As Norwood marked the spring of 1891, townspeople paused to look back on a remarkable milestone: twenty‑five years since the founding of the musical organization that would eventually become the Norwood Brass Band. What began as a small gathering of musicians in South Dedham in 1866 had grown into one of the community’s most enduring cultural institutions.
The band’s origins trace to May 25, 1866, when the first meeting of what was then called the South Dedham Musical Association was held in the old Engine House. The group adopted a constitution and by‑laws that had been drafted in advance and elected its first officers:
- Leader: W. P. Fairbanks
- Director: George W. Lewis
- Clerk & Treasurer: Henry R. Jenks
The early membership included many familiar local names — Fairbanks, Lewis, Gay, Webb, Courtney, Blenus, Pond, Capen, Morse, Shattuck, Hoyle, Ellis, Colburn, Smith, and others. When Henry Jenks moved out of town later that year, Charles E. Pond was elected to take his place.
The association wasted no time establishing itself. Its first ball, held in December 1866, drew strong interest, and members committed to two evenings of practice each week, a level of dedication that helped the group quickly improve. M. M. Alden joined that same year, strengthening the ensemble.
By Thanksgiving night of 1867, the association was confident enough to host a second ball, complete with a concert — a sign of its growing ambition and community presence.
On March 11, 1868, the group adopted a new name: the Union Cornet Band. Membership expanded again that spring with the addition of F. D. Colburn and H. W. Billings, and the band instituted a monthly assessment of 25 cents to support expenses. In June, they hired Professor Alonzo Bond as their teacher, a move that elevated their musical skill.
The summer of 1868 was a busy one. On July 4, the band performed a complimentary concert at the Reservoir in honor of J. E. and C. L. Smith, then traveled to East Walpole for an evening engagement. During the heated political campaign of that year, the band played at rallies both in and out of town, including the Cattle Show in Dedham and a political meeting in Canton. They also performed at the dedication of Memorial Hall in Dedham. That same month, the band purchased its first uniform, costing $30 per suit, a significant investment that signaled its growing professionalism.
Membership continued to evolve. F. D. Draper joined in February 1869, and for five consecutive years, the band traveled to Boston to perform in the city’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, a prestigious annual engagement.
On May 6, 1871, the band welcomed George K. Draper, Isaac Colburn Jr., and W. A. Williamson as new members, while J. F. Colburn became Director. That summer, from July through October, the band offered weekly open‑air concerts, bringing music to the community during the warm months. In October, P. F. Colburn withdrew from the group.
Finally, on February 24, 1872, the organization adopted the name it still proudly carries: the Norwood Brass Band.
By 1891, the band’s first quarter‑century had been marked by growth, dedication, and a steady presence at civic events, celebrations, and public gatherings. Its evolution from a small South Dedham ensemble to a respected Norwood institution reflected not only the talent of its members but also the town’s enduring love of music and community tradition.
(Norwood Advertiser)
Text and images may have been created, edited, colorized, or digitally restored using AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot or Google Gemini. All content is reviewed for accuracy and historical integrity before publication by the Norwood Historical Society
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