Benjamin A. Remmele American Legion Post 7

The Sleepy Eye drum and bugle corps was organized in 1929 by members of the Benjamin A. Remmele Post 7 of the American Legion. The corps started with 27 members under the direction of Professor Franklin, a music teacher.

In their first two seasons, they were active within the community and sported a green, gold and white uniform. In 1932, the Remmele Post entered the field of competition, participating in a few contests and finished 3^rd in the 1933 “Class B” state championships and went on to be crowned the “Class B” champions over the next 3 years. In 1937, Sleepy Eye moved up to the “Class A” division and won the title the next two years. The following season, after placing 2^nd in state competition, they participated at the 1939 AL Nationals championship in Chicago, where they placed 22^nd in the prelims. They continued competing at the state conventions, finishing 2^nd in 1941 before the war years halted competitive activities.

Upon return in 1946, the corps reorganized and began an incredible string as state Legion “Class A” champions from 1947 to 1959, a feet that that would leave a distinguished mark in the drum corps annals of Minnesota. In 1948, Leo B. Schroepfer took charge of the corps, both its music and maneuvers. Their success was largely due to his exceptional talent and ability. During this time, they would participate at two more AL National preliminary championships, finishing 12^th in Miami in 1951 and 16^th in St. Louis in 1953.

They disbanded in 1960.

A permanent display of the State Champion Sleepy Eye drum and bugle corps is the main feature of the Riedl room in the Sleepy Eye Area Depot Museum as a legacy tribute to the Benjamin A. Remmele AL Post 7.

Paul Legault (DCX)