Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Happy Birthday, Mr. Sousa!

While today is election day, it is also John Philip Sousa's 158th birthday, as he was born on November 6, 1854. Here is what the namesake of the Sousaphone looked like right about when the first Sousaphone was created by J. W. Pepper (1894-96):

Photo courtesy of the Sousa Archives
But since it is indeed election day here in the U. S., let me also include this photo of the Marine Band, led by Sousa, marching in the inaugural parade for President Grover Cleveland in 1885 (dress those ranks, boys!):


Sousa led this Band, which is known to this day as "The President's Own," from 1880 to 1892, serving under five Presidents - Hayes, Garfield, Arthur, Cleveland, and Harrison. Who will be our President after today? Make sure you vote!

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