The Norwood Park Drum and Bugle Corps began in a small way - with a group of neighborhood boys who wanted to learn how to play drums. Their neighbor, William (Willie) Widmayer, agreed to teach them at his home. Jack Bornhoeft, one of those early drummers, writes: "Willie would have contests for us where we would march along the street by the Norwood Park Fieldhouse. Of course, in those days (1928), there were few homes in the area and we would march back and forth, one at a time, playing drum solos that Willie taught us. We played from memory, as none of us could read music. Our parents looked on proudly as we marched and played while Willie was the sole judge and jury. There was always some sort of prize and we took great pride in our capabilities as drummers."

Soon six or seven drummers had joined, followed by some boys who were taught to play the bugle, too. In no time, they had a small drum and bugle corps, so interested parents decided to form a parent support group. The Norwood Park Drum and Bugle Corps was officially formed, with Helen Crowe (the mother of one of the early drummers) as the first president. Willie continued as their director and instructor. The Norwood Park American Legion Post provided sponsorship for the Corps, whose first uniforms were white duck pants and white shirts with blue trim.

Chuck Trick, another early member, remembers: "Eventually, Mr. Widmayer felt that it was time we learned how to march. So, in the spring and summer, twice a week, we marched up and down Avondale Ave. There was no traffic at that time, as Avondale was not a through street. In the fall and winter, we practiced in the Norwood Park Fieldhouse. Our parents were always there to cheer us on and to help in any way they could. We had no fancy drills or special parade formations then. Just staying in step and marching in the resemblance of a straight line was a major accomplishment for us!"

Jack Bornhoeft continues: "Our truly greatest events consisted of several appearances at the Chicago 'Century of Progress' exhibition in 1933 and 1934. What an experience for a group of 9 and 10 year olds. I remember lining up at the main gate and marching right on through without even having to buy a ticket. Now that was big time and we were like celebrities."

In 1933, a fife section was added and remained until 1947, when a lack of interest and competitions forced their removal. During the late 1930s, the Corps marched with about 100 members. They placed well in local American Legion sponsored parade contests from 1936 until 1945. A Cadet (or "B") Corps was formed in 1940 to help train new members.

William Widmayer (most often known as "Willie") was born in New Britton, Connecticut in 1872, moving to Chicago as a young boy. He learned the trade of metal pattern making and made his living in that manner until he retired in 1939. He was also an accomplished musician and singer, once being a voice student at the Chicago Musical College. He started as a drummer with the Lincoln Turners Drum Corps in Chicago at the age of 14. He later became a drummer in the Illinois National Guard Band. Willie was a veteran of the Spanish American War and WWI and was also a member of the Norwood Park American Legion Post and its Drum and Bugle Corps.

Mr. Widmayer also started corps in other Chicago area communities, 14 in all, but Norwood Park is the only one that survived into the 1950s. He remained active with the Corps for many years after his retirement. Jack Bornhoeft reminds us: "Being a widower and having no children of his own, Willie's joy was his extended family of young people in the Corps. During WWII, Willie made a special effort to stay in touch with all of 'his boys' who were in the service. He also made a special point of contacting them when they returned home from overseas. We sure could use more people like him today - an extraordinary man and a great friend."

Following WWII, additional instructors were brought on, but Willie was still instructing the Cadet Corps in 1951, when he was 79 years of age. Frank Grana (soprano, 1950 to 1963) writes about Willie teaching in those days: "Willie was my first horn instructor when I went to join the B Corps right after my 7th birthday. He gave me a G bugle and told me to 'just go home and blow the damn thing every day until next week!' When I came back the next Saturday, he was surprised that I could actually play a few notes. I remember that he seemed very happy when he was teaching and that he talked real loud. I think his hearing was failing."