Mills County, Iowa

Silver City Community History
1879 - 1979

SILVER CITY MUSICAL ORGANIZATIONS

Silver City has several musical organizations, some of which were well known throughout Southwest Iowa. The earliest account was a string orchestra directed by Professor Smith in 1897. Members listed were Messrs: Leith, Hepler, McCue, and Bates and Mesdames Oaks, Hepler, and Leith.

A band directed by Frank Hart practiced in the depot. Some of the members were George Bada, Albert Bada, Ed Swarts, Frank Swarts, Mark Swarts, W.B. Oaks, A.P. Reeves, Wm. Burrows and Fritz Kunkle.

In 1898 a martial band composed of Charles Mears. J. B. Heide and Guy Pettit played in different parts of town. The boys aroused much enthusiasm and cheers were given for Admiral Dewey and the Stars and Stripes. The following year a martial band was organized with these members: Charles Mears, Reno Moore, J.D. Heide, Charles Joseph, Frank Pettit, E. Perkins, Guy Richards, George Bosworth and Herby Richmond. They played at reunions of Civil War Veterans.

Also in 1898, the Silver City Cornet Band was founded. Prof. Kuhn of Council Bluffs came to instruct this band of nineteen members. Much community support was in evidence as various band benefit entertainment were given. In the news items of 1900 we read of Prof. Bosco and his musical Vaudeville performing in the Opera House as a money making project for the benefit of the new band. This band was prominent among the forty bands which played at the celebration in Council Bluffs honoring the returning Company L from the Spanish American War.

The Silver City Times Editor states that the white uniforms of the Cornet Band, while cheap, made a good showing and an excellent contrast from the others. The band appreciated the hospitality shown it in Council Bluffs. Because of the growing success of these musicians, they leased the Pullman Opera House as a place to practice.

Summer open-air concerts were given in the bandstand located on the southeast side on main street with only roadway between it and the business buildings. This bandstand was torn down in 1923. In the July 1902, Times, it states that the band would be highly pleased if ‘de gang’ of kids would hunt some place else for their war dances on Saturday evening besides right around the bandstand.

For a time T.D. Collins manager of the Oxford Hotel, instructed a juvenile band of twenty-five members. Practice was held twice a week in the Agan Building. Mr. Collins had composed several piano selections and was considered a musician of ability.

In the early years of the century, the Silver City Band furnished music for many festivities. Among these were Malvern Fourth of July, Aksarben in Omaha, Glenwood Apple Carnival, Mills County Fair, Mills County Chautauqua and Glenwood Chautauqua.

Professor Kuhn was succeeded by G.A. Spelbring as director. The band was then known as Spelbring Concert Band. Members were: Mark Swarts, Edwin Hettinger, J.B. Taylor, August Kruse, Leslie Richardson, John Hettinger, George McDermott, F.W. Anderson, Chester Francis, W.B. Oaks, R.W. Clipson, Wm. Pullman, W.H. Burrows, Frank Bosworth, Frank Hettinger, J.C. Jackson, Ray Sidener and D.L. Markel. New uniforms were purchased. They consisted of dark trousers, dark blue coats with gold braid and gold colored buttons, and blue caps. Later white caps were worn.

For many years Mr. Spelbring most capably directed the band. He was ever alert to the band’s need of new members. A local paper of 1915 says that Mr. Spelbring had started a twenty-five piece band and would like twelve to fifteen more players. It was an opportunity for boys to learn music which few instructors would offer.

Again in 1920 a class of beginners was started. A membership committee was appointed to assist this class. Band officers chosen were: President Adolph Schultz, Secretary — Paul Spelbring, Treasurer Mark Swarts, Manager — J.C. Jackson, Librarian — George McDermott.

An orchestra conducted by George Piatt furnished music for dances and public entertainments in Silver City and nearby towns for several years. In the beginning the orchestra members were the Piatt family: Mr. Piatt and sons Clyde, Estel, and Hudson and daughter, Georgia. Later Mr. Piatt’s orchestra included other musicians. It was sometimes called the “George” orchestra. George Schoening played cornet, George McDermott — trombone, George Piatt — Violin and Georgia Piatt Piano.

~submitted by Roseanna Zehner & Darlene Jacoby