Centurians

The Centurians drum and bugle corps was originally formed in 1933 as the Berwyn Sons of American Legion (SAL) Post 422 and sponsored by the Berwyn AL Post 422.

The corps performed primarily in military and civic events from 1934 to 1951, often competing in parade competitions over their existence until the fall of ’51, when the corps opened their ranks to girls and became the Berwyn AL Post 422. Over the next few years, under the direction of Alex Leffek and William J. Cling, the corps continued to participate in parades and exhibitions and became the Blue Knights in 1956. The corps colors were blue, silver and white.

The following season saw the corps enter the field of competition and appeared for the first time in an out-of-state event in Indiana in 1958. They continued to compete, mainly in the AL IL state championships, and took part in several events over the next few years until 1962 when the corps returned to parade and exhibition status. In 1964, the Blue Knights returned to the field for one last time before reorganizing as the Centurians, the result of a fusion of the Compass Cadets parade corps.

The Centurians were members of the Mid-America circuit, from 1965 to 1968 inclusively. The corps participated at the 1967 American Legion Nationals held in Boston, placing 54^th in the preliminaries and returned the following season, placing 8^th at the AL Nationals in New Orleans.

They returned to parade and exhibition status the following year before disbanding in 1970.

Throughout the organizational changes over the years, the one constant that remained was the support received from the Berwyn AL Post 442. William J. Cling, an active member of the Post since its inception, dedicated 25 years to the drum and bugle corps, from one transition to another. The longevity of the units were made possible through his untiring efforts.

Paul Legault (DCX)