The sounds of a community marching band could return to Ashland if organizers find musicians to revive a part of borough history.

The revival effort is based on what was originally the American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps, and later the VFW Drum and Bugle Corps, which used the Legion's musical instruments when its band became inactive.The proposed Ashland Area Community Band is being spearheaded by Ashland residents Frank Rice, John "Jack" Jones and Charles "Willie" Hughes, members of Ashland American Legion Bernard J. Dolan Post 434. Jones is the president of the Ashland Area Historic Preservation Society, which has memorabilia of the original bands on display in the ABA Room. Society Treasurer James "Jim" Klock, Ashland, provides much of the research work, working from the society's archives."When we were building the American Legion home, I was talking with (then-Main Street Manager) Greg Fisher that the Legion had a drum and bugle corps years ago," Jones said. "So I went on the Internet and found that Bloomsburg was changing its uniforms and the old ones were available. Greg confirmed the sale and found out we could get them for $600. The uniform colors are burgundy and white and gold, which are our (Legion) colors."Jones said about 50 uniforms were purchased in 2010 and are being stored at the Legion post."The whole concept is to get the kids to change the culture and give them something to do," Jones said."We're going to keep trying," Rice said. "I've been invited to talk on a Hazleton TV station about the band idea."The ABA Room has an alcove that holds band uniforms, instruments and other items related to the Legion and VFW bands. One unique item is a metal band helmet, reminiscent of a World War I dough boy helmet. Inside the helmet, the adjustable liner has the name "Hoffman" written inside."That could be Dr. Hoffman," Klock said, referring to Dr. John L. Hoffman, who, as the Ashland Boys Association president, played a major role in the creation of the Mother's Memorial."He was the commander of the Legion during those years and was probably in the band, too," said Klock. "He was a very talented guy."The original Legion band was founded in 1930 during a special meeting in July. According to the minutes, "A motion by Dr. Jacques, second by Raymond Stieff, that the Bernard J. Dolan Post 434 shall purchase all musical instruments for American Legion Bugle and Drum Corps at William Eisinger, with the understanding that he will instruct the Bugle and Drum Corps for one year free of charge. Motion carried."The Eisinger Music Store was located at 1609 Centre St. and supplied instruments to most of the area bands and orchestras.Another motion was made to buy the following instruments: 12 bugles (28-inch), six drums, two Scotch drums and one baton."The snare drum we have George Kleponis had," Klock said. "The bass drum is from George Schilling. I think the instruments were just handed out (when the band ended)."In the late 1940s, the Legion band folded, which led to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7654 to ask for use of the instruments to form its own band, which performed for a few years.When a new band is formed in Ashland, it will have uniforms."Jack was instrumental in getting band uniforms from Bloomsburg University," Rice said."I purchased them for $600 and donated them to the American Legion," Jones said."He's been very helpful in doing a lot for the Legion," said Rice.Even though the band will form in Ashland, it is open to musicians outside the area."I had a guy call me from Berks County who was going through Frackville and saw one of our posters," Rice said. "He played in a symphony orchestra and said he wouldn't mind coming up here because our events are not that close together. He said he wouldn't mind coming up to help, even if we needed a director. There is interest out there, but it's few and far between right now."Rice said there are no limitations on age who can play an instrument."Come one, come all," said Rice. "We are looking for anyone interested in helping us form the band. You need not necessarily be from the Borough of Ashland, anyone from surrounding communities are invited to take part and age is not a factor."For more information, call 570-875-3428 (Legion), 570-875-3974 (Hughes) or 570-875-4190 (Rice).Distributed by Tribune Content Agency LLC