S.A. Memories

2001-12-13T06:20:00.000-08:00

Submitted By Hugo (Hugh) Wiberg

Dave, thanks for reminding me of the S.A. "memories" site. I shall reach back in time now and again, to see what early Army memories I can resurrect. (I have read through many past contributions and found them quite fascinating!)

I have one anecdote to share which never fails to cause me to smile, and what follows is a true story. This goes back to the late '50's - early '60's, when I played euphoneum with the Boston Central band under B. M. David Galbraith. This was a fine band - about 30 members - a great bunch of players, the Browns, Hargraves, Farrars, Smalleys, Daniels, Milnes, and on and on. On Tuesday nights before band practice, it was the custom for several of the boys to walk a couple of blocks up Berkeley Street for a last quick smoke before start time. (Yes, sorry to say, several of the bandsmen, myself not included, hadn't kicked the butts!) Sometimes I would accompany them, just to enjoy their company. This one evening we were about finished with the street corner socializing when one of the guys said, "Hey ditch the butts - here comes the Colonel!" Sure enough, Col. William Fox comes walking up to us from a nearby parking lot and begins to make small talk with the five of us, apparently unaware of the clandestine smoking. After several minutes of banter, the Colonel said, "Well boys, I've got work to do," and he starts off. He took several steps, than stopped, turned, and said, "by the way, (unidentified), is that your cigarette there in the gutter?" (Unidentified), without missing a beat, said, "No Colonel, you saw it first, go for it!"

(I use "unidentified" because this good fellow is still alive and well and living in
Massachusetts. And I should add that he gave up the evil weed a long time ago.)
--

2001-12-06T08:12:00.000-08:00

From Sven Wickberg (Swedish Salvationist) by way of my sister Mary Wiberg

How Sven Wiberg Nearly Killed Me Without even trying
As told by Sven Wickberg

I was some 13 years old, a Junior Soldier of the Stockholm 1 Corps (Salvation Army), and member of the very small and humble Young People's Band. The little band had been diminished, we were only three. Our leader was a Candidate for the Training College and was going to leave us. The bandmaster (of the senior band) said to our parents: We'll take care of the boys! Send them down to the Corps on Sunday night! So we went.

The three of us were two sons of Lt-Colonel Emanual Sundin and myself. We all lived in the same block as the corps. When we came down that night we had no idea at all what was going to happen.
When we walked into that Band Room we were heartily welcomed. Each of us was immediately given a locker (with a key!) for our instruments and a red tunic. It was the old fashioned type, with white stripes ("ribs") on the chest. (At least they used to be white...) We were told to put on our new-old uniforms, take our instruments and come along. "Along" meant walking up the stairs to the back of the platform, then climbing the high platform and preparing to play the first song.

In this rather unconventional way I entered the first Sunday night Salvation Meeting in my life!

Everything was new: the whole "ritual" with testimonies, address, "prayer meeting"... We watched everything keenly with big bright young eyes. I had been told (by my parents) to be back home at the latest 9.30 p.m. Since the meeting had not finished at that time the three of us -- a little noisily perhaps -- went down from the platform in the middle of the sermon and left. From this time on, playing in the Band was our priority. And so I found myself an acting SA bandsman.

But it did not take long until it dawned upon me that sitting on the platform brought with it certain obligations. There was this custom of calling on "anyone" for a testimony. I was scared stiff by the thought that some (idiot) might call on me... And one Sunday our Corps Officer announced: Next Sunday we will have the pleasure of listening to Sven Wickberg....

(My heart stopped!!)

(-- but no, I soon realized that it wasn't me. He had spoken of some Colonel Sven Wiberg..., and
s l o w l y my heart began to beat again.

So I must have met this Sven Wiberg once or twice after this, leading a Sunday night meeting at the Stockholm 1,"Templet" as they call it nowadays. If I remember correctly he had a very piercing look under his big eyebrows. When he entered the platform and gave his troops an inspecting glance, I always felt quite sure his glance said: That little one on the cornet over there must give his testimony to-night...
That never happened, however, so eventually I was more and more at ease and not scared so easily. (And in due time learned how to give my testimony.)

Editor's notes: 1, Col. Sven was my grandfather. [still is, I guess]
2,Sven Wickberg's site= http://www.abc.se/~sw/ some S.A. history included
3, Sven Wickberg's father was the Ninth General of the SA, Erik Wickberg

2001-12-04T06:51:00.000-08:00

Here is a recent report that will be a memory that will not soon be forgotten by those who benefited from the efforts of the Salvation Army. I read it in the latest issue of the "War Cry" [page 10] - dated December 8, 2001. Hope I don't get in trouble for using it with out the Army's permission.
As I heard many times as a child, "God Bless the Salvation Army!".

Item:
Disaster contribution report to Congress

ALEXANDRIA, VA - In a statement to Congress, The Salvation Army reports that as of November 15 the Army across the country has raised $60,484,323 in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks. These funds have been designated for disaster relief in either New York City, greater Washington, D.C. or Western Pennsylvania. Army policy demands that all designated funds must be used as intended by the donor and are channeled appropriately to the three primary disaster sites. No donated funds have been spent on public relations or fundraising. To date 2.3 million meals have been served at the disaster sites and 54,786 persons have received counseling and/or social service assistance, representing 1,915,877 hours of service by officers, employees and volunteers.

2001-12-04T06:18:00.000-08:00

From Janet Sinclair

THIS STORY GAVE QUICK RECALL TO MY OFFICERSHIP DAYS WHEN A DEAR OLD MAN IN THE CORPS OF WALTHAM, MASS, NAMED ''HUTCH" GAVE HIS HEART TO THE LORD. HE SURRENDERED HIS CIGARS ON SUNDAY NIGHT. ON MONDAY HE CAME TO RAKE UP THE LEAVES FOR MY COMMANDING OFFICER, LIEUTENANT MARTHA WINKLEY. WE ASKED HIM ON MONDAY IF HE STILL HAD VICTORY IN HIS SOUL. HE DECLARED POSTIVELY A "YES". WE LET HIM RAKE UP THE LEAVES AND WENT ABOUT OUR BUSINESS. WE RETURNED A LITTLE EARLIER THAN "HUTCH" WOULD HAVE WANTED. HE SPIED US DRIVING UP THE CAR INTO THE DRIVE WAY. SUDDENLY WE NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE TOP OF THE RAINPIPE. HUTCH HAD VICTORY FOR ABOUT TEN HOURS....HE DIDN'T WANT TO DISAPPOINT US SO HE STUCK HIS CIGAR UP THE RAIN PIPE WHILE NOT REALIZING THAT MANY LEAVES HAD FALLEN DOWN THE PIPE. THEY CAUGHT FIRE AND WE THEN HAD QUITE A JOB ON OUR HANDS TO STOP THE SMOKE AND FIRE. "HUTCH" DECLARED THAT HE WOULD NEVER SMOKE A CIGAR AGAIN. WE WERE NOT SURE THAT HE WOULD KEEP TO HIS NEW DECLARATION.
JAN

2001-12-02T07:28:00.000-08:00

From Joyce Johnstone
Just thought of another person from the Clearwater Corps that you might add to our list. It is Ethel (Perrett) Orfetelli. She lives in Connecticut during the summer and also in Old Orchard. In the winter she comes down to Clearwater and is a great help in the Corps . I remember her and her sister-in-law Lillian Perrett. For many years I was a member of the Boston Palace Corps with Bandmaster David Galbraith. Many times the Boston Palace Band went on band trips to Manchester, Connecticut - some wonderful memories there! Lillian Perrett used to play trombone and was she good! Also she was a fantastic songster leader. I have printed your latest edition and plan to read it while eating supper and practicing for tomorrow's meetings.
Commissioner Ron Irwin is playing the piano tomorrow and I will be at the organ.

God bless you!
Joyce (Johnstone)

2001-11-28T10:34:00.000-08:00

From Dave Wiberg
Here’s one that popped into my head recently.

As a college student, I use to work part time during the Christmas season for my future father-in-law, the then Brig. Fred Fahey, doing odd jobs at the Provincial Headquarters in Boston Mass. One of the jobs assigned to me was to load a small truck with toys to be delivered to the old Mechanics Hall for a kids’ Christmas Party sponsored by the S.A. After loading the truck I decided to take a break before driving to the hall. Part of the break consisted of a quick smoke. I’ve been known to have a cigarette now and then. While walking back the H.Q. building, who but Col. Ralph T.Miller [then Provincial Commander] appeared walking towards me. I quickly cupped the cigarette and put my hands into my jacket’s side pockets. We stopped and talked. “Hi Dave, how are you doing ?, is what he first said to me. For obvious reasons, I hoped that this little meeting would not take too long. We talked some more and then he said, “Dave, I think your coat is on fire” A little smile on his face told me that he knew what I was trying to hide from him. He then kindly and gently gave me the solid reasons why I should not smoke. To his credit, I am sure he did not tell anyone about our little chance meeting.

2001-11-27T06:34:00.000-08:00

[11/27/2001 6:31:26 AM | Dave Wiberg]

Sent to me by Bill DeMoranville on 11/27/2001

Salvation Army's 'angel' dies at 89
By JOAO FERREIRA, Standard-Times staff writer
DARTMOUTH -- The woman known as the "angel with the bell," who dedicated most of her life to the Salvation Army, died on Thanksgiving morning.

Edith Levesque, 89, of Dartmouth, a Salvation Army volunteer since 1928, died around 5 a.m. Thursday. She fell ill at the Dartmouth Town Meeting on Nov. 13 and went to St. Luke's Hospital, where she later died.
A daughter, Beverly Conrad, said Mrs. Levesque wanted to live through Christmas to greet the supporters of the Salvation Army one last time.
Mrs. Levesque will be buried Monday with an honor guard and brass band from Salvation Army.
Described as faithful and enthusiastic by those who knew her, Mrs. Levesque was the local face of the Salvation Army for many years.
"The managers were wondering when she was going to start ringing the bell," said Capt. Gerald Morgan of the New Bedford Salvation Army. "She is absolutely known as the icon of the Salvation Army."
Mrs. Levesque started accepting collections in front of the Sears store this year, but store police prohibited her from ringing the bell. She would have started ringing the bell in front of Shaw's Supermarket yesterday.
Others also spoke of Mrs. Levesque's love of others.
"This lady was next to a saint; she was a dedicated and a committed woman," said Eloise Pina, a past president of Church Women United who knew Mrs. Levesque for 30 years. "As she was a Christian, this is her homecoming. We're all going to miss her."
Similar words of appreciation poured in yesterday from community members.
Ellen Cushman, 82, of New Bedford, said she remembers Mrs. Levesque standing in front of Shaw's Supermarket in Dartmouth year after year.
She said nobody could go by her without putting a dollar in the kettle.
"She was there every Christmas, right after Thanksgiving," Mrs. Cushman said. "Everybody loved her."
"I feel so bad, I just wished I could have told her how much I loved her," she said. "It's like losing my mother."
Those who knew Mrs. Levesque well described a woman fully dedicated to the Salvation Army and its many activities.
She was especially involved with the youth band, and, until later years, traveled to several events with the group.
"I know that she will be missed. She has worked with young people for 40 years," said Capt. Douglas Jones, commander of the Quincy branch of the Salvation Army. He was Mrs. Levesque's supervisor for 10 years until he left New Bedford last July.
Col. Barbara Van Brunt, Salvation Army associate divisional commander for the state of Massachusetts, said Mrs. Levesque never stopped thinking about others first, even on her death bed.
"I visited her at the hospital on Tuesday and had prayer with her," she said. "She was concerned about getting home to get her Christmas shopping done for her grandchildren."
Col. Van Brunt said she knew Mrs. Levesque since the early 1980s and was always impressed with her dedication.
"She absolutely loved everything she did at the Salvation Army," she said.
Pamela Cole, president of Church Women United, where Mrs. Levesque served as treasurer and played organ, also offered kind words.
"Edith was exactly what we could hope all Christians to be," she said. "Her giving and her serving, and her music, came from a heart truly dedicated to God."
Mrs. Levesque's career at the Salvation Army is long and distinguished.
She taught music to children and managed the thrift store in New Bedford for 30 years.
But it was her smiling face with a bell and a kettle that people will remember most.
"She was someone who always was available," Capt. Jones said. "She will be dearly missed."
Editor's note: Bill DeMoranville told me that Edith Levesque also played in the Old Orchard Camp band for over 50 years.

2001-10-19T12:21:00.000-07:00

From Esther Post:
Thought you might be interested
October 19, 2001

Sounds like "60 Minutes" may be doing a segment on the disaster work of The Salvation Army according to the following E-mail. It may be this coming Sunday at 7 p.m. on CBS. Colonel Ed Fritz
* * *
You may already know that the 60 minutes film crew filmed for over 6 hours
last week-end at various places of Salvation Army service in the New York
area. I have not received official word, but am under the impression that
this will 'air' this Sunday night, October 21, at 6:00 p.m. CST on CBS.
Blessings,
Major Deborah Sjogren
Community Relations and Development Secretary
The Salvation Army
10 W. Algonquin
Des Plaines, IL 60016
847-294-2044

2001-10-16T14:24:00.000-07:00

16 October 2001

FROM: Bob Richardson
SUBJ: Another golden moment from SA banding

I was intrigued by Bill Reid's description of a glitch in the SONED Band's performance of Eric Ball's Sound Out the Proclamation, for I remember an incident involving the very same two bars of this wonderful air varie. The time was the early Sixties, the place Camp Tecumseh (New Jersey). The special guest at musicamp was Eric Ball himself, whom Al Swenarton had brought all the way from England. As the camp period neared its end and we approached the final concert, the "A" Band was augmented by many local bandsmen so that they might have the chance to play under Mr. Ball. Thus it was that on that day we had four euphoniums — not euphs-and-baritones, but four people playing the euphonium part, namely Harold Brasch (of the U. S. Navy Band), Richie Hoff, Wally Crouch, and Al Lyons, each a soloist in his own right.

Mr. Ball began the first-time rehearsal of Proclamation by having us read through the whole air varie; we would fine-tune it afterwards. Things went swimmingly and without interruption — after all, we were the "A" Band. Intro, initial statement, waltz-section, Hungarian pastiche, then the stirring last variation (which Mr. Ball had said was reminiscent of the British Grenadier Guards. Nobody could write martial music like the pacifistic Ball!)

Finally we approached the reprise and conclusion, and the band alertly followed their world-famous conductor as the music swelled toward the "cadenza" in question, a two-measure episode of running sixteenths lasting 3.5 seconds. Pow! the band hit the first beat and dropped out, leaving the euphs exposed in all their glory. Pow! all four players came in as one on the second beat, a glorious high G. But then disaster struck. Remember, this was the first time these four gentlemen had played this selection together. Each was a strong and competent player. None was willing to drop out and let another do the honors. Predictably, each of them confidently played the right notes. Just as predictably, their tempos were milliseconds apart from each other. I can only describe the resulting cacophony by likening it to the "C" Band falling down a flight of stairs. Naturally, the rest of us broke up, and Proclamation broke
down.

But what of our composer-conductor, hearing his creation massacred? I vividly remember the saintly Eric Ball standing there with a beatific smile on his kindly face. At that moment I became aware that true artistic genius can, sometimes, reside in a thoroughly likable person.
......................................................................................

2001-10-16T04:37:00.000-07:00

The Hartford Courant
October 16, 2001

Plan To Raze Citadel Rejected Off-Street Parking An Issue For Panel
By DAVID OWENS
COURANT STAFF WRITER —

MANCHESTER-- The local Salvation Army congregation's plan to demolish its Main Street citadel to make way for a more modern facility was rejected Monday night.
The planning and zoning commission, which heard extensive testimony about the church's proposal, voted 3-2 to reject. Commission members cited concerns about off-street parking and wanted the church to do more to preserve the historic brick facade.
The fortress-like structure is believed to be the last such Salvation Army building in the state and was cited by the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation as one of the state's most important threatened historic places.
Church members, however, have more practical concerns. They wanted to replace the deteriorating 1908 citadel with a modern structure that looks more like a church. At the same time, they wanted to preserve the gymnasium that was added more recently. To preserve that gym and build a sanctuary large enough to meet the congregation's needs, the citadel's facade would have had to come down. That's because the plan was to build the front of the new church closer to Main Street.
Stephen Penny, a local lawyer who represented the church before the planning and zoning commission, said a wall in the citadel's basement supporting the facade is crumbling.
Major John Hodgson, who along with his wife, Lauren, serves as the pastor of the local church, expressed frustration and disappointment at the commission's decision.
"It's an obsolete building," he said. "It doesn't meet the needs of the congregation."
Church members initially investigated renovating the structure, but determined it would cost much more than building a new facility.
The three planning and zoning commission members who voted to reject the plan cited the building's historic significance, but put greater emphasis on the lack of off-street parking a new church would have. There are already several churches on Main Street that consume on-street parking that businesses and the library need.
Commission members David Wichman and Chairman Wilfred Maxwell voted to allow the Salvation Army to proceed with demolition and construction of a new church.
Maxwell said he's seen many historic buildings fall during his years in town. And, he said, while he appreciates concerns about history, the church needs a better facility.
"It's a nice old building, but it's obsolete," Wichman added.
"I feel it would be beneficial to the town of Manchester if that facade could be saved," said commission member Roger Jacobs. The commission needs to be convinced it can't be saved, he said.
Commission member Frank Daversa said the facade should be incorporated into a new church.
"It certainly has a lot more character and significance than the warehouses we saved on Pine Street, " Daversa said, referring to Cheney mill facilities.
Commission Vice Chairman Eugene Sierakowski said parking was the key issue to him.
"The church is going to bring in a lot more cars other than on Sunday mornings and there is not going to be enough parking for the congregation that is off-street," he said.
Hodgson and Penny said that plans to raze three multifamily homes on land adjacent to the citadel would have provided the parking they needed.
"We met the parking requirements," Hodgson said. The congregation's options now are to appeal the commission's decision to Superior Court or revise its proposal.
………………………………………..

2001-10-15T04:32:00.000-07:00

From the editorial page of

The Hartford Courant (Connecticut)
The Oldest Continuously Published Newspaper In America
Monday, October 15, 2001

Editorials

Saving The Citadel

Buildings that call people back to an earlier way of life give history and character to a community. In Manchester, CT, the Salvation Army citadel stands out even among the venerable buildings that grace downtown Main Street. Losing the fortress-like structure would leave a hole in the street's story.
The threat is real. Church officials want to raze the 93-year-old building and three nearby houses. They would be replaced with a larger single-story building that would be easier to maintain and look more like a church than a fort. But the demolition would destroy the symbolic stronghold built for battle by this army of God.
That would be regrettable. These Main Street blocks are on the National Register of Historic Places. The church, believed to be the only citadel-style church in Connecticut, is a significant factor in the designation. But that won't prevent its destruction. Only people who care about preserving the early 1900s life the citadel embodies can do that. Its congregation should reconsider its decision.
The citadel needs expensive work. But it is worth saving. Government preservation grants are usually not given to religious groups. But creative preservationists might find money and architectural help that could save the building's facade and make the interior safe, accessible and useful.
The Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation has put the citadel on its list of 12 most endangered state historic sites. The trust could ask the attorney general to intervene and stop the demolition. But a new federal law limiting a state's ability to restrict religious groups could derail that.
The choice to destroy or save is really up to church leaders. Offers of help from others who care about its heritage might persuade them to take the better course.
So much of Main Street has been lost. But some has been preserved, thanks to the stewardship of the business community and town officials. Surely, the citadel can be saved too.

* * *

2001-09-30T17:48:00.000-07:00

Back in the early 1960's SONED held a Saturday band school in New Haven, CT. My friends Bill Reid and Bob Jackson were on the regular staff but I was playing in the University of Connecticut marching band and couldn't join them until after the football season. Following the football season I would ride down to New Haven with Bill and help out wherever I was needed. At the end of the sessions there was a graduation, or something of that kind, and a small instructors' ensemble was to play, lead by BM Vic Barnes of New Haven Citadel. Bob was the solo cornet player in the group. I can't remember if Bill was playing or not, but I wasn't since I hadn't been there for much of the school.
Since we were always playing jokes on one another, I thought it would be funny to put a rag in the bell of Bob's cornet so that when he was warmimg up he would think something was goofy. At that point I would tell him what I had done, and we would all have a good laugh.
Little did I know that Bob was detained before the performance and didn't have time to warm up. Rather, he rushed in, took the tampered with cornet out of the case and ran to the platform to play the opening march. Vic gave the downbeat and Bob turned red. He couldn't figure out what was wrong. His first thought was that he had a valve in crooked, so as the rest of the band limped along without the lead cornet, he started removing and replacing the valves. The audience could see that there was something protruding slightly from the bell but apparently Bob couldn't. His father was in the audience and was trying desperately to get his attention and tell him what was wrong.
I was seized with mixed emotions. On the one hand I felt very bad for the trouble I had caused. On the other, I was "rolling in the aisle" with laughter. Afterwards I thought, I'll never do that again!

Alan Lyons (trouble-maker)

2001-09-25T14:20:00.000-07:00

An amusing account of two teenagers’ adventure in New York City in 1951 …..
………………………………………………………..

Re: The Salvation Army
Corps Cadet Congress
New York City
Fall 1951

The following article appeared in the November 1951, SONED (SOuthern New England Division of The Salvation Army) monthly newsletter.
President Bill Bearchell
V. President Gladys Roberts
Treasurer Mary Word
Secretary Gladys White
Editor Marilyn Forde
DC Lt. Col. David Coy
DYPS Maj. David Moulton
……………………………………………………………..

Editor - After the Corps Cadets Rally in New York I noticed that my young buddy looked like a train had run over him. He told me he had just got back from New York. The lucky kid made it just in time for the Sunday night Manchester (CT) Citadel, Open Air meeting and then came back to the evening meeting. I thought he looked tired because he hadn’t been home, hadn't eaten, etc., but he said no. (The Editor eventually married her young buddy.)

This is what happened to him. It seems that he and Neil had been to the Congress and after the Saturday meeting ………..

“While attending the Corps Cadet Congress in N.Y., fellow CC Neil Jones, son of the corps officer, Major Ben Jones, and I had a great (?) time wandering around in the dead of night (morning included). When the Saturday night meeting came to a close, Neil and I again consulted our instruction cards, which we had found in our envelopes on arrival. The directions seemed perfectly clear and straightforward. We were to be billeted at the Mount Vernon Men's social. First, the card said, "Take the Lexington Avenue Subway to 180th Street." We located the subway in question without any trouble and sat down in one of the cars (incidentally, they're made by ACF), feeling like seasoned travelers. This soon vanished as the train (I say "train" reservedly) only went as far as 145th St. So, we rode back to 110th St. and hung around until we finally caught one for 180th. We had started out at 10:30. We reached 180th about 11:30. This station was above ground and away out in the sticks. On consulting the card, we read, "Take the Dyer Avenue subway to Dyer Avenue". After about a half-hour, the last train of the night (or should I say morning?) came along, and we rattled out to Dyer Avenue. When we reached there, my calculations showed we were at least in Pittsburgh, but Neil disagreed. That kid! Anything for an argument ……. But that's another story.

“Dyer Avenue happened to be the last stop, a dead end. The directions now said, "Take the Fleetwood bus to 3rd Avenue. There was a bus stop nearby, so we waited there for about 15 minutes. No bus. Neil spotted another one on what looked like a more traveled thoroughfare. We waited there for about a half-hour. No Fleetwood bus. It wasn't exactly a balmy summer night. To be exact, we were freezing. Finally a bus (not Fleetwood) came by. We stopped it and asked the driver if he went to 3rd Avenue. He didn't, but he could bring us to a subway that would get us to 3rd Avenue. This was okay by us, and we bounced along to what turned out to be the 223rd Street subway. We rode to Gun Hill Road, where the agent said to transfer to the El. “Soon (hah!) we were shooting back to N. Y. A few hundred streets later, we figured out that the bus driver had thought that we meant 3rd Ave. in N. Y. We agreed that Mt. Vernon could go jump in the lake, and concentrated on getting back to the Temple on W. 14th Street (our starting point).
“Then catastrophe struck. I wasn't sure if the El was going all the way back to l4th St., so I decided that we should get off at 45th St., the next stop. I knew that there was a subway at 45th, which went to 14th for sure. It was now about 3:00 A. M. Unfortunately, Neil is not a mind reader. When we reached 45th, I jumped up and said, "45th St.! Let’s go, Neil." Lack of sleep must have dulled his reflexes, or else sharpened nine, for I was out of the automatic door almost before he was out of his seat. The door closed, naturally, and I was left standing on the platform while the train roared off with Neil gesticulating wildly.

“Naturally, this didn't make me too happy, and, too excited to think straight (no remarks, CC), went down from the station and started to follow the El to the next station. At around 3:00, the neighborhood wasn't too appetizing. You never saw anyone walk faster. I made the distance from 45th to 34th in record time, and, at the station there, finally reclaimed Neil.

“We said phooey to subways, eels, and (horrors!) railroads, and walked the rest of the way. Arriving back at the Temple at 4:00, we couldn't get in, of course, so we staked a claim on a nearby subway bench for the rest of the morning.

MORAL: DON’T TAKE THE SUBWAY TO MT. VERNON.”
Robert Richardson

2001-09-25T14:12:00.000-07:00

Submitted by Bill Reid

I came across this letter by a good friend, the late, Paul A. Brindley, while reading through some old SONED newsletters. Although this letter was written nearly fifty years ago, Paul’s words are particularly relevant today. (‘SONED’ is the acronym for The Salvation Army’s, SOuthern New England Division.)
………………………………………………………..

Taken from a SONED newsletter 1952

News From Abroad

THIS ISSUE WE are glad to have a "guest, appearance" from our former editor, Paul A. Brindley. Paul is now overseas, serving with the United States Army.

“Monday evening 7 January 1952
Today I was more than pleased to receive my copy of the ‘Soned News.’ Even though it has been some time, I feel proud to have been associated with the Soned, and am grateful for the many friends I count among its members, past and present. Once in a while a guy gets just a little homesick, so far from home and the folks he knows and the ones he cares for, and receipt of the ‘News’relieved it a bit.

"Besides, there was a short line that set me to thinking a wee bit. Naturally it was about me, and also a dig at my honorable intentions, and I'm pretty sure I know who perpetrated the nasty deed. Nevertheless, I'm grateful for it; it caused me to do some thinking. The suggestion for a Christmas gift I might use, ‘A coin - so it can be more a toss-up between his (my) girlfriends,’ is what did it. It wasn't the line itself, but ‘A coin’ which turned the trick. (Paul was referring to a suggestion in the SONED newsletter that his friends send him coins for Christmas which he could use for phone calls)

“As I was reading, I happened to be fingering the silver dollar in my pocket which I have carried around as a lucky piece for the past few years. I removed it from its resting place and took a look at it when I saw my name taken in vain. I looked it over good, turning it over several times to peer at both sides. As I looked so carefully at the piece of silver, I thought of how wonderful it is to be an American,

"I had an urge to express my feelings, and the only avenue open to me is by letter. However, I pondered carefully exactly what I wanted to say, so that it would be right. I have never professed to be a profound thinker, nor an exceptional man of letters, but in my humble way, I hope to express my feelings.

“On the reverse side of the dollar, a bold eagle perches on a mountain top, looking down on the rising sun. To me this signifies our great country meeting the dawn of a new day. Along the top rim is printed, "United States of America," Underneath this is inscribed, ‘E Pluribus Unum,’ which, translated from the Latin means, from many, one. For me this refers to all the nationalities, languages, and religious faiths which make up this great county of ours. Along the bottom is the single, significant word ‘Peace,’

"On the opposite side I perceive the countenance of Miss Liberty, a pretty swell gal in her own right. Along the rim at the top appears the word ‘Liberty.’ And down toward the bottom are the words ‘In God Le Trust.’

"How fortunate I am to have been born and raised by God-fearing parents in a free country, with all necessary creature comforts and friends who are still around when the going is tough. This county; where many people of different backgrounds and beliefs unite together as one.

"This country of mine where I accept or reject a religious faith, not because the powers that be tell me to, but because I am convinced it is right for me. And for me it is the blood of the Lamb which saves me, and the Lord which guides me.

"The words of one of the choruses sung in the testimony meeting of the last Sunday evening services at Hartford have been a constant reminder of Christ's love for me and his willingness to lead me. The words are: ‘My Lord knows the way through the wilderness; all I have to do is follow.’

"Just writing this has made me feel sure I am included in the thoughts and prayers of many of my friends back home. So long for now. God be with you.

"As ever, I am,
"Yours in His service,
/s/ Paul A. Brindley

P.S. I want to take an opportunity of wishing you all the best for the New Year. I'd also like to say hello to Bob Miller, and wish him a profitable experience during his tour of duty yonder. Good luck, everyone.

Paul

2001-09-16T11:04:00.000-07:00

From: GayleLangford
To:Dave Brindley

Subject: Day Four

Dear friends and family,
It's only 5:30 am, but I've been awake for at least an hour. The thunderstorm woke me up, and the first thing I thought of was all the donations piled up on 14th Street in front of The Salvation Army. I hope the
volunteers got everything that shouldn't get wet inside through the night.

I can't describe the trucks that pull up and unload thousands of bottles of water or packages of food or clothing, one after another. And we have run out of room to store it before it can be transported down to the site. We are trying to get a warehouse. Two have been offered on Long Island. We
actually had to turn away trucks last night.

People walking by will volunteer to help unload trucks or move things inside. There is a constant stream of people. We have had to stop taking names of volunteers until Tuesday because everyone is so willing to help.

There is a new schedule set up for us at The Army. I work from 3-11 pm, and Steve works from 11 pm - 7 am. Please pray for him. He doesn't sleep enough. He actually told me he might try to come home to rest today. I will believe it when I see it. Andi is home for three days. Ironically, she
planned to attend an event being held in the World Trade Center Marriott on
Saturday. She came home anyway.

We are okay. Sometimes I think we operate on autopilot. Pray that we will continue to have strength and wisdom. This will be going on for a long time! But we put our trust in God; He will carry us through.

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him will I trust'" (Psalm 91:1-2).

Still smiling :o) GAYLE

2001-08-31T06:19:00.000-07:00

My S.A. MEMORY

By Alan Lyons

The SONED Youth Band, led by Southern New England divisional commander, Richard Holtz, was providing music for something like the advisory board or the United Way at their annual meeting. The business meeting was proceeding while the band was behind a curtain on a stage in the room. The meeting went on and on and on and on.....

The band was getting restless. We were to open the program with a cornet ensemble, maybe Holtz’s,The Heralds of Victory. As we waited and waited and waited the cornet trio of MIke Orfitelli, Ron Waiksnoris and Ron Holz discovered a chest containing costumes in an off-stage dressing room. Apparently some theatrical group also used this stage.

When the curtain FINALLY opened out walked the cornet trio ready to perform, but each of them sported a long gray beard much to the chagrin of B/M Holtz.

A comment was made...."I didn't think the business meeting took THAT long!!!"

2001-03-10T07:34:00.000-08:00

From Dean Bamford (Lowell Citadel Corps)

Hi Dave,

This one's for you fellow tuba player!

During my teen-age years, probably 1962 or 1963, I was playing tuba with a small group during Christmas time. The location was Portland, Maine in front of the very popular PM & B department store. We were standing around a huge bass drum kettle, some of us in the street and some on the sidewalk. The only bandsmen I can remember playing that day were Bill Groff (now Major) and Captain Ed Fritz (now retired Colonel). During one of our carol renditions, I heard and felt a slight jolt with a bing, bang, cling, clang or something to that effect. After finishing the tune, of course, and realizing that the bulls-eye target was by tuba bell, I removed the horn from my shoulder to take a look inside. Can you guess what foreign object it was? It was a plastic banana! Whoever did it just couldn't resist. A perfect target, one of those older tubas with a huge bell, which was facing the oncoming traffic. I think of this memory many times and enjoy telling it, too.

Dave, hope to see you at the Lowell Citadel Corps soon!

2001-02-04T04:50:00.000-08:00

Submitted by Emily Fritz

Here is another Christmas kettle story from the Herald's Session. One rainy December morning, Cadet Mary Lopez and I were assigned to set up a stand at an entrance to Grand Central Station. I took the first half hour of ringing the bell while Mary went into the station. A little old lady put a few coins in the kettle and then asked me for her tract. I said I did not have any. She seemed very upset and told me I was suppose to have materials to give out to contributors. I tried to explain that since it was raining, we had not stopped at the Times Square Corps to get our tracts and War Crys. She told me that I had better get some and that she would be back later to get hers.

The first thing I asked Mary when she arrived back was if she had any tracts. She said, "No" and I told her about the lady. Then I went into the station, sat down and began to pray that either the lady would not come back or that she would come while Mary was on duty.

A few minutes into my next turn at the kettle, a taxi pulled up and a tall good-looking man stepped out. He had an umbrella tucked under one arm and walked briskly toward the door of the station. He then paused, stepped back and reached into his pocket. He pulled out five Christmas tracts and told me to give them to anyone I thought could use them. I was almost too surprised to express my delight.

No, the lady never came back. However, I learned a wonderful lesson that day . God will answer my prayers, but He has much better solutions to my problems than any I might suggest.

2001-02-02T04:23:00.000-08:00

From - Bill MacLean by way of Dorothy Post

Cadets of the "Heralds" Session (1952-1953) participated in the Greater New York Christmas Kettle Effort. I was in a brass quartet which was headed up by Vernon Post. We were relieving Bonnie Smith at her kettle stand. While Bonnie was inside warming up, Vernon quickly sketched out a four-part
arrangement of a familiar tune. When Bonnie emerged from her break, we greeted her with Vern's impromptu arrangement of "My bonnie lies over the ocean."

2001-01-29T10:40:00.000-08:00

HELLO AGAIN ! from Bill Reid, Dave Wiberg and Dorothy Post:

Bill, Dave, and a group of others, were chatting last summer at Old Orchard during a tea and cake break at Bill's cottage. Several in the group began recalling events, which they had heard of, observed, or been
part of, during their years of association with the Salvation Army. Some of the stories were very funny, some a little funny, some somewhat sad and some warm and fuzzy. One of the group said, "Wouldn't it be great if these memories could be written down, published, preserved and more importantly, shared with others, as we are sharing them now?" However, as usually happens with a "great" idea, it did not progress beyond the talking stage for a while.

Now, several months later, we are in the process of soliciting memories from anyone interested, in order to see if we can make this effort a go using a web site on the Internet. Would you be willing to search your memory bank, compose and submit such material as described? If so, please jot your item(s) down and send it or them along. If, however, you are only interested in reading stories from others, you could visit the web site at any time and just read.

Please use names judiciously. We do not want to offend or embarrass any individual or The Salvation Army.

Thanks beforehand - It would be great to hear from you.

See already submitted entries below for an idea what we have received to date.

Bill & Dave & Dorothy
---------------------------

SEND TO:

Bill Reid
105 Maple Ave. - Unit #8
Vernon, CT 6066-5447
e-mail address = billpeg8@juno.com

OR

Dave Wiberg
35 Birchwood Rd.
Wilmington, MA 01887-4017
e-mail address = davetubist@juno.com

OR

Dorothy Post
265 Woodland Avenue
Summit, NJ 07901
e-mail address = postmuse@home.com

2001-01-26T11:29:00.000-08:00

Another great memory from Emily Fritz, Retired Colonel

My all time favorite Salvation Army story took place when Ed and I were the territorial leaders in Latin America North. At the time, THQ was located in Mexico City and the territory included Mexico and six other countries to the South, including Panama.

The Salvation Army has a home for young girls far out in the countryside of Panama. It houses 25-30 girls and sits at the top of a hill, far back from the main road. When the USA invaded Panama in Operation Just Cause, much hardship and anxiety was felt by many, including the girls in that home. One
day, a small tank, actually a Hum Vee with a turret on top came through the gates at the foot of the children's home. Most of the girls were on the playground and as they saw and heard the tank, they ran into the home and up the stairs to their dorm. The tank pulled right up to the front door and a
very tall soldier came out of the top. By this time the girls were hiding under their beds and the 2 young women officers in charge of the home were as scared as the girls. The soldier stuck his head in a window of the dorm. The girls who were brave enough to peek saw that his face was blackened with
camouflage. The soldier broke into a grin and said, "Hi, I'm John Van Cleef and my Dad's the D.C. in Alaska. Do you girls need anything?" Everyone's fears turned to delight as John brought out toys, games. food and clothing for them. He had met the S.A.Captian in a store earlier and told her he would
be bringing some supplies, but he never told her how he planned to deliver them.

Several months later, I spoke with John in Seattle, WA, and asked him if all of the above was true. He admitted it was and then added, "But they never knew that I also arranged for a patrol to be on guard at the foot of the hill, day and night for the remainder of the siege."

Lieutenants John and Lisa Van Cleef with their 3 children are now Corps Officers in Medford, OR.

2001-01-24T05:05:00.000-08:00

Another from Major Miriam Hart (R)

We were in Sanford in 1960 for 3 years. It was still a difficult corps financially. My Husband Ron played the euphoneium and went out alone and held his own open air. When we were transferred, a man came to him and said he would miss him because his street meeting became that mans Sunday Worship. He would stay within a doorway listening. You never know who is listening or being blessed by your faithfulness.

2001-01-23T07:34:00.000-08:00

Hi from Art M.(Moulton). It's been a long time, will write later.

2001-01-22T09:04:00.000-08:00

From Emily Fritz, Retired Colonel

Thanks for the invitation to read and contribute to this site. Sandy Fahey's comments brought back great memories of Schenectady, NY. It was my first appointment.

Sarge Galloway loved his trombone, but became too ill to play it. One day Major Wadman and I heard trombone music in the chapel below the offices. We went down stairs in time to see Moncrief Galloway put his cornet away for the last time. He gave a full salute to the Army flag before leaving the building. We arranged for his funeral about a week later.

I can relate to Sandy's feeling about Mrs. Major Crosby. She took the training of young corps officers very seriously. One day we heard she had been taken to the hospital, so Major Wadman and I visited her on our lunch hour. She seemed very quiet as leaned over her bed to see if she was asleep.
She opened her eyes and said, "Lt. What are you doing visiting here without your bonnet?!" A few months later she was on her death bed, but would not give up her fight with cancer until someone brought in the S.A. flag. She said she was dedicated under it, married under it and would not die until it was placed over her. Finally, her doctor son bought a new flag and brought it into her room. Only minutes later, she went to be with the Lord.

On a lighter note, I met my husband at Camp Altamont. Although we did not begin actually dating until the following Christmas.

Please keep me on your email list. Emily Fritz, Retired Colonel

2001-01-21T16:23:00.000-08:00

From Mim Horwood - Hart

As young Lieutenants of only 1 year with a 1 year old and a second one on the way we were sent to Sanford Maine. Those were the days when you had to make it or do without. Many weeks we could not take full salary. There were no food banks or stores of food in the buildings then. I don't recall what we had planned to eat that week but when we arrived home one day there was a grocery bag on our stairwell leading to our upstairs apartment. All I remember that it had in it was some Pork Steaks. We knew who had left them. It was two ladies who had left the Army before our arrival and were attending another church. They said in a note that the Lord had laid us on thier hearts and they were responding to that nudge. We were so grateful to God for HIS PROVIDENTIAL CARE and we let them know how wonderful it was to know that God still works in mysterious ways His wonders to perform.

Make This A Good Day

Major Miriam Hart (R)

2001-01-20T12:56:00.000-08:00

Hi! I have enjoyed reading memories of others and decided to join in on this Snowy (very snowy for Kentucky) morning.

I was a 1st Lt. in my first charge as a C.O. at the Brooklyn Atlantic Avenue Corps ( a very long time ago). It was my 1st Christmas and our corps band was small so it was important to have at least one player on all required parts while playing at the Kettle. We persuaded a former soldier and bandsman to come and help us. He was very reluctant and we were not certain he would come. He arrived and we met in the bandroom to get organized and pray before leaving the building. There were many hats and bonnets available to be loaned to those helping us. "Fritz" went through the hats on the shelf - every one he tried were either far too small or too big, and we could see in his face relief at the thought that 'no hat' would get him out of playing with us.

The last hat fit him perfectly. He looked inside the hat to see if there was a name there. His name was printed there. He was stunned. I quietly said, "Your hat has been waiting for you to come back". I would like to tell you it was the beginning of his return to the Lord. I don't know that - I do know that he was a frequent "ringer" in our band after that until he moved away from Brooklyn.

Thanks for allowing me to share.

Evelyn (Korp) Rein
Vanceburg, Kentucky

2001-01-18T05:40:00.000-08:00

A memory from Vernon Post.....

Difficult circumstances or the feeling of isolation from those we love can often taint the holidays with a bittersweet flavor, interrupted by a surprise that lifts us out of ourselves. I want to share such an episode with you.

The 1947 Christmas in San Francisco was quite busy. This was the first Christmas since World War II and everyone was trying to make the most of it. Stores were touting some merchandise of reasonable quality that had somewhat disappeared. Rationing was still in force and some food items were scarce. Returning servicemen were everywhere.

The winter here was much milder than in my home in Ohio. So, when the Salvation Army musicians went caroling to raise funds, the instruments' valves didn't freeze. As was the practice in communities throughout the world, the Mission Corps Band split up into small ensembles to serenade surrounding neighborhoods. I enjoyed the privilege of playing the Christmas carols and tunes as I had from younger days in Cincinnati, Piqua and other places.

Since I was still a gob, I wore my navy uniform as I played my cornet in the ensemble. If we could dodge the rain, prevalent throughout the area at this time of year, we could enjoy. I was amazed at the beautiful flowers still blooming in the gardens. In front of one house there was a perfect red rose, so gorgeous, I stared at it as I played.

When we finished the carol, the lady of the house appeared with some money, asked us to play another, and reappeared with scissors. She went to the rose, cut the stem. When we finished playing, she graciously pinned the lovely rose on my uniform and said, "I have a sailor overseas. My son can't come home for Christmas, but seeing you playing here reminded me that God is with him and we will be together soon."

Vernon Post

2001-01-18T05:37:00.000-08:00

On Wed, 17 Jan 2001 11:01:52 -0500 Lyell_Rader@USE.SalvationArmy.Org writes:
>
> Thank you for the information. New Year's greetings to all.
>
> Lyell

2001-01-17T03:57:00.000-08:00

Another from Bill Reid

Here's another anecdote I remembered (true story):

The era was the late fifties, the season was Christmastime.. Bob Richardson, Dave Green, Howard Hastings and Bill Reid were playing their instruments at the S. A. kettle on a cold, blustery Saturday. The temperature had to be below 20 degrees since even a generous application of oilahol, or was it alcohoil (our own concoction of valve oil and alcohol) on our valves, barely allowed us to get through one verse of anything in the Green Book. (Some of you may remember how cold the corner of Main and Trumbull Streets in Hartford, in front of G. Fox & Co., could get.) Well, we were in the middle of Jingle Bells when a group of teengers eating ice-cream cones - who knows why - approached, visible to Bob and me, but not to Dave and Howard. The tallest of the group stepped in front of Howard, lifted his cone high in the air and plunked it on top of Howard's Army cap. We continued to the end of Jingle Bells, and then Howard, seemingly unprovoked by this capricious act, calmly removed his cap - being careful not to spill the ice-cream - and uttered a polite "Thank You" as the teenagers continued on their way. Bill

2001-01-15T05:05:00.000-08:00

From: "Florrie (Austin) Hightower"
To: "Dave E. Wiberg"
Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2000 19:21:02 -0800
Subject: Re: Personal Salvation Army Memories

Hi:
I don't think that this message was meant for me. Dave, I was not an OK (Officers kid). My Mom was a soldier for years but I came to the S.A. when I was a teen-ager. The reason was because my girlfriend had a thing about some guy she met and knew nothing about him. When she told me his name, I told her I knew him. He played cornet in the Somerville (MA) Corps Band. So I took her to a Salvation meeting and she took it from there.

The boys were cuter at the S.A. than at the Methodist Church so I kind of hung around. Then Virginia Talmadge got a hold me and the rest is history. I was a Sunbeam and a Girl Guard so those organizations within the Army were not strange to me. In high school I drifted away from Girl Guards.
After all there were no boys in Girl Guards.

Anyway David, My involvement with the S,A, was brief. About five or six years at the most. You know, Girl Guards, Don Baxendale, the love of my life at one time, Camp Nathan Hale, Somerville Corps secretary for two years, then meeting my Bob, marriage, California and that was it. Oh yeah, I made a couple of trips to the "Mercy Seat", didn't we all?

Although, I must say it was brief but it was a wonderful experience and they were happy years.

Yes, I am interested in reading about your memories.

Love, Florrie

2001-01-14T08:09:00.000-08:00

S.A. Memories sent by Sandy Fahey Armstrong- New Bern, North Carolina

Growing up as soldiers at the Schenectady, N.Y. Corps, our family life evolved around the Army. It was a very happy life, but very busy. I have many special memories, but looking back I remember how the soldiers of the corps, particularly the women, worked very hard to help others and each other. Of course, my Grandma, Emily Fahey, and my Mom, Reta Fahey, are foremost in my mind, but there were so many other faithful soldiers that did so much and with such love and joy -- the Tompkins, Andrews, Coulters,
Sterlings, Drys, Schroeders, Patons, Coughlins, Jardines, etc. I particularly remember Sargent Major Galloway (Sarge) often lifting the S.A. flag from the mount and waving it while leading us in a rousing chorus of "Clear Are The Skies Above Me" with such conviction and love for God and The Salvation Army. I also remember as pre-teens, Gwen Tompkins, Charleen Coughlin and I fervently praying with bowed heads that Mrs. Major Crosby (Ret.) did not come to us as she walked the aisle encouraging sinners to the alter. Officers such as the Averys, Williamson, Neltings and Wadmans had a major impact upon my life. I attended Altamont Camp, where I first accepted the Lord as my Savior and later Saddle Lake Camp. Altamont camp was nestled in a small mountain range and older campers were allowed to hike up the trail and back. One evening after supper a group of us young teen-agers from the Schenectady, Troy and Utica corps decided to take the hike before camp fire. This usually took an hour. For some reason a few of us decided we would take a short cut and beat the others down. Well, we ended on the grounds of a Catholic convent further down the mountain. The nuns were very surprised and we were very scared. They were delighted to drive us back up to camp in their big old wooden stationwagon as they had always wanted to see what the camp was like. Of course, a search party had been sent out to find us and we were sure we were going to get in big trouble. I really don't remember being punished other than a stern, but concerned, talking to by the Camp Officer, but we all were very quick to answer the alter call that night at camp fire.

2001-01-10T05:35:00.000-08:00

A little humor for today. Contributor shall not be identified unless permission to do so is received by this editor.

Though this story has been retold with various people cast as the main character, long-time band members swear they were eye-witnesses of it at Montclair Citadel. The corps officer--whose identity shall remain nameless for now--finished the sermon and began the prayer meeting. A particularly
appropriate chorus came to mind.

"Let's sing that old song,'Who's that knocking at my door?'" said the officer. With heads bowed and eyes closed, the congregation joined in prayerfully until they came to the last line--"It's Barnacle Bill, the
Sailor"!

2001-01-08T04:36:00.000-08:00

rom: William C Reid
To: davetubist@juno.com
Date: Wed, 8 Nov 2000 10:47:22 -0800
Subject: SA anecdote
One of my favorites:

This happened during a Sunday night praise service at the Hartford Citadel Corps back in the fifties. Major Bailey, finishing up an
evangelical series, was conducting the altar call.(One needs a bit of background information here: the unofficial official Corps pianist was my mother, Irene Reid, but at times others would pitch in rather willingly ). After several choruses had been sung accompanied by my mother, one of the young people of the Corps whom my mother had been counseling, made her way to the altar. My mother left her place at the piano to "deal with" this young person. Sitting in the congregation was Barbara (Malpass) Adams - one of those backup pianists mentioned earlier. Realizing the need for a pianist, Barbara headed down the aisle toward the piano. When Major Bailey, who suffered from very poor eyesight, saw this blurry figure moving in his general direction, he quickly stepped toward her, put his arm around her shoulder, and said, "Right this way, sister."

The next chorus was sung without piano accompaniment as the piano bench remained unoccupied.
(submitted by Bill Reid)

2001-01-07T12:29:00.000-08:00

From: SBerry1030@aol.com
To: davetubist@juno.com
Date: Tue, 7 Nov 2000 08:15:36 EST
Subject: Re: Personal Salvation Army Memories

Hi Bill and Dave,
Yes, I think your idea is good...yes, I'd be happy to try to contribute...and yes, I'd like to receive copies....

Warm regards...and blessings!

Sharon

2001-01-07T08:17:00.000-08:00

Childhood Salvation Army vignette
by Dave Wiberg

“He will save you”

This little memory occurred one Sunday evening, near or just after the end of the Second World War. My mother and father (Mary and Hugo Wiberg) were corps officers assigned to the Hartford Citadel of the Salvation Army in that city, at that time. I was a grammar school student then - a mere impressionable kid. The event I remember occurred on Trumbell St. in the city of Hartford Connecticut. Sunday night open air meeting was happening and I was there under orders to be there. Open air meeting was not something I looked forward to at that age. (Boring !)

However, something happened very quickly during that service which was not at all boring to me. I remember it vividly. This is what I saw and heard.

My dad was preaching a little sermon near the end of the service. During that talk he made a statement of conviction. At the same moment he spoke that statement, a passerby very clearly heard what he had said . The statement was - “He will save you”. The passerby was a military man - U.S. Army in full uniform. The soldier stopped, looked my father in the eye and angrily said to him - “Then why didn’t He save my buddy ?”. After asking the question, he immediately walked on, leaving dad no opportunity to answer.

I felt bad for my father at that moment - he seemed uncomfortable and frustrated. I know he could have explained the differences of meaning of the soldier’s ‘save’ and my father’s ‘save’. They both knew who ‘He’ was. I since have come to realize that those were tough times for so many people, people who probably never got answers to heartbreaking questions.

2001-01-07T07:52:00.000-08:00

From: "Dana & Ruth Brown"
To:
Date: Sat, 11 Nov 2000 20:19:48 -0500
Subject: Personal Salvation Army Memories

Thanks, Dave, for including me in the email about you and Bill Reid getting together to gather stories of past experiences--Salvation Army Memories. I would be interested in receiving these, as I agree, there are some great memories. Below are a few I have thought about, and if you deem them worthy, you are certainly at liberty to circulate them.

Dana Brown

Two openair stories: I was with a brigade of Cadets at an openair meeting. As we were playing a hymn tune, and inebriated man staggered up front and started to lead the music, when a police officer came along and led him away. Too bad one of us didn't lead him to Christ.

=============
In an openair meeting I was expounding The Word when an intoxicated man came right up to me--face to face. Evidently he was unhappy with us. Two or three of the bandsmen grabbed him and wrestled him to the ground. Upon reflection of this scene, I must admit I was not happy about it. Although the bandsmen meant well and felt they were coming to my rescue, in reality we were out there to rescue the perishing of such sinners.

==================
When my brother Alton and I were young, we went to a playground. Alton was playing in a pick-up game of baseball, and I was watching them when along came our mother who was the Y.P.L. secretary. She had to walk several blocks from where we lived to get to the playground. She announces: "Come on Alton and Dana, time for Y.P.L.!" Alton had to leave the ball game that instant, no matter if there were two outs or Alton was at bat--and we went with her to the youth meeting! I look back on that incident with admiration for my Godly mother--Mary Ellen Day.

====================
Another personal story about The Army: When I was a kid living in Boston's South End, I was walking to The Army in my uniform. Kids across the street taunted me saying: "Salvation Army save my soul--take me to Heaven in a sugar bowl." Each syllable was said as each step was taken. I was frustrated, humilitated, and angry--not knowing whether to fight, run, or cry. (I just kept walking.)

2001-01-07T07:42:00.000-08:00

From: William C Reid
To: davetubist@juno.com
Date: Sun, 5 Nov 2000 13:17:41 -0800
Subject: Re: S.A. memories

Right. Here's one I thought of.............

This incident occurred back in the late fifties: The Southern New England divisional band was in the middle of a concert at the Hartford Citadel Corps. Vic Barnes, divisional bandmaster and New Haven (CT) Citadel bandmaster, was conducting the band. The piece was
Sound Out The Proclamation by Eric Ball(?) during which there is a Euphonium cadenza. Of course the rest of the band is silent during the cadenza. When the time came for the cadenza, bm Barnes cut off the band and turned to the first chair solo euphonium player who happened to be B/M Theobald of Springfield (MA) Citadel. Much to Barnes's chagrin, Theobald - intent on taking advantage of what must have seemed to him a perfect opportunity to remove the saliva from his instrument - was carefully shaking his tuning slide held tightly in his right hand. After what seemed like an eternity to the rest of us players, BM Theobald, finally sensing that something was not right, deftly replaced his tuning slide and played the cadenza flawlessly. Only those of us in the band knew what had happened.

BM Theobald had not been at the final rehearsal before the concert for whatever reason, so Al Lyons, the second chair solo euphonium player, had played the cadenza at the rehearsal. Needless to say, each of them assumed that the other would play the cadenza at the concert.