Perseverance Band parading in honor of the 75th Anniversary of Coleman Park
Coleman Family Association to the Perse Band
The Perseverance band has a long association with the Coleman family. From the Band’s inception as the “93rd Regiment Band” as part of the 93rd Regiment of Lebanon during the American Civil War, it was mustered in at Camp Coleman (Lebanon’s Monument Park), which was named in honor of the 93rd’s major supporter, George Dawson Coleman, the “Father of the Regiment.” Mr. Coleman’s daughter, Fanny, was born during the time of Camp Coleman and the 93rd then called her the “daughter of the regiment.” The Perse, as the band is often called, was attached to the regiment at Camp Coleman on October 3, 1861 with John Stanley as it’s leader. After the Civil War, the Perse played at many of the reunions of the 93rd regiment held at The Gettysburg Battlefield with Mr. and Mrs. Coleman in attendance. In replying to his invitation to attend the 2nd reunion of the 93rd, Mr. Coleman wrote,” It gives me great pleasure to accept the invitation. I am pleased to know that the Perseverance Band will accompany the Association on this occasion.”
The Perse, as the band was affectionately known, indeed played for many ceremonies, concerts, parades and occasions throughout the Lebanon area and even throughout the state of Pennsylvania. In 1883, the grand Cornwall and Lebanon Railroad, connecting the vast deposits of iron ore in Cornwall with the many furnaces in Lebanon, was officially opened. It was a Coleman venture, initiated by Robert H. Coleman,and headed later by B. Dawson Coleman. Opening Day for this railroading venture was led by the exciting music of the Perseverance Band on October 1, 1883. The Band led a parade to the court house with many local and state officials in attendance.Speeches were made and the Perse played a variety of music. It seemed like the whole town turned out for the occasion.
“It has the prestige of the only continuous military band of the Civil War and it’s reputation for military music remains undimmed and it’s excellence as a musical organization is unsurpassed”-from the book “Red, White and Blue badge, Pennsylvania veteran volunteers” by Penrose B. Mark, Captain of Company D, Brevet Major 93rd Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers, copyright in 1911.
“It has the prestige of the only continuous military band of the Civil War and it’s reputation for military music remains undimmed and it’s excellence as a musical organization is unsurpassed”-from the book “Red, White and Blue badge, Pennsylvania veteran volunteers” by Penrose B. Mark, Captain of Company D, Brevet Major 93rd Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers, copyright in 1911.
