Letter carriers are visible on nearly every street in America. But it wasn't that long ago that they were also on the the streets for another reason: Marching bands.
According to an article by the Smithsonian Institute, there were as many as a dozen organized NALC bands by 1900.
The bands played at National Association of Letter Carrier events, weddings, picnics and union ralleys.
The bands had anywhere from 18-50 members and most had special uniforms.
Have you ever heard a postal band? Are there any still in existence? Comment here.
 |
| Photo courtesy Smithsonian Institute, used with permission. |
4 comments:
We, in the state of Illinois, have a great band called the Associates, that plays at all our NAPUS functions.
The NALC has letter carrier bands play at their National Conventions. At their 67th biennial convention in Anaheim last year, The Seattle Letter Carrier Band and the Memphis Letter Carrier Band both performed.
I have heard of a collaboration of workers that call themselves the "Union Blues".
We don't have a band, but at one time we had a very talented postal choir. We aren't allowed to have that kind of fun anymore though.
Post a Comment