Black Knights

The Black Knights drum and bugle corps was organized in 1946 as the Bland J. Rossman VFW Post 1630, under the direction of St. Clair Myers.

In their inaugural season, the corps participated in the PA VFW state convention parade, entering the field of competition in the 1947 VFW Nationals “Open Class” division, placing 3^rd in Cleveland. The following year, they moved up the ranks with a 2^nd place finish in St. Louis. In 1949, under their new name of the Black Knights, they captured the VFW “Open Class” championships title in Miami, repeating the feat at the 1950 convention in Chicago. The corps also won the PA state “Open Class” championships from 1947 to 1950.

They returned to Jersey City for the 1951 VFW Nationals, placing 2^nd in “Open Class”, remaining competitive under the Central Penn circuit in 1952 as well as placing 3^rd at the PA VFW state championships. The corps competed one last time at the 1953 VFW Nationals, winning their third National trophy in Milwaukee. They competed in the state “Open Class” competition placing 2^nd (1951), 3^rd (1952) and 2^nd (1953).

The next season proved to be a rebuilding year for the Black Knights, opting to participate in parades and exhibitions. Back to competitive status for the 1955 season, they finished 3^rd at the PA VFW “Open Class” state convention and won the 1956 state championships title. The corps once again remained active in 1957 before going inactive over the next 6 years.

In the fall of 1963, the Black Knights reorganized and by early 1964, merged with the Black Eagles of Williamsport to form the Susquehanna Shoreliners.

Paul Legault (DCX)

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