BITS AND PIECES

It is hoped that through the “Memories Page”, that the collectivSeptember 3, 2007 events associated with ‘the Hall’ can be shared and saved.

It will be with these threads of memory bits and pieces that we can weave a strong and verifiable cultural record of our Hall and its past social significance to the region. This knowledge will help justify and encourage our efforts to save the physical building and make it the social and cultural heart and center of our community for present and future generations.

c.byers

Your Personal Memories ..........

Hall Memories from Jeffrey Canning

My memories are mostly of one person. Bernie Burke. In my time in the band from around 1974-78, it was Bernie. When I look back as an adult today, growing up in the greatest little town in Canada, we had a great marching band and stage band. From Tyne Valley to The Natal Day Parade, and finally two trips to New Brunswick. One to the Maritime Music Festival and to St. Andrews By The Sea and the day it rained all day for the "MUSICAL RIDE".

Bernie was always there for the kids of Parrsboro who wanted to be in the band and had some sort of talent. He did more for the youth in the town of Parrsboro than anyone past, present, or furture. And I have been truly blessed to have known Bernie Burke.

Keep up the good work and I am ready to help out again some weekend you are having a work party. PS, I think that my sister had a good time in the band as well with Kendra Muir , Kathy Matheson, Susan Boyd and others much older than me !!!!!!!!!!!!

Jeffrey Canning

Hall Memories from Kendra Muir Power

My family moved back to Parrsboro in 1970, when I was eleven, my sister Dee Dee was 9, Pam was 7 and Brad was 5.  I remember taking recorder lessons that year with Debby Canning, Kathy Matheson and Susan Boyd upstairs at the old fire hall on the corner of School and Victoria. 

It was such a treat to move into the Band Hall which had been renovated to be our new home!  It was the 1970's, and paneling was big during that time! 

Band practice was at least once during the week for each section of instruments, then on Sunday nights with the whole band.  Bernie started me on the tuba, but thankfully switched me to the euphonium (more commonly known as the baritone).  We were a bunch of kids with more interest in the next dance or sock-hop than in the music we were playing, yet Bernie was so patient!  His enthusiasm was infectious. 

The Band Hall was like a second home to me and my friends through the 1970's...band practice, band concerts, fundraising events, and dances.  For a short time we even had a Coffee House in the basement, and I remember learning to play chess to the tune of 'Diamond Girl' by Seals and Crofts. 

My youth was tied up in the Band Hall, and I am saddened by the disrepair of the building.  I heartily support the work you are doing to save the building, and I have sent along my donation gladly!

Kendra Muir Power
Bridgewater , NS

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Hall Memories of Glenn Levy

Brenda.... with all the years I spent in the Parrsboro Citizen's Band... and with all the responsibility that Bernie entrusted to me... I can't tell you how many great memories I have of the hall. I was real disappointed when we lost our first hall.... I remember back far enough to starting saxophone (after that introductory recorder), above the old firehall. But if any building has stories and memories it is all the things I did for Bernie... nights he was going to be late because of work and he had entrusted me with keys... and I assisted conducted some nights when he was coming in late... or when we were short a trumpet player.....  I think what you are doing is an excellent idea... and I was already thinking along those lines as I was making my daily walks.... so feel free to do whatever you like and I will continue to express my enthusiasm to anyone that wants to listen and that includes family and friends at home and away.....

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Hall Memories of Lesmere Kirkpatrick

I do recall when I was in school, the church was vacant, and a bunch of us Lefty Morrison, Fred Spicer. Malcolm Knowlton, Bruce Fullerton, Doug MacDade etc. used to enter the church thru a basement window, and just fool around, especially on rainy days.

I recall clearly there was a lectern in the center of the sanctuary on which was a very large bible in good condition, on which we used to take turns delivering sermons. There was a steeple on the street end, accessible by a number of wooden ladders. We used to climb these ladders, but it was not too popular an activity, due to the abundance of pigeon poop. I have often wondered what ever became of the bible, because it would be a valuable item if located.

I am also amazed that despite the building being practically wide open, I don't recall any vandalism. This would not be the case today, and is perhaps an indicator of how our values have diminished over the years. Best of luck with your project- I look forward to hearing your plans as they develop

 LES----

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Parrsboro Sea Cadets on board the HMCS Acadia.

Hall Memories of Michael Winters

My favourite memories of the Band Hall come from my many Sea Cadet and Parrsboro Citizens' Band years spent in that fascinating old building.

My father/ (the late Eldridge Winters)/ was President of the Navy League in Parrsboro for many years, and I became familiar with the building through him, and of course, when I was a Sea Cadet there.  In fact, it was at the building that I first met Bernie Burke, as he and my dad were good friends.  As a young Sea Cadet, my musical instruction began by Bernie first teaching me the old e-flat alto horn!

At the building, I always liked exploring the narrow, old passageway which ran behind the stage.  In my early years there, there was a double fake French door leading to the centre of the stage from that passageway, which I always found interesting.  Wandering around the dark basement with its stone walls and investigating the scary attic were always fun for a young boy.

Later, with the Parrsboro Citizens' Band, learning to "mark time" on the auditorium floor, rehearsing on the stage, teaching new band members in the kitchen, endless hours of filing and re-organizing music in the back room and basement, and assembling there to march off for Sunday night bandstand concerts are among my favourite memories of the Band Hall.  As Assistant Bandmaster, helping others begin their musical careers with the band, teaching them the basics, helping prepare the band for
concerts and competitions, and rehearsing the group in Bernie's absence, are wonderful memories which I often revisit.

 *Regards  . . .  Michael*

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Hall Memories of Paul Hopper

My only somewhat connection to the Parrsboro Band would be the late, Springhill musician, Carol Choisnet, who I played with as a teenage drummer during the 70's in the Doc Rogers combo, the "Keynotes". Carol doubled on sax and clarinet, a fine, dedicated musician and a very nice, humble person. Doc was the band leader, however Carol certainly carried the melody exposing my young ears to many dance band standards. Carol would often speak fondly of the Parrsboro  Citizen's Band.

I was in Parrsboro last summer and enjoyed one of the concerts in the park events.

Regards - Paul

Remember When?

1965 - Full Band at the Band Stand

1986 - Dress Rehersal (Break)