Dutch Girls

The Dutch Girls drum and bugle corps was formed in June of 1952 when Clarence Peeters was approached by Vivian Van Dyke, responsible for the formation of the Little Chute baton and drum corps in 1946, to lead the group, a relationship that would last the next 25 years. They were sponsored by the Jacob-Coppus American Legion (AL) Post 258 of Little Chute.

Dressed in a unique and colorful Dutch style uniform consisting of blue silk pantaloons, white silk blouses, cotton blue weskits and little blue overseas caps, the mostly Dutch descent membership unit performed in parades and exhibitions in the fall of the 1952 season. The corps was a perennial Legion state “Junior Sponsored” and “Class B” convention competitor, placing 2^nd in both the 1953 and 1954 events, with 3^rd to 6^th position finishes between 1955 to 1965.

By the 1960’s, the Dutch Girls competed regionally in the “Class C” division and in 1965 marched as the second generation of members, sporting new uniforms that included blue and white dickeys, red Dutch-style jackets, light blue pants and white Dutch-girl hats. Over the years, they participated in large scaled events such as the 1959 AL Nationals’ parade, the Tulip Festival in Holland, Michigan and the Circus Day parade in Milwaukee. The Girls converted to an exhibition and parade unit from 1966 to 1969.

In October of 1969, the village of Little Chute sponsored an appreciation night, the “Clarence Peeters Day”, in honor of Clarence Peeters for not only his dedication as corps director of the drum corps but also for his service of over 40 years in the village band as well as the official bugler for the AL Post. In 1970, the corps converted to a coed parade unit, known as the Dutch drum and bugle corps, once again under the leadership of Clarence Peeters, remaining active until 1977.

They disbanded in 1978.

Paul Legault (DCX)