Utica Blackhawks

The Blackhawks drum and bugle corps was founded in 1924 as the Utica American Legion (AL) Post 229.

They were very popular in upstate New York as one of the oldest Legion drum corps in the state. The unit traveled extensively over the years representing the Legion during their existence, including an appearance at the 1946 AL Nationals in San Francisco. During that same period, the Utica Post was crowned state champions several times. Among the instructors over the years were William C. Floyd and his son Bud Floyd Jr. In 1950, the corps was renamed the Blackhawks as they continued to entertain in the community and competed as members of the Yankee circuit at the 1958 and 1959 championships, remaining active until 1963.

In 1964, they merged with the Prospect Crusaders to form the Executives.

Paul Legault (DCX)