New Bedford Citizens Concert Band - New Bedford PA

The New Bedford Citizens Concert Band was organized c1914 in part by the Reverend B. M. Paul, the pastor of New Bedford Presbyterian Church from 1908-1919. It was made up of local musicians and played a host of patriotic events in the early days of the Great War (World War I). I believe it was generally led by Irwin Ropp (1880-1964), a man born in Illinois but who settled in the area in 1915. Ropp (possibly pictured on right end) also became a longtime Scoutmaster in charge of the local Boy Scouts of America (BSA) troop. This band was pretty much disbanded after many of its members were called to active military service in 1917-1918. I don’t believe it was ever reformed. (c1915) Full Size