Connecticut Crusaders

The Connecticut Crusaders drum a bugle corps traced its roots back to the Strazza-Tonoli-Emhoff American Legion Post 26 of Stafford Springs. In the fall of 1966, the Post organized the Sons of American Legion Post 26 drum corps under the leadership of Roy Maynard and Richard Lanagan.

They appeared at the 1967 Memorial Day parade in Stafford as well as several other events over the course of their inaugural season when a group of individuals reorganized the unit as the Crusaders of Stafford Springs in February of 1968, under the direction of Edward N. Fisher and William (Bill) Titone. That year, the corps continued its progression and also sponsored their first annual drum corps competition with members of the Yankee circuit.

The following year saw the Crusaders enter the field of competition as a host in the 1969 Yankee circuit, becoming official members in 1970 in the “Class C” division, moving up to the “Class B” category in 1971 and also competed in the Northeastern circuit. Due to a lack of membership, the corps reorganized as a parade and exhibition group in 1972, returning to field competition as members of the Mayflower “Class C” circuit, placing 7^th in the 1973 championships and continuing on their competitive journey over the next two seasons.

In 1975, the corps changed its name to the Connecticut Crusaders in an effort to broaden its recruiting district to include other towns in northern Connecticut.

They disbanded in 1976.

Paul Legault (DCX)

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