Parsons High School Band – circa 1955

from the collection of Thomas E. Montgomery

Parsons High School Band - about 1956
Parsons High School Band – about 1955

Majorettes, left to right –

  • Ruth Evelyn Dodson
  • Nettie Jean Pratt
  • Suzanne Hartsfield

First row, left to right –

  • Janice Long, drums
  • Gary Carrington, drums
  • Janie Readey, clarinet
  • Carolyn Washam, cornet
  • Shirley Pratt, clarinet
  • Janice Yates, clarinet
  • Carol Roberts, cornet
  • Bill or Bob Roberts, clarinet
  • Bill or Bob Roberts, cornet
  • Jordon Moore, drums
  • Judy Maxwell, flute

Second row, left to right –

  • Joyce Jordan
  • Dale Roberts, tenor saxophone
  • Johnny Townsend, cornet
  • Tom Bawcum, trumpet
  • Gaylon Yates, drums
  • Jerry Pratt, Drum Major, alto horn
  • Thomas Montgomery, trumpet
  • Jim Rushing
  • Cynthia McIlwain, trombone
  • Pat McIllwain, baritone horn
  • Donald Moore, trumpet

Third row, left to right –

  • Gail Douglas, clarinet
  • Michael Jordon, clarinet
  • Carolyn Townsend, alto saxophone
  • Sandra Hayes, baritone saxophone
  • Jessie Mae Bartholomew, cornet
  • Sammy McIllwain, clarinet
  • Rodney Phillips, clarinet
  • Marion Young, alto saxophone
  • Jimmie Ann Long, alto saxophone
  • Kay Reynolds, alto saxophone
  • Martha Tyler

Fourth row, left to right –

  • Jimmy Joe Readey, sousaphone
  • Diane Tinker, drums
  • Oscar Spence, trombone
  • Eugene Jordan, trombone
  • James Floyd Evans, clarinet
  • Guy Dickson, sousaphone
  • Linda Tinker, trombone
  • Jimmy McIllwain, baritone horn
  • James Erby Woods, cornet
  • Darrell G. Harbaum, Director

Band Directors

Jimmy Joe Readey and James Floyd Evans were the first two band directors at Decaturville High School.

Darrell G. Harbaum was later Associate Professor Emeritus of Music at Longwood University in Farmville, VA.

HARBAUM, Darrell G. beloved son of the late William and Katherine Harbaum, passed away Sunday, May 3rd at his home in Farmville, VA, at the age of 84. He was preceded in death by one brother, William Jr. (Maxine) and three sisters: Maxine Jacobs (Joseph) of Springdale, Betty Chromzack (Stanley) of North Lake, IL, and Shirley Littlefield, of Wichita Falls, TX. He is survived by one sister, Mary Lou Burns (Clyde) of Mason. He is also survived by 12 nieces and nephews, one god-son and numerous friends. He graduated from Trenton High School in 1942 and then joined the army. He was stationed in Europe and served in the Signal Corps until 1945. Darrell graduated from the University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music in 1949, earned his Masters of Music in 1953, and taught at several schools and universities before moving to Farmville, VA. Darrell was a Professor of Music at Longwood College for 30 years before retiring in 1992. Visitation will be at Breitenbach McCoy Leffler Funeral Home in Middletown, OH at 12:00 noon Friday with funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be at Mennonite Cemetery, Wayne Madison Road, Trenton. If desired, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice, or to the Trenton Mennonite Church, 2 East Main St., Trenton, OH 45067

Published in Hamilton, OH Journal-News on May 6, 2009

9 Replies to “Parsons High School Band – circa 1955”

  1. 2nd row I believe the last person is Donald Moore, 3rd row Rodney Phillips, 4th row James Irby Woods.

  2. Gail Douglas played clarinet. Who is the girl at the end of row 3 with saxophone? I believe Rodney Phillips also played clarinet.

  3. Jerry, Carolyn Townsend McAfee just messaged me with a name for the girl 3rd row on the end – Martha Tyler. I think that takes care of all the names: 2nd row boy on end is Donald Moore; boy between Marijon Young and Sammy McIllwain is Rodney Phillips (3rd row); 1st row: Carolyn Washam is correct spelling. Thanks!

  4. All thanks should go to Thomas Montgomery who provided the picture and others who supplied all the name.s

  5. Great picture. I went to school with most of these or their younger brothers/sisters. On person lived next door to me. Those faces bring back a lot of memories. Thanks for the posting and for the names as well.

  6. Jerry, I swear this is my final!!! LOL Carol Douglas 1st row 7th girl (behind Nettie Jean) and Jessie Mae Bartholomew played trumpet. Over and OUT!!

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