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Caption: Book - Banks of the Boneyard (Charles Kiler)
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92 On the Banks of the Boneyard former leaders of the band because each throws some new light on the band in the various periods of its existence, thus adding a personal touch which makes a human interest story—entirely aside from the historical value of the letters. Mr. Gregory's letter and the statement of his leadership follow: 296 A Commercial St., Provincetown, Mass. Dec. 4, 1941. Mr. G A. KILER, Champaign, 111. My dear Mr. Kiler: about 880 We had a photo of the band, but I cannot find it. If it exists it is in a box stored in an inaccessible attic over a studio that formerly was rented by my artist son-in-law, Ross Moffet. Something of the fine achievements of the band in the last fifty years has drifted to me now and then, and I have naturally rejoiced at it, as I have in the splendid growth and usefulness of the University itself. When a man now tells strangers he is an alumnus of the University of Illinois he does not have to add explanations. Wishing you success in your Yours cordially, GRANT GREGORY STATEMENT OF GRANT GREGORY '87 ANENT H I S LEADERSHIP OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS BAND was leader of the University of Illinois band in the seasons 1885-86 886-87—my junior and senior years. My recollections of the band dimmed somewhat in fifty-five years, but I can say that in the 1880's the band was decidedly primitive, and would have made no hit with John Philip Sousa. Goldschmitt the baritone horn; Stebbins, our smallest man, performed shrilly on the piccolo, our smallest instrument; Wesley Briggs, who died long ago, handled a clarinet with skill (and succeeded me as leader); and Phil Steel massacred his lips on an E-flat cornet. The names of our tall drum major and those who played the bass and snare drums, the tuba, the trombone, and three or four alto and tenor horns escape me, although I can easily recall their faces. The only boys in the organization who could make any pretense to be called musicians were Goldschmitt, who was a rather accomplished violinist and had married the University's teacher of the piano, and Briggs, whose mother had made him toil over the piano. I had had a few lessons on the violin and the piano and enough instruction on the alto horn to be admitted to the band when Braucher, my predecessor, was leader. Besides the cornet, violin, and piano (on which I pounded •
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