Band Conductor's BatonDuring the late 19th and early 20th centuries, one of the most popular forms of entertainment in America was the band concert.
Local bands provided music for all kinds of events, from parades to picnics to political rallies. The baton pictured on this page belonged to Charles S. Pence, and later his son Water, who served as conductors of the Pence Band in Shawnee County, Kansas. The elder Pence studied music at the Kansas State College, Manhattan, in the 1880s. In 1894 he founded the band, which started out with twenty-two members. The group quickly developed a fine reputation and was in demand in communities throughout the county. In 1899, the Pence Band headed the parade in Topeka to welcome home the 20th Kansas Regiment from service in the Spanish-American War. The group dissolved in 1940, having succumbed to social changes and competition from newer forms of entertainment, such as recorded music and motion pictures. For more information on Kansas bands, see our virtual exhibit, They're Playing Our Song.
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