Black Eagles

The Black Eagles drum and bugle corps was organized in 1948 as the Garrett Cochran American Legion (AL) Post 1 of Williamsport. Post 1, the first Legion Post in Pennsylvania in 1919, helped organize the senior corps by converting the Garrett Cochran junior Legion corps to a senior unit.

They began as a parade and exhibition corps in 1948, participating in the PA AL state parade in 1949 and the ever popular Mummers parade in 1950. The following season, under the new name of the Black Eagles and with their navy blue and gold uniforms with gleaming white helmets, performed at the 1951 Legion convention parade before entering the field of competition in 1952 as members of the Central Penn circuit. In 1953, they placed 4^th at the PA AL “Class B” state championships.

In 1954, the corps finished 2^nd at the Legion convention and was crowned the 1955 and 1956 “Class B” champions, placing 2^nd the following year. In 1958, they continued  circuit competition within the Central Penn, later merging in 1959 with the Keystoners and the Muffly Huff VFW Post 8206 of Turbotville to form the Milton-Williamsburg drum and bugle corps. After one season of competition, both corps, under their new name the Keystone Eagles, attempted to once again field but decidedly split and returned to parade status in 1960.

The next two years saw the Black Eagles remain active in community events and resumed field competition in 1963 as members of the Interstate circuit. They once again merged in 1964, this time with the Black Knights of Lock Haven to form the Susquehanna Shoreliners.

Paul Legault (DCX)

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