Whitby Brass Band, 1885

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Creator

O'Brien, W.E., Photographer

Media Type

Image

Item Type

Photographs

Description

Three black and white photographs were put together to make a photo of the Whitby Brass Band. These photos were taken as a three part studio portrait since the studio was too small to accommodate the entire band at once. From left to right are: James Wilson; John Toms; Ed James; George Wood; John Mathison; Peter Waram (Band Leader); Frank Bryan; William Smith; James Ayers; Richard Wolfenden; William Wilkinson;Joe Thompson; Horace Hawkins; Robert Nicholson; Benjamin Bryan; Charles Rake.

Notes

Efforts to put together a Whitby Brass Band were started in 1863 and attempts were made to secure public funding. In June 1863, town council decided that it was not advisable "to appropriate any money for the purpose of organizing a band in this town." (Whitby Chronicle, June 4, 1863). This did not deter the band members. In August they openly solicited funds from townspeople and on October 27 of the following year the Whitby Brass Band was advertising for business in the Whitby Chronicle. On May 31, 1866, an article in the Whitby Chronicle claims that the band was officially recognized for its contribution to the community. During the First World War, the band became associated with the 34th Regiment. By 1915, the band had dropped out of sight.

By the 1920s, the band had regrouped and was now known as the "Whitby Citizens' Band". The band continues to operate to this day in Whitby. (Information for this entry was found in "Brass Roots: Whitby Brass Band Then and Now" by Jacky Bramma (2002).

Date of Original

1885

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