Grenadiers

The Grenadiers drum and bugle corps was originally formed in 1946 as the Brockport Firemen drum corps, under the leadership of Wesley Thompson.

In 1948, it was felt that Brockport residents should have the pride to back an organization of this type and the corps received sponsorship from the Brockport VFW Post 2890, under the leadership of Anthony “Tony” Privo D'Lallo, becoming the Rodney H. Dobson VFW Post 2890 drum corps, Mr. D’Lallo as director from 1948 to 1953. He was a member of "The All-American Drum and Bugle Corps and Band Association" from 1948 until his death in October of 1968. He played the two valve bugle and was a master musician with training at the Eastman School of Music.  

At this time a board of directors, comprising some of the men in the educational, industrial and professional fields in the village met to discuss ways and means to underwrite the necessary expense of the corps. The directors where mayor Fred Metcalf, George Kruger, Paul Hanks, Joseph Keable, Oscar Nichols, Harold Dobson, Hugh Constable, the late A. D. Oliver, Dr. Harry Greene, “Joe” Hensley, Harry Cleveland and Dr. Donald Tower. Harold Dobson was chosen chairman of the group.

The Dobson Post entered the field of competition with at least 29 members in 1950, winning the New York State VFW title. Here, they competed with the best in the state, and the stands had a fine showing of Brockport people. It was a grand spectacle to look down from this slight elevation and watch the precision of movement, while the music continued. Then, a piece was rendered while stationed in front of the judges’ stand. At retreat, the corps was awarded $800 and a beautiful trophy. The trophy was placed on display in the show window of the Dobson Drug Store for several days. They also competed in the “Closed Circuit” division in the VFW Nationals, placing in 3^rd position.

The following season saw the corps defend their State title and once again finished 3^rd in the 1951 VFW Nationals, adding a 3^rd place finish in the National Dream contest. To accomplish the above results, when in competition with such large cities as Chicago, New York and Philadelphia, a great amount of practicing and drilling under the expert guidance of Vic Jonas, the instructor, was necessary. The fine timing of Ray Depford, as drum major in the drilling also the faithful work of Lester V. “Tom” Ward, manager, and Tony D’Lallo the secretary and treasurer was instrumental in their success.

Lacking a veterans organization sponsor, the corps reorganized as the Grenadiers during the years of 1952-53, unable to attend State and National competition. The constant practicing and drilling was continued however, performing in more local competition and parades those years. The corps also sponsored their annual “Pageant of Drums” contest.

In 1954, the corps fused into the Cavaliers of Batavia to become the Brockport-Batavia Cavaliers with Tony D’Lallo as corps director and Vic Jonas as principal instructor.

Paul Legault (DCX)