This year marks a milestone – 195 years! – in the band’s history. Tracing its roots to 1829, The New Holland Band has endured and evolved over the years, making it one of the most successful community bands in the country. 

Eastern Lancaster County is home to a Memorial Day Pilgrimage that has been held since 1922. The event, a collaboration of The New Holland Band and the United Veterans Council of New Holland (New Holland American Legion, New Holland AMVETS and New Holland VFW), sees members of those groups, plus members of other organizations, as well as the public, honor the fallen and deceased military members at a dozen cemeteries and memorial parks in the area.
Jordan Bush has always associated Memorial Day with the Pilgrimage. “As a kid, I remember hearing Taps being played at the cemetery near my house early in the morning,” he says. “When I heard that, I knew it was Memorial Day.”

Community bands played an important role in the cultural development of America. For nearly two centuries they served as the sole form of entertainment in small-town America. As a result, they were a source of community pride and infused their audiences with patriotism. Such bands also provided an educational service, as they ultimately began performing the works of such masters as Mozart, Verdi, Beethoven and others. For many small-town residents, community band concerts represented their only opportunity to hear such music. 

Rooted in Europe, community bands took their inspiration from diverse influences, including military and religious ceremonies. The Moravians are credited with bringing the band tradition to America, where their music – both secular and religious – became a vital part of the settlements they established. 

One Moravian-related band that continues to perform can be found in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Known as the Salem Band, it celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2022. Ironically, it is directed by Eileen Young, who honed her musical skills at Conestoga Valley High School in Lancaster County. Graduate school at UNC-Greensboro allowed her to become involved with the band she grew up hearing about. She made history by becoming the first woman to serve as the band’s director. 

Young follows in the footsteps of the 15 settlers who traveled from Pennsylvania to the Piedmont area of North Carolina to establish a settlement. According to an article in Our State magazine, the lack of music was an immediate concern and the settlers made it a priority to begin collecting instruments, even ordering them from Europe. The resulting band played ahead of religious services and funerals, and even serenaded people on their birthdays. The band welcomed George Washington to the settlement in 1791. 

Music was also important to the Moravian settlement at Lititz. According to the congregation’s website, its continued importance and historical connection are maintained through voice and instrumental choirs, a contemporary praise band and a symphony orchestra. 

Military-style bands reemerged during the Civil War. Many community bands would volunteer their services to military regiments, providing uplifting music and even assisting the medics during battle. At the height of the war, it was estimated that at least 500 such bands were associated with Union forces. 

Once the war concluded, musicians returned to the task of entertaining their communities. The Golden Age of community bands is considered to be the period of 1875 to the early 1900s. For example, in 1889, it is estimated that 10,000 such bands existed. Laws were even enacted in more than two dozen states that allowed taxes to be put in place that would ensure the continuation of community bands. The era also saw a rise in participation in fraternal, civic and industrial bands. Conductors also grew in prominence, with many – such as John Philip Sousa – lending their names to bands. 

The popularity of community bands saw a decline following World War I. The reason centered on the popularity of automobiles, as they allowed people to travel and seek other forms of entertainment beyond their communities. However, community bands experienced a resurgence in popularity during World War II, as they helped to boost patriotism. 

Following the war, fears that community bands would finally be relegated to history books emerged. However, history and music education actually helped to spur renewed interest. During the Bicentennial (1976), a criterion for being named a Bicentennial City included the existence of a community band. Subsequently, another positive element emerged thanks to the music programs that existed in American schools and colleges. For those who pursued careers outside of music, many discovered community bands as a way to stay connected to music. Music lovers also found camaraderie though becoming members of community bands. 

Today, it is estimated that more than 2,000 community bands are in existence. They range in size from a dozen to well over 100 members. The Allentown Band, which was founded in 1828, is considered to be the country’s oldest civilian concert band in continuous existence. According to an article in the Allentown Morning Call, the proliferation of community bands in the Lehigh Valley is credited to the lasting influence of Bethlehem’s Moravian congregation. In Lancaster County, community bands are associated with Rohrerstown (dating to 1840s, chartered in 1893), Bainbridge (1896), Lititz (whose community band is an outgrowth of the Cadet Band, which was formed in 1930), Lampeter-Strasburg (1992) and, of course, New Holland. 

New Holland 

In 1829, a group of the town’s musicians formed a band with the intent to play for the 51st Regiment of the Pennsylvania State Militia. The founding date makes New Holland the second-oldest community band in the country. 

By 1842, the 15-member band was known as the New Holland Village Band. It was an era when valved brass instruments were introduced and New Holland was on trend as the band included one clarinet and one fife player. 

Members of the United Veterans Council of New Holland include: from left, Alan Noll, Ron Folker, Mike Martin and Lamar Martin. In the background is the Veterans Memorial, where the Pilgrimage ends with a ceremony. Photo by Ann Mead Ash, Townlively.com.

After a period of inactivity, the band was revived in 1856 and was associated with the Earl Infantry Company. It not only performed during military ceremonies but provided entertainment for community events. In 1858, it officially became known as the Earl Infantry Band. 

As was customary during the Civil War, in 1864 the band’s members formed a regimental band to serve the 203rd Regiment of the Pennsylvania Volunteers. Members provided music for the troops and assisted medics during battle. Following the war, the band underwent several name changes and eventually became inactive. 

One hundred years after its founding, the band was revived thanks to the efforts of the New Holland Lions Club. Known as the New Holland Boys Band, it enjoyed a successful run until 1936. The Lions Club again stepped up and championed efforts to reform a band during World War II, when promoting patriotism and providing entertainment to those supporting the war effort at home were needed. Known as the Victory Band of New Holland, its first performance was delivered on July 4, 1942. The new band reflected a change in direction for community bands, as it evolved from being a marching band and became more of a concert band. 

In 1958, the band reorganized yet again, becoming known simply as The New Holland Band. Today it is comprised of 60-plus professional and amateur musicians – including high school and college students – and performs across South Central Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia area. It even counts Paris, France, as among its stops, as it played at the Eiffel Tower during a trip that took a delegation of New Holland residents to their sister city of Longvic in 1974. (The Sister City Charter was enacted in 1966.) 

At each stop, a short ceremony is held at the gravesite of the last veteran to be buried in the cemetery. The morning-long event culminates at cemeteries associated with Trinity Lutheran and St. Steven’s Reformed churches in New Holland. A closing ceremony is then held at the Veterans Memorial.

Earlier this year, Fred Hughes became the band’s 12th musical director. His father was a member of the band, hence Mr. Hughes has a nearly lifelong association with it, officially joining as a member while in junior high school. 

“I knew very early on that I wanted to be a musician and play in the band,” he recalls. His start with the band came at the age of 8, when he began pulling the bass drum during the Pilgrimage. “The mentorship I received from all of the musicians in the band was an invaluable part of my early music education. I am positive I would not have had an over-50-year career in music without that mentorship.” As for the responsibility of leading such an historic band, Fred relates, “It is an honor to be the twelfth director of this historic band and I’m excited to lead the organization into its next chapter.”

The New Holland Band also takes part in a poignant Memorial Day ceremony that has been held since 1922. Called the Memorial Day Pilgrimage, it’s a collaborative effort of the United Veterans Council (New Holland American Legion, New Holland AMVETS and New Holland VFW) and The New Holland Band. Every Memorial Day, representatives from each entity and other organizations, as well as members of the community, gather at 6:30 a.m. and then make their way to a dozen cemeteries and memorial parks in the area to pay homage to fallen and deceased military members. At each stop, a short ceremony is conducted at the grave of the last veteran to be buried in the cemetery. Meanwhile, other band members take part in the Memorial Day ceremonies that are held in Churchtown. Fourth of July is also a busy time for the band.  

The New Holland Band also formed a swing band that performs at private events. In addition, it maintains a museum that is home to what many musicians consider to be one of the most impressive displays of community band memorabilia in the country. Located on the second floor of the New Holland Library, it was founded in 1980 by Arthur Futer.  

Schedule 

• July 3. Paradise Station, Ronks. 7:30 p.m. 
• July 5. Community Memorial Park, 7 p.m. 
• July 14. New Holland Car Show, Community Memorial Park 
• July 25. Lancaster Lemonade Concert Series, Highland Presbyterian Church, 7 p.m.
• November 11. Thank You Veterans, Garden Spot Village, 7 p.m. 
• December 6. Holiday Pops, DoubleTree Resort (Willow Valley), 6:15 p.m. 

For more information, visit newhollandband.org.  

Next Stop …

Eastern Lancaster County is home to a park that pays homage to what was once a vital industry to the fledgling country – iron forges. Known as Historic Poole Forge, the park offers visitors a unique combination of history, nature and community. 

A preserved forge hammer marks the spot where the original forge building once stood, before it collapsed in 1910. Also in view are the park’s office building (a former tenant house) and the covered bridge that dates to 1859.

The 26-acre park, which is located in Narvon, has been owned by Caernarvon Township since 2005, at which time a nonprofit board of directors was formed to oversee renovation and restoration projects on the property. The park’s highlights include a preserved ironmaster’s mansion, remnants of kilns, a play area, a pavilion, a restored cottage, a nature trail, wildflower meadows, beautiful gardens and a covered bridge that spans the Conestoga. 

A Peace Garden is located behind the park’s offices and offers a view of the Conestoga River, kilns and woodland.

Poole Forge was part of the iron industry that flourished in Lancaster and Lebanon counties during the 18th century. James Old, a Welsh immigrant, purchased the property in 1775. It originally consisted of 472 acres and was comprised of 38 buildings. He purchased pig iron from other forges and refined it, enabling him to sell iron to blacksmiths, larger markets and the Colonial Army. In 1795, his son, Davis, took over the forge, operating it until 1852, after which time a succession of owners lived on the premises. Poole Forge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. 

As for the covered bridge, in April 1858, 62 citizens signed a petition that called for a bridge to be built over the Conestoga. In May 1859, Levi Fink entered into a contract to build a bridge for the sum of $1,219. It was finished in August. In 1980 the 99-foot-long bridge was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

The Ironmaster’s Mansion underwent extensive renovations and is now used as an events venue that hosts weddings, teas, bridal/baby showers and other social events, as well as community events such as art exhibits, lectures and workshops. The mansion is surrounded by gardens and massive trees.

Dawn Rise Eckdahl, phD, who has been the executive director of Historic Poole Forge for nearly 10 years, is proud of the property and the many improvements that have been made since 2005. “The restored mansion is now used for community lectures and events; it’s also hosted both adult and children’s nature conservation and education programs,” she notes. 

“Last year, we performed an extensive restoration on the covered bridge, replacing over 100 boards with properly dried hemlock. The entire bridge was treated with fireproofing under a donation from the National Covered Bridge Society,” she reports. 

Pumpkin, Poole Forge’s resident greeter, has been a fixture at the park for six years.

Grants from such organizations as the Sierra Club, and projects undertaken by Eagle Scouts and in partnership with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Lancaster Conservancy and others have added such features as a bridge over the mill race, a wishing well and displays of the original hammers. “During the 2019 season, we performed our most extensive restorations. Working with a grant under the Lancaster Conservation District, approximately 1/4 mile of the Conestoga Creek was reconstructed, creating new habitat for fish and freshwater organisms,” Dawn explains. “With the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay funding and volunteers, we have planted over 100 native trees and shrubs as additional riparian buffers along the creek. We have also added nature trails, a wildflower/grassland meadow, a pollinator garden and bird houses and habitat in partnership with the Sierra Club and local Eagle Scouts. We are now working with CBF on the improvement of the Conestoga Creek Watershed.” 

Beams inside the covered bridge are carved with visitors’ names dating back as far as 1870.

Just recently, Historic Poole Forge hosted a Watershed program during Lancaster Conservancy’s Water Week and was the recipient of the 2024 Community Revitalization Award, presented by the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County. 

“Historic Poole Forge provides a place for the community to learn, play, gather together, picnic, hike, fish and enjoy nature,” Dawn points out. A sense of community is also being reinforced through Historic Poole Forge’s continuing efforts to focus on “the importance of the historical preservation of our unique industry and the Welsh heritage of the region, as well as the preservation of our environment and waterways for our future generations.”

The park’s connection to the community is reflected in plant swaps, a Children’s Trout Derby that takes place in April, as well as the following upcoming events: 

• July & August: Children’s programming, with a focus on nature and the outdoors
• September 6: Fall Plant Swap (6 p.m.)
• September 14: Poole Forge Day (9 a.m.-5 p.m.)
• October 13: Cruise to the Forge (10 a.m.-3 p.m.)
• November 22-24: Fall Auction/Fundraiser 
• December 14: Welsh Christmas 

Information: 1940 Main St., Narvon. Open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. Historicpooleforge.org. 

Next Stop …

This charming town is known for its Welsh heritage, beautiful architecture and a bed and breakfast inn that boasts gorgeous gardens. 

The Bangor Episcopal Church has a storied history, as it was one of the first Church of England congregations to be founded (1722) in Colonial America. Initially, services were held under the trees. They then moved to a log church (1734) and then to one built of stone (1756). The present-day church building dates to 1830.

As for the area’s Welsh heritage, that can be traced back to William Penn. In 1681, a committee of Welshmen met with Penn to discuss the possibility of securing a tract of land that would enable them to emigrate to America. A Welsh Tract was eventually agreed upon. Located on the west side of the Schuylkill River, it covered 40,000 acres (or 62 square miles, primarily today’s Montgomery, Delaware and Chester counties). Penn and 2,000 newcomers arrived in what today is Chester in 1682. Thus began a great migration of newcomers from the British Isles, as an estimated 90 ships carrying emigres would arrive over the next three years, making those of Welsh heritage among the first to inhabit Penn’s Woods. Many of the newcomers who settled the tract hailed from eastern Wales. They were prosperous, educated and, like Penn, tended to be members of the Society of Friends (Quakers). 

Land further west – including Churchtown – was also settled by Welsh immigrants, only this contingent tended to be working class people (farmers, miners, tradesmen) who came from northern and western Wales. Most were members of the Church of England. Another wave of settlement occurred in 1720, when a contingent from the Radnor area made their way to what would become Lancaster County. 

The Welsh honored their homeland by naming towns and churches after those they left behind. Along what is now known as The Main Line, towns took on names such as Radnor, Merion and Bala Cynwyd. In Lancaster County, Caernarvon Township, Narvon and Bangor are examples. Other obvious examples are New Wales (Montgomery County) and the Welsh Mountains in the vicinity of Churchtown. 

Churchtown’s architecture is not to be missed, as the enduring talents of the area’s stone masons are an indication of the craftmanship that continues to define this area of the county. Names are inscribed in the stones that were recycled from the original stone church and used to build the present-day church.

In what is now Churchtown, a church was formed in 1722 and given the name Church of Bangor in Caernarvon in honor of the Bangor Cathedral in northwest Wales. It is regarded as the earliest-established church in the (present day) Episcopalian Diocese of Central Pennsylvania. It is also regarded as one of the first Church of England congregations to be founded in the colonies. The emergence of the church prompted townspeople to begin referring to their new home as Bangor Church Town. 

Initially, services were held under the trees. A log church was built in 1734. A stone church was constructed in 1756. During the American Revolution, the church was closed for six years due in part to the fact that clergy could not make their way to Bangor to conduct services. It’s believed that George Washington visited Churchtown on two occasions; more than likely the visits coincided with business at Poole Forge. 

Post-war and after the Constitution of the United States was signed in 1789, the first convention of the Episcopal Church met in Philadelphia, whereby the Church of England congregations were reorganized and became known as Episcopal congregations. The reorganized church also adopted the American Prayer Book.

In 1830, the present-day church was built, taking its inspiration from Gothic Revival architecture. According to the church’s website, the cost of building the new church was $4,000. Elements of the original stone structure were included in the new one, namely stones on which the donors to the old church had cut their names. Such stones were incorporated into the walls of the new building and can still be seen today. 

Massive trees fill the church yard and cemetery that surround the church. According to the church’s website, “Inside the nave of the church, a Welsh flag is proudly displayed as a reminder of the hardy colonial pioneers who first made their way to this valley and founded The Episcopal Church of Bangor in Caernarvon.” The church was added to the National Register of Historical Places in 1987. 

To read more about the church and Welsh migration, visit bangorepiscopal.org.  

Learn more about the history of the area: 

• New Holland Area Historical Society, nhhistorical.com
• Caernarvon Historical Society and Museum, caernarvonlancaster.org 

Next Stop …