Gallitzin American Legion Memorial Post 174

The Gallitzin American Legion (AL) Memorial Post 174 drum and bugle corps was organized and sponsored in 1934 by Doctor Alfred Morton Bergstein, first commander of the Gallitzin post and under the direction of Robert F. McCaa.

Starting out with a handful of willing but inexperienced musicians, the corps participated in Legion days and other celebrations over the district and state. The Memorial Post made its first appearance, sporting uniforms fashioned by the Ladies auxiliary, in the Gallitzin Legion day parade on August 28th, 1934, and participated in their first state Legion competition, gathering 3^rd place in 1935.

In 1936, new equipment and uniforms were furnished as the corps copped many prizes throughout the state in various competitions and gained valuable experience, including a return to the state Legion contest. They capped off their season by garnering 1^st place in the AL National Convention, in the “Junior Sponsored” class.

In 1937, the group, greatly enlarged by new recruits, accumulated new laurels to their previous records by conquering their former competitors and adding new conquests, including performing in the state convention competition and capturing their 2^nd AL National “Junior Sponsored” title. The Post 174 passed up the 1938 state convention in order to defend its title in Los Angeles for the 3^rd year in a row. After returning home triumphantly, the corps was feted with a testimonial at the Oriental ballroom.

The following year, the Gallitzin unit placed 5^th in the 1939 state contest and for a 4^th consecutive year, was crowned the AL National “Junior Sponsored” champions. Over the last two years, the corps competed in the state Legion convention, where they finished in 6^th place in both 1940 & 1941.

They disbanded in 1942.

Paul Legault (DCX)

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