STONEWALL BRIGADE BAND, STAUNTON, VIRGINIA ASSOCIATED DRUMS, TRUNK, AND CONTENTS, uncounted lot, comprising a Ludwig Universal model bass drum and snare drum, each marked "Ludwig / Universal Model", and a trunk with tin-covered wooden case, brass hardware, paper-lined interior, with typed label "PROPERTY OF / STONEWALL BRIGADE BAND". Together with uncounted assorted percussion instruments and related hardware, including two brass cymbals, as found in trunk. First half 20th century. Drums 14 1/2" and 26 1/2" D, trunk 9" H, 28" x 15 3/8" OA.
Drums in very good condition overall, trunk with significant denting, some hardware loose, handle detached but present, remaining articles in good condition overall.
Provenance: From a Staunton, VA private collection.
Catalogue Note: Founded in 1855 in Staunton, Virginia, the Stonewall Brigade Band is one of the oldest continually operating community bands in the United States. Initially called the "Mountain Saxhorn Band", it featured members who played the saxhorn, a 19th-century valved brass instrument incorporating elements of today's French horn, baritone, and trumpet. Popular during the late 1850's, the band performed at numerous civic events and political rallies in and around Staunton, including Presidential campaign visits. With the onset of the Civil War, however, the band became an intrinsic part of the state militia, as did most community bands of similar type throughout the South. Members of the Saxhorn Mountain Band mustered in General Thomas J. Jackson's First Brigade, Army of the Shenandoah, and saw significant action during the conflict during which one member was killed and several were wounded or taken prisoner. One story involving the Saxhorn Mountain Band early in the War records members exchanging serenades with Federal musicians during Christmas at Fredericksburg. Another story records band members at the Battle of the Wilderness later in the War taunting nearby Federal troops with strains of "The Bonnie Blue Flag". After the war, the group continued to play an integral part in civic events and ceremonies, and, in a somewhat apocryphal account, was singularly recognized by U. S. Grant during an 1874 Presidential campaign visit to Staunton when the former General is said to have tipped his hat in the direction of the band in honor of its association with the "immortal Jackson". Thereafter known as the "Stonewall Brigade Band", the organization continued to increase in popularity during the fourth quarter of the 19th century and often performed at important public occasions of national importance, including six Presidential Inaugurations and several World's Fair celebrations. At the zenith of the band's fame, John Phillip Sousa attended a special concert at the Staunton Opera House (now the Courthouse), during which he both directed the ensemble and performed with them. In 1889, the group began its association with Gypsy Hill Park in the city, where it continues to perform summer concerts today.The Roller Manufacturing Company of Mt. Sidney, Virginia was likely a commercial venture associated with the nearby Augusta Military Academy, founded in 1865 by Confederate Veteran, Charles Sommerville Roller.

Drums in very good condition overall, trunk with significant denting, some hardware loose, handle detached but present, remaining articles in good condition overall.