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."
.....One of America's oldest traditional town bands
