Led by Will
Sutley, the Fort Venango Boys Band was at the turn of the century the only
place that a young man could receive formal band training. Will's brother
Charles had once run off to play with the Sell's Brothers Circus, and his
sister Hettie was a music teacher. But in 1899, Will launched this organization
of his own.
Sutley owned
the band, lock, stock, and instruments, and had a set of stringent rules that
not only insured musical training, but also the development of mannerly young
gentlemen.
Rules
included "No person can become a member of, or remain in this organization
who uses intoxicating spirits in any form or quantity" and "Gentlemanly
conduct and conversation are expected at all times, especially in the band
room."
