Barons

The Barons drum and bugle corps was originally formed as the DeKalb American Legion (AL) Post 66 in 1921. Harry B. Goodison and William Kaesser were among those involved in the organization of the corps.

They competed at the IL AL state championships in their inaugural year and remained active in state conventions throughout their existence. Until 1927, the corps’ membership dwindled until 1928, when the DeKalb Post, with new uniforms, competed at their first AL Nationals championship preliminaries in 1928, returning in 1929 and 1930, where they placed 50^th. In 1935, the senior unit remained active as the next generation formed the DeKalb Sons of American Legion (SAL) Post 66 drum corps.

In 1937, the DeKalb Post senior competed in the IL AL State “Class B” championships, placing 4^th and continued activity until 1939, when they donated their instruments to the SAL branch. In 1940, the original members of the corps formed the “Last Man’s Club”, an annual social gathering of members. After the war years, in December 1946, the DeKalb Post reorganized as a parade group in 1947 under the direction of Donald A. Larson and the support of John Anderson and Leroy Wing. At that time, they were composed of former SAL members and veterans of World War II.

From 1948 to 1951 resumed competition at the annual state convention and the IL State Fair in Springfield, although the numbers once again started to dwindle, making competition virtually impossible. In 1952, they performed at local parade events and competed at the first annual Illinois Drum and Bugle Corps Association (IDBCA) “Senior Division” that fall, the corps went inactive.

In early 1953, under the direction of Paul Morris and commander John Sandberg, the DeKalb unit was reactivated and rejuvenated as the DeKalb Barons. The corps was named after Baron Johan Van Kalb, who in 1743 calling himself Baron Jean DeKalb, served under George Washington during the revolution. The city of DeKalb was named after him.

They went on to compete from 1953 to 1957 in state and state fair competitions, until they faltered as membership continued to fall and returned to parade status in 1958 and after a parade appearance on Memorial Day in 1959, converted strictly as a color guard unit for the balance of the season.

Though the DeKalb American Legion Post 66 and DeKalb Barons never won National or state honors, they were always active, performing in local, regional and National events, adding their military touch to every event.

Paul Legault (DCX)

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