🥁 Colonial Boys of Norwood: Fife, Drum, and Four Titles in 1955
How a Youth Corps from Norwood Swept Rhode Island and Marched into History
In the fall of 1955, while Route 128 was being paved and supermarkets were rising along Route 1, another kind of Norwood pride was making noise—literally. The Colonial Boys Fife and Drum Corps, a youth ensemble rooted in Revolutionary-era musical tradition, returned from a regional competition in Rhode Island with not one, but four championship titles. Their triumph was more than a musical feat—it was a civic moment, a cultural milestone, and a testament to Norwood’s commitment to youth development and historical memory.
🎺 The Sound of Tradition
The Colonial Boys were part of a broader mid-century revival of fife and drum music, a genre that dates back to the American Revolution. With its piercing fifes and thunderous rope-tension drums, the music was originally used to signal troop movements and boost morale. By the 1950s, it had become a ceremonial art form, performed at parades, civic events, and historical reenactments.
Norwood’s corps was founded in the early 1940s by a group of veterans and music educators who wanted to instill discipline, teamwork, and historical appreciation in local youth. By 1955, the group had grown to over 30 members, ranging in age from 10 to 18, and had become a fixture in town parades and regional competitions.
🏆 The Rhode Island Sweep
In September 1955, the Colonial Boys traveled to a statewide meet in Rhode Island, where they competed against dozens of other corps from New England. The categories included:
- Best Fife Section
- Best Drum Section
- Best Marching Formation
- Best Overall Corps
Norwood’s ensemble won all four.
Judges praised their precision, musicality, and uniform presentation. The fifers played in perfect harmony, executing complex melodies like “Yankee Doodle” and “The Road to Boston” with clarity and flair. The drummers maintained tight rudiments and dynamic control, while the entire corps moved in synchronized formations that reflected hours of rehearsal.
👕 Uniforms and Identity
The Colonial Boys wore traditional uniforms inspired by 18th-century militia dress:
- Tricorn hats with white trim
- Navy blue waistcoats and white breeches
- Sashes and shoulder straps for drum harnesses
- Polished black shoes and white stockings
These outfits weren’t just costumes—they were symbols of civic pride and historical continuity. Each uniform was hand-maintained by the members and their families, and the group often held fundraising events to cover costs.
🧑🎓 Discipline and Dedication
Rehearsals were held twice weekly at the Norwood Civic Building. Members were expected to arrive early, maintain their instruments, and memorize musical passages. The corps director, Mr. Harold “Hal” Jennings, was known for his firm but encouraging leadership.
“We’re not just making music,” he told the Norfolk County Free Press. “We’re honoring the past and building character.”
Parents noted that participation in the corps improved their children’s focus, confidence, and sense of responsibility. Many alumni went on to serve in the military, pursue music education, or become civic leaders.
🎉 Community Celebration
When the Colonial Boys returned from Rhode Island, they were greeted with a small parade down Washington Street. Local businesses hung congratulatory banners, and the Norwood Woman’s Club hosted a reception with cider and cookies.
The Free Press ran a front-page photo of the corps in formation, with the headline:
“Norwood’s Colonial Boys March Home with Four Titles!”
The event was covered by regional radio stations, and the corps received invitations to perform at upcoming Veterans Day and Thanksgiving parades.
🗺️ Legacy and Impact
The Colonial Boys continued to perform throughout the 1950s and 1960s, eventually inspiring the formation of similar groups in neighboring towns. Their success in 1955 marked a high point in Norwood’s musical and civic history.
Today, their legacy lives on in:
- Archival photos and uniforms preserved by the Norwood Historical Society
- Alumni stories shared at town reunions and civic events
- The continued presence of fife and drum music in Norwood’s parades and ceremonies
For those who marched, played, and cheered, the sound of the Colonial Boys was more than music—it was memory.