From the grounds of scenic Fort Griswold, the Nutmeg Junior Ancients Muster.

Two very nice photos by Lisa Kirt-Palm:

The fort has quite the history and a beautiful view over the river of downtown New London.

From the Fort Griswold website: “This is the historic site where, on September 6, 1781, British Forces, commanded by the infamous Benedict Arnold, captured the Fort and massacred 88 of the 165 defenders stationed there. The Ebenezer Avery House which sheltered the wounded after the battle has been restored on the grounds. A Revolutionary War museum also depicts the era.”

The obelisk in the left of the first photo that bears remarkable resemblance to the Washington Monument, being designed by the same Robert Mills, is also open for climbing, all 160-something steps.  And from those lofty heights I captured these interesting, if mediocre, photos of the Westbrook Juniors on stand.

The Muster Season’s winding down, but there’s still time to get out and lift a pint with us in Marlborough or Sudbury MA. Hope to see you there!

Two generations of the ‘Pirate in Chains” meet on the 50th Muster Field.

When I saw this photo, all I could think of was, “The Thrill of Victory and the Agony of Defeat,” a reference to the Jim McKay voice over for ABC’s “Wide World of Sports” from the 70’s.  For those not familiar, or wishing for a refresher, here it is.  I only remember the first 20 seconds, up through the famous ski jumping wreck.

Our fearless leaders, the Swiss and American Commodores, Walter Buchler and Kevin Brown.  They’re affectionately dubbed, “The Commodes.”

Here they are at our 50th Anniversary Muster, celebrating upon hearing the proclamations of “Mariner Day in Connecticut” and “Mariner Month in Guilford!”

Unlike my friend, Greg Bacon, it takes me a lot longer to process these Mariner good times, a lot longer to find words to help me and others understand.

Case in point: I only this week listened to the full recording of our show in Augst, Switzerland from 2007.

Not wanting to wait until 2011, when I have something germane to say, I’ll be sharing photos of the events that capture glimpses into what made the 50th Anniversary so special for me, and I suspect others.

This one’s from Felix Freuler.

To celebrate the Mariners 50th anniversary, we wanted to do more than just host a muster. Sure, party’s are fun, we’ll be the first to admit it. But we wanted more. We wanted to pull back the curtains and give a glimpse of what it is to be a Mariner. There are great medley’s, such as The Whipple and the Gaspee, penned by, among others, the legendary Ed Olsen. There is also the constant reminder that, like Ed, there were many other great Mariners that, sadly, are no longer with us.

We do our best to keep their memory and legacy alive not only by carrying an oar with all their names affixed, but also retelling their stories. Like how Norm Ott once saved a young polliwog from certain death after pissing off another well known drum corps. Like how Roy Watrous could spin a classic tune, called Billy Budd, and give all the credit to the machine that he worked on day in and day out. Like how Babe Kelly could snap to attention and put on a brilliant show after being a bit over-served. Like how Sean Egan could strike up a conversation with beautiful women using outlandish pickup lines. Like how Freddy Bruder helped to start the Swiss Mariners. Like how Howard Hornstein battled, beyond all comprehension, ALS, and remained a vital contributor to the Mariners until his passing. There are many more. Some hilariously funny, some stunningly sad and some inspiring. Throughout the muster we tried to tell these stories. Some as vignettes while we were performing and others as conversations over an ale.

We hope those that attended the muster saw not only a fife and drum corps celebrating a milestone, but also learned a bit about the past, a bit about our music, a bit about our style of fun, and a bit about the brotherhood we share with each other. In short, we hope you learned a bit about The Mariner Spirit.

After scouring the web I have collected here a handful of photo’s that do a nice job of capturing some of that spirit. In addition, we will be posting a series of entries that capture not only the Mariner Muster, but our entire week through the Deep River Muster.
 

The Mariners take the stand during the tattoo.
 
Our Swiss friends arrive in style donning Fasnacht masks.
 
As the sun sets festive lanterns are lit. We stole this idea from the Swiss but have a lot to learn about technique.
 

The stage is lit.
 

Before the parade the bass section lines up.
 

On the Oar or On the Street.
 

Cliff leading us in The German Clockwinder.
 

The Mariners watch as other corps perform.

For other great photo’s from the weekend check out:
Set 1
Set 2

Lastly, thank you to all the corps that participated, gave use thoughtful gifts, performed great music, shared a beer, told your stories and made this a great celebration!

The Swiss Mariners have landed, the muster field is being prepared, the ale’s are on ice, everything is in order for the Mariners to kick off their 50th Anniversary Celebration!

 

 
This photo is circa 1960 near Lake Qonapaug in North Guilford.

The bold and brave that played these tunes
That echo now on older moons

Are glad their music has not fled
To other worlds as they when dead.

Back home to hear on Muster day

 The stirring songs that once they played

And view the Ancients grand parade

From secret shadow, silent shade.