Decoration Day 1905

Memorial Day (now known Memorial Day), was the result of the American civil war when family, friends, and townspeople would decorate graves of the Union and Confederate dead. A tradition beginning as early as 1864, approximately six locations claim to be the birthplace of this day of remembrance which did not become an official holiday for all of the nation’s fallen until after World War I.

By 1905, Willow Grove Park, the country’s largest amusement park and in close proximity to Philadelphia, had been in operation for ten years gaining national recognition for attracting the finest musical organizations in the country for the purpose of serenading the many thousands who visited there from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The finest bands and orchestras were engaged for weeks at a time and besides Sousa, Patrick Conway’s Band, Wheelock’s U.S. Indian Band of Carlisle, PA, the orchestras of Victor Herbert and Walter Damrosch rounded out the musical entertainment this year.

1. Financially speaking, the 1905 season at Willow Grove was a ‘grand slam’ for management as Sousa’s Band was not only engaged as the closing attraction this season from September 26th to September 4th but also as the opening entertainment from May 27th to June 10th encompassing both Decoration and Labor Days! Park management could always count on Sousa for a spike in both attendance and revenue during his engagements despite his thousand-dollar-per-day fee which was more than double what Damrosch received! Although from the 1906 season, here is a weekly Willow Grove pay voucher signed by John Philip Sousa.
2. Prior to the Willow Grove engagement, Sousa’s Band just returned from a 5-month tour of Great Britain and on six days rest, reassembled for the park’s season opening on May 27th, 1905. Traditionally, Decoration or Memorial Day fell on May 30th leaving ample time for Mr. Sousa to put together musical programs befitting this day of remembrance and he did not disappoint. Prior to Sousa’s arrival, the Band’s manager is in communication with the park’s superintendent over the issue of printed programs and ironically, Decoration Day is mentioned.
3. The cover of the May 30th daily program for Sousa and His Band featuring the same image of The March King used on program covers through the 1916 season!
4. This autographed cabinet photo gives an accurate assessment of how Mr. Sousa appeared in 1905.
5. While two programs appear within based on the numbering of selections, technically four separate concerts were offered due to the extended intervals between leaving park revelers to spend their money at the numerous concessions, enjoy the fountain display, or take a stroll.
6. This rare poster was a unique find as it gives the train schedule for getting to and from Willow Grove Park on Decoration Day, 1905!
7. As the park was owned and operated by the Philadelphia Rapid Transit Company, they offered free trolley rides with the idea that attendees would spend their money more freely once they got to Willow Grove – clever marketing! Speaking of the trolley system, each car held placards showing the current musical entertainment at the park.
8. While the daily musical programs were free for patrons and printed up by the thousands, there were Sousa-related souvenirs available for purchase in 1905. They included “Band and Orchestra Leaders” postcards and pinback buttons as well as a Sousa Band image at the famous music pavilion and Mr. Sousa seated at his portable traveling desk with a facsimile musical quotation from “Hands Across The Sea.”
9. This classic 1905 image of Sousa’s Band was taken at Willow Grove Park just outback of the music pavilion. Based on some personnel changes between May and August, it is presumed to be the second engagement from August 26th to September 4th.
10. Finally, this scene taken from the back of the Willow Grove bandstand in August, 1907, gives you an idea of the throngs of music revelers who came to see and hear The March King. Mr. Sousa reserved his white uniform for Sunday concerts and special occasions and no doubt a similar scene would have taken place on Decoration Day, 1905.

Wishing everyone a meaningful and safe Memorial Day holiday!