Empire State Grenadiers

The Empire State Grenadiers drum and bugle corps was organized in 1949 from a nucleus of World War II veterans. Most original members had marched either with several corps including Albany Lancers, Noble Callahan of Troy, Legnard Curtain American Legion (AL) Post of Green Island, Boy Rangers of Cohoes, St. Mary’s of Waterford and the Peters Purcell AL Post & Imperials, both from Mechanicville. They were under the sponsorship of the Edward T. Ruane AL Post 476 of Cohoes.

The corps purchased equipment through a loan from a father and son of the Rangers, flags were home made and the uniforms came from a local army surplus store, consisting of khaki shirts & pants which were dyed black, patroller black boots, white scarves made from a parachute, material shoulder cords, white web belts and brass buckles. Musical and percussion arrangements were homemade as the corps performed as a parade and exhibition unit in their inaugural year.

The following year, with the arrival of future Hall of Famer Bradford Longdo, the corps entered the field of competition, performing in a few contests, including the New York state convention, with still no percussion or marching instructors. In fact, the drum line played the “Connecticut Halftime”, a rudimental drum solo, for each piece of music. In September of 1951, the Empire State Grenadiers were invited to perform in exhibition at the Connecticut Yankees show, which was became a prelude for their membership into the Interstate Circuit the next year. Although their brass line was small, they had 3 outstanding first sopranos, Spanky McCain, Ron Ghetti and Floyd Jones.

In 1952, the corps improved its competitive status with a 2^nd place finish in the state Legion contest and traveled to the AL Nationals, placing 13^th in the prelims. Over the next 3 years, the Empire State unit continued its progression, finishing 3^rd and 2^nd in the 1953 and 1954 Legion conventions before leaving the Ruane Post to affiliate with the Rensselaer County AL Post. The Grenadiers group of Troy competed from 1956 to 1958 in several contests, including the 1957 NY state championships, placing 3^rd. They sported a black cadet style uniform consisting of black pants and jacket trimmed in orange, white shoes and gloves with Sam Brown belts and wide orange sashes.

The Interstatesmen formed in the fall of 1958 through a merger of the Empire State Grenadiers and the Berkshire Marauders.

Paul Legault (DCX)