Spanish-American War drum corps of the Pacific Northwest
The Spanish–American War (April 21 – December 10, 1898) began in the aftermath of the internal explosion of the USS Maine in
Havana Harbor in Cuba, leading to U.S. intervention in Cuba’s War of Independence from Spain.
Ten years later in 1909, Washington State had 1,500 Spanish-American war vets and 14 Camps. (Camps = Aeries, Lodges, Posts…)
Some of these Camps spawned their own drum corps.
Sons of Spanish-American War Veterans – Portland Oregon
Sponsored by: Spanish-American War Veterans, Scout Young Camp #2
This photo was taken ca 1911 and the drum corps ran through approximately 1940. It started as a literal “drum” corps (drums only) and by 1930 had morphed into a drum & fife corps. Members were aged seven through sixteen.
Daughters of Spanish-American War Veterans – Tacoma, Washington
Sponsored by: Spanish American War Veterans, John R. Thompson Camp No.1
Known years of existence: 1933 – 1940
Manager / Director: John H. Kelly
Photo: 1938
All unit members are related to a war veteran.
Daughters of Spanish-American War Veterans – Seattle Washington
Sponsored by: Spanish American War Veterans, Fortson-Thygesen Camp No. 2
Known years of existence: 1933 – 1938
Photo: February 19, 1938