John Jacobs of Aurora directs Stuhr Museum’s Silver Cornet Band, (Carol Bryant, Central Nebraska Today)
GRAND ISLAND – Approximately 300 people turned out Monday, May 27, at Stuhr Museum to experience what Memorial Day was like in 1894.
Stuhr Museum Executive Director Chris Hochstetler said the day’s events are in memory of “those who fell in defense of this country. Events like this keep that history alive. It’s more than just the opening day of summer.
He noted that people will recognize music played by the Museum’s Silver Cornet Band, including many John Philip Sousa marches.
The setting for the celebration was the Museum’s Railroad Town, with the center of events set up at the bandstand. Peonies in full bloom were all along the base of the bandstand on its west side, and red, white, and blue bunting was hung from the railing surrounding the bandstand.
Alyssa Smith is Director of Interpretive Resources for Stuhr Museum.
“It is really important that we remember not only the people who are fighting today, but those who served or lost their lives in the past,” she said.
Earlier in the day, people had decorated graves at the Museum’s cemetery, which is just west of the church. Smith said that no one is actually buried in the cemetery. The headstones in the cemetery were moved from various locations after they were replaced with other headstones.
Smith said the Museum follows a 10-year cycle for its Memorial Day ceremonies, so this year was set in 1894.
She noted that Memorial Day was previously known as “Decoration Day.”
Stuhr Museum volunteers handed out programs for the Memorial Day program. The newsprint programs were dated May 27, 1894. Inside the program, it listed events what occurred at the cemetery, starting at 11:30 a.m. Monday. The commemorative newsprint program included the lyrics to “America,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and “Amazing Grace.” The program also included a poem titled “The Thirtieth of May” by Helen Winslow. Then, the program included events that happened in the afternoon, starting with the 30-minute concert that began at 2 p.m. Monday, followed by speakers who started at 2:30 p.m.
Steve Heider of Grand Island plays trumpet in the Silver Cornet Band. He is a charter member of the band, and said he began playing in the band when it started in 1985.
“I like the setting. This is a good chance to keep playing my musical instrument,” he said. He said he has played the trumpet since he was in approximately sixth grade.
John Jacobs of Aurora is the first-year director of the Silver Cornet Band. He was recently asked to take the position.
“We didn’t have a conductor this year, so I said I’d do it,” he said. Approximately 24 people play in the band, he said. The band rehearsed for about 15 minutes prior to the program. Jacobs has been the band director at Grand Island Senior High School but said he will teach band at Sandy Creek Public Schools next year. His father, Walt Jacobs of Phillips, plays in the Silver Cornet Band.
There were five speakers during the program. The program included general remarks, playing of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” scripture, playing of taps, the day’s oration, playing of “Amazing Grace,” Salute to the Dead, benediction, and recognition of all veterans who were at the program. Each veteran received a red or white carnation.
Peonies are blooming along the west border of the bandstand in Stuhr Museum’s Railroad Town, (Carol Bryant, Central Nebraska Today)
The audience listens to the Memorial Day program at Stuhr Museum, (Carol Bryant, Central Nebraska Today)
Alyssa Smith is Director of Interpretive Resources at Stuhr Museum, (Carol Bryant, Central Nebraska Today)