Gardner Guards
Other Names: Howard Gardner American Legion Post 281; Tyrone Guards
Tyrone; Altoona, PA United States
Founded: 1924
| Year | Position | Score | Theme/Songs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 17 | 35.900 | (Repertoire not available) |
CORPS Photos
The Gardner Guards drum and bugle corps was originally formed in the summer of 1924 as the Howard Gardner American Legion Post 281 of Tyrone.
The corps made their first appearance on November 11th, Armistice Day in Tyrone and entered the field of competition the following year, placing 5th in the 1925 Legion state convention. From 1926 to 1936, sporting their white & cardinal, West Point Cadets style uniforms by 1931, participated in several parades, field competitions and state contests, remaining active from 1937 to 1940.
The corps reorganized in the fall of 1950 as the Gardner Guards and placed 3rd in the 1951 Legion state “Class C” division. They re-entered the field of competition in 1952 as original members of the central Penn circuit and performed in the state “Class B” division placing 3rd in 1952 & 1953 and 7th in 1954. They also sponsored their annual “Drum Corps Festival” contest starting in 1952 and over the next two seasons, competed in the “Class C” state division, winning the 1956 “Class C” title, moving back up to “Class B” state competition, wearing their colorful red & gold uniforms, ranked 4th in 1957, 2nd in 1958 & 1959.
The Gardner Guards were crowned the 1960 & 1961 “Class B” champions, placing 5th in the 1962 contest. The Tyrone unit also won the 1958 & 1959 Central Penn championships and became members of the Interstate circuit during this time. Other highlights included appearances in the inaugural parades for both President Eisenhower in 1957 & President Kennedy in 1961, taking home the “Best drum corps” awards in both events and that same year, performed on the Ed Sullivan show.
From 1963 to 1969, the corps remained semi-active as a parade and exhibition group returning to parade competition as the 1970 “Class C” champions. In 1971, the Gardner Guards became members of the Red Carpet Association, finishing 8th in the circuit championships before returning to parade status the following year and went inactive in 1973.
In November of 1974, the corps once again reorganized, this time as the Tyrone Guards and remained active from 1975 to 1979, capturing the 1977 Legion state parade championships and captured the 1978 & 1979 VFW parade titles. In 1980, the unit returned to the field of competition as the Gardner Guards for one last season as members of the International Circuit Association and placed 17th in the DCA championship preliminaries. The corps remained active as a parading & exhibition unit from 1981 to 1984.
They disbanded in 1985.
DCW, 11/03, p.3; Thomas Delozier II - June 2020; Paul Legault (DCX)
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1959 2 scores
Highest Score 91.120
Final show in DCX Archives August 8, 1959 Interstate Circuit Johnstown PA placed 1 with a score of 91.120
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1960 1 scores
Highest Score 78.620
Final show in DCX Archives July 2, 1960 Hershey Invitational Hershey PA placed 5 with a score of 78.620
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1962 1 scores
Highest Score 76.000
Final show in DCX Archives June 24, 1962 Johnsonburg PA placed 5 with a score of 76.000
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1971 2 scores
Highest Score 57.450
Final show in DCX Archives August 28, 1971 Red Carpet Association Championships Erie PA placed 8 with a score of 47.100
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1980 2 scores
Highest Score 76.700
Final show in DCX Archives August 31, 1980 DCA Championships Prelims Hershey PA placed 17 with a score of 35.900
Members (3)
| Member Name | Section | Years Involved |
|---|---|---|
| Bruster, Mike | Baritone | 1978 |
| Morningstar, Mark | Drumline | 1978 to 1979 |
| Morningstar, Mark | Drumline (Tenor) | 1983 to 1984 |
CORPS 14 items
GardnerGuards,Tyrone,PA,Patch1(Site)AA_U_S from the Richard Elmquist Collection Contributed by UNKNOWN
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