The Corps remained a community-based parade corps, focused on local appearances and community activities, until 1945, when field competition beckoned. Fred Specht (from the National Champion Senior Corps, the Commonwealth Edison "Knights of Light") was appointed the first military (marching) instructor to teach the members a field drill, which included wheels and various other complicated maneuvers. In 1947, Emmett Sarig, a music and band teacher at Maine High School, joined the Corps as music instructor. The Corps' sound (and scores) improved dramatically, bringing them their first State Championship. They repeated in 1948 with a second State Title.
In the 1949 season, with Eddie Riemer instructing bugles and Bob Badal on drums, the Corps won the State Championship for the third year in a row. The Corps went on to their first National Competition in Philadelphia. Competing against 40 corps, they placed 6th!
6th Place at American Legion Nationals in Philadelphia
6th Place at American Legion Nationals in Philadelphia
Instructors during the late 1940s included:
The Corps' repertoire from one of the late 1940s years was: Original opening The No Name March, Land, Sea and Air, Repasz Band, The Land We Love, This is the Army, Stars and Stripes, America, Maroon and Gold, and The Norwood Park Youth March. The Corps changed uniforms several times during this period, but always retained the Corps colors: maroon and gold. During this time, the Corps was limited to 32 playing members for competition.
One person with a special impact on the Corps was Joan Purse (later Mrs. Bob Briske), the talented and award-winning drum major from the late '40's and early '50's. In addition to her corps leadership duties on and off the field, she wrote many of the maneuvers used by the Corps in the early days of field competition. Later, she was the primary instructor of the Cadet Corps for many years, helping to instruct younger Corps members.
Besides Mr. Widmayer, many parents influenced the Corps, volunteering for important roles as Corps presidents, business managers, quartermasters, treasurers and fund-raisers, giving much time and energy to the Corps. Parent group involvement remained an important part of the Corps operation through its entire life. Family names such as Carroll, Grana, Maass, Minor, Mounsey, Olsen, Ricklefs, Saiger, Schluessler, Shannon, Will, Vergin and many more will long be remembered as part of the Corps history.
An important support group for the Corps was the Mothers' Club, made up of Corps mothers, mothers of former members and some interested ladies. Operating both as a social group and a Corps support group, they conducted many social and fund-raising events throughout the life of the Corps, including the famous annual Cherry Tree Social.
1947 - Illinois State American Legion Champion
1948 - Illinois State American Legion Champion
1949 - Illinois State American Legion Champion; 6th at American Legion Nationals, Philadelphia, score 85.80 (tied with Gladstone Park)