembled seeking one to step forward. None did. Each shook their heads “no,” or politely waved him off signifying it was not in their repertoire. Alas! There was just one group that did – little Kenilworth! With great pride the Star-Spangled Banner was heard in the stadium and filtered across the park. Kenilworth stole the show!
In 2003 I heard of this feat from member Lois Cave Fraebel. Her dad, John Cave, was a founder of the group, and later by drummer Charlie Vitale, all deceased. Robert Allcroft, age 90, then a 10-year old trumpeter, recalls it with delight. “I will never forget that day; was so proud!”
Research provided by Walter E. Boright, Ed. D., historian; Historic Signs, Inc. Persons with inquiries about this or other aspects of Kenilworth history may contact Dr. Boright at drbori@aol.com or 908-256-5200.
Photos by Historic Signs except for Allcroft (2020)
(above) Some Fife and Drum members, 1939. Includes Herbert Alt; Lois Cave; and Joan, Meriam, and Robert Allcroft
(above) Lois Cave, 1939, first to tell of story.
(above) Charlie Vitale, 1938, recalled stealing the show
(above) Bob Allcroft, 2020, “Will never forget that day.” Source: R. Allcroft
