PENICK
& FORD LTD EMPLOYEE BAND
Formed 1929,
Cedar Rapids,
Iowa
Photo likely
taken between 1929 - 1938
Contributed by William
(Bill) Stolte
| Row
1: First two on left are Earl Matter, Johnny Brown.
Ninth person from the left is Fred Marsh. |
| Row
2: Henry Rolaff, Herman Westphal, Mr. Rippen, Joe Kroulik,
Mr. Christopherson, Roy Benderlich, Mr. Grassfield, Sliim Rogers, Harry
Noll, Herman Stolte |
| Row
3: Johnny Welch, Fred Zook, Larry Baker, Carl Matter,
Henry Kempter, Art Stirsky, Mr. Ferguson, Delmar Beck, Joe Nemec, Mr.
Dawson |
| Row
4: Walter Rietz, Fred Larson, Joe Starman, Louie
Rinderknect, John Savel, Walt Knight, Bob Collins, Ed Brink,
Mr. Cooper, John Meyers |
History of The Penick
& Ford LTD Employee Band
The Penick
& Ford LTD Employee Band was formed during the first few months
of 1929. The band was organized for social and recreational
purposes. It started out with some 40 members with William
Vesely as the director. By August 1929, there were 47 band members, who
under the direction of William Vesely played at the 2nd annual Penick
& Ford Employee Picnic.
Walter Rietz was elected as the band organization's first
president He served in that capacity until 1934 at
which time Fred Larsen was elected. Other members who served as
officers included John Sturm, John Brown, John Weitz, Robert McClaughry
and John O. Savel.
The employee band who had as many as 50 members at times,
entertained and participated in many community events until at
least September 1938. Local news reported William Vesely directed the
band at a Community Chest Campaign, where 400 people were in attendance
on Sept 26, 1938.
Director William Vesely was instrumental in the formation and existence
of the Penick & Ford Employee Band. He was someone
who was deeply invested in music in the Cedar Rapids community.
He passed away at the age of 56 in 1945. His
obituary is linked below.
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