Rock River Cornet Band on the north lawn of the Ogle County Courthouse, Oregon, around the turn of the century.

The Rock River Cornet Band performed for many celebrations and events even as early as the September 17th, 1880 dedication of Ganymede Spring and Margaret Fuller Island with over 500 people in attendance. After a speech by Colonel Benjamin Franklin Sheets and the program, the guests explored Margaret Fuller Island and the Eagle’s Nest Bluff. Entertainment included steamboat rides, croquet, dancing, archery and much revelry.

The band stand and police station that can be seen in the background were moved from the Courthouse lawn to the Ogle County fairgrounds on December 23, 1915.

Back row, left to right: Floyd Ellis, Glen Eddleman, George Sitler, Ernest Landers, Ed Connor (leader), Charles Grow, Emery Frye, Howard Schecter, Dee Heller.

Middle row, left to right: Sam Smith, James McDowell, Homer Eddleman, Clint Keplinger, Mo Aldstrand.

Front row, left to right: Billy Ray, Dick Himes (Photo courtesy of E. G. Landers)

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