Audubon County
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Exira Band

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Exira Band, Exira, Iowa. Undated divided back photo post card, postally unused. The Exira Centennial history book, 100 Years in Exira 1857-1957, contains what seems to be an identical photo with the identification below.

Top row: Lester Peterman, E. C. Wilson, Bill Brinkerhoff, Mose Brinkerhoff, Clem Bruner, Chas. Fulton. 2nd row: Maurice Peterman, Henry Bush, Chas. Milliman, Ed Milliman. 3rd row: George Milliman, Gruby Dick Powers, Art Rabson. Seated: Scharff, John Peterman, William Milliman.

The town was thrown into glad excitement Saturday morning when the news came that the band had won the prize in the band tournament at Atlantic and in the evening when they got home they were given an ovation. They came marching into town with the banner in front "Clean Sweep" and headed by Mike Sharff who had a silk banner made and inscribed with "Sweepstakes for the Exira Band," and playing "There'll be a Hot Time" while the music in the hearts of the people was "The Conquering Heroes Come." The crowd began cheering and for a time nothing could be heard but the sound of many voices. The boys gathered in front of Berry's drug store where their stand had been put and were welcomed home in a neat and appropriate speech by the Mayor. The boys believe in Berry for the fine drum major suit is a gift from him to the band.

The boys gave their regular concert at night midst a shower of fireworks and the roar of cannon firecrackers. A big bonfire in their honor was built in the street and afterward the boys were banqueted by the hosts of the Park hotel.

The boys were out in their best appearance as their fine new uniforms made them conspicuous for their neatness. They were on good behavior and gave the best music. To say that the town is proud of the best band in western Iowa is to put a small measurement on the real feelings of our people.

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Rescue/found photo contributed by Carolyn DeLay, Sept., 2021.
Transcribed by Cheryl Siebrass from The Audubon County Journal and 100 Years in Exira 1857-1957, pg. 38.