Last week when I wrote about the great writers that have been a major part of the Advocate over the years, I neglected to mention one of the very best, Hope McInroy. Starting next week, we will begin sharing some highlights from her book, “Beginning at Cold Springs.” I have actually read it a couple of times and I hope our readers enjoy it as much as I did.

However, today we are going to look back at the year 1949.

ALLEN SCHOOL BAND WINS “EXCELLENT” AT ENID BAND MEETING

Shortly after seven o’clock last Wednesday morning, a Denco bus left the Allen schoolhouse, loaded with band students, chaperones, suitcases, bedrolls and instruments. The band was at last going to Enid!

The band reached Enid at 1 p.m. having stopped for a short while in Chickasha.

The boys were housed at the Enid fair grounds, while the girls stayed in the basement of the Central Christian Church, two blocks from Enid’s business district. Both buildings were lined with cots and accommodated several hundred band students.

Wednesday afternoon, the junior high school soloists performed, all making a rating of good. Those participating were Beverly Jones, Benita Butler and Helen Jo Heddleson, Clarinets; and Coy Lynn Ramsey, cornet.

Wednesday night the marching contest was held at the Enid high school stadium. Here the Allen band gave a wonderful exhibition for a first-year band, and out of a class of 18 bands, some with as many as 80 members and none first year bands, obtained an award of excellent in marching. Only three bands in this group received superior.

Thursday was a rest day for the band with nothing scheduled for that day. During the afternoon the group visited the mental hospital, while the remainder of the day was spent in sightseeing, shopping, patronizing the theatre, skating rink and carnival square, or just resting.

Although the boys weren’t in on it, the girls reported a wonderful time at an impromptu dance and song fest held in their “sleeping quarters” Thursday night. Mrs. Lola Dell Butler provided piano music for the occasion, while girls from Allen, Elk City, Cyril and Drumright joined hands to do the Virginia Reel, schottische, and other dances.

Friday morning the band played their concert pieces and received a rating of good on them. Friday afternoon the group went swimming in a lake pool outside Enid.

Saturday morning the two-hour “million dollar” parade was held in downtown Enid. Eightyone bands participated in this event, and it was a colorful and musical sight that will not be forgotten soon. The Allen band gave a very pleasing performance and advertised the town of Allen to thousands of people.

The Enid band festival afforded much entertainment, good music and valuable experiences to the band students who attended. Approximately 6500 band members from six states participated in this festival.

Saturday afternoon the band left Enid and arrived home tired but jubilant at 8:30 p.m.

Arlena Bryant, Ronald Lee Jones, Everett Vandagriff, Jimmy Culver, J.C. Kidwell, and Mrs. W.A. Bryant remained in Enid Saturday night, where Arlene, Ronald Lee and Everett played in the tri-state mass band concert.

Chaperones for the trip were Mrs. Jirl Campbell, Mrs. Lola dell Butler, Mrs. W.A. Bryant, Rev. R.L. Hanks, and the director J.C. Kidwell. Friday and Saturday visitors were Mrs. Luther Jones, Mrs. A.K. Kimbrough, Mrs. Wallace Jones, Mrs. A.M. Vandagriff, Mrs. Truman Douglas and Mrs. W.A. Powell