Eaglettes

The Eaglettes “All-Girls” drum and bugle corps was originally formed in September 1958 with sponsorship from the Eagles Aerie 0444 as a baton twirling unit, under the leadership of Don McNeal.

In 1960, the group added a pom-pom section and by 1961, the membership comprised of 86 girls, including a color guard section to march and play in parades, with two boys to carry bass drums. The boys were eventually supplanted by strong girls. The following year saw the Eaglettes integrate precision marching into their program as they continued to entertain throughout the Midwest and Canada until 1964.

A major change was announced for the 1965 season, transforming into a drum and bugle corps, as the unit entered the field of competition, placing 2^nd in the Legion and 3^rd in the VFW state conventions, culminating with a 40^th place finish in the VFW Nationals’ prelims. The next year, the “All-Girls” corps finished 3^rd in both 1966 state contests along a return to the VFW championships, finishing in 41^st position.

After a rebuilding competitive year in 1967, they placed 5^th in the 1968 Legion state contest and participated in the very first US Open “Class A” championships, finishing in 2^nd along with their last appearance in the VFW Nationals, finishing 38^th in the preliminary round. The Eaglettes performed in the 1969 US Open “All-Girls” division, placing 2^nd along with 5^th positions in both the 1969 & 1970 Legion state championships.

They merged with another “All-Girls” corps in the fall of 1970, the Vacationland Sweethearts of Port Clinton, to form the Vacationland Eaglettes.

DCW, 4/04, p.3; Paul Legault (DCX)