Thanks to Jack Doyle for submitting this article on the Branford Armory, located in Branford, CT. Written by Jane Bouley and published in the Branford Review in 2001, read about the armory and the Branford Battery before setting off for Mexico to capture Pancho Villa in 1917. Here is Branford Battery A and a glimpse of the Stony Creek Drum Corp.
The Stony Creek Fife & Drum Corps is deeply saddened by the passing of snare drummer and lifetime trustee, David Hooghkirk.
Dave, who started his drum corps career as an original member of The Ancient Mariners, circa 1959, joined the Stony Creek Fife & Drum Corps in the early 1960’s and was active in the Corps until his passing.
Upon returning home from his service in Vietnam, Dave dedicated his life to his family, the surveyor profession, the drum corps world, and Stony Creek. As a member of the Creek, Dave was a mainstay at drum sergeant, directing the Corps from that position for decades. Dave served on the Creeks executive board of directors and was a past president, as well as a past president of the Company of Fifers and Drummers. Dave also helped organize the Totoket Fife & Drum Corps and served as their drum instructor for many years.
An accomplished snare drummer, drum maker, drum instructor, composer, and mentor to many, Dave’s influence will be felt throughout the fife and drum community for many years to come, and his impact on Creek drumming will live on for generations.
Dave was a friend to many, and he will be missed. Please keep the Hooghkirk family in your thoughts and prayers.
Here is a series of articles from 1986, the Stony Creek Drum Corps 100-year anniversary. Written by Bill Ahearn, he takes us back to the founding of the Corps, the early years, and to those members and “Creekers” who made important contributions to the Corps that helped set it on a path for the continued success the Stony Creek Fife & Drum Corps enjoys today, more than 135 years later. A great read!
National Muster T-Shirts and Tank Tops are now available on the Company of Fifers & Drummers online store. Visit the Company store at store.companyoffifeanddrum.org to support the Stony Creek Fife and Drum Corps.
The Stony Creek Drum Corp will host the 2022 National Muster on August 19th – 21st on Hammer Field in Branford, CT. The Friday night tattoo will be hosted by the Young Colonials Fife and Drum Corps. Stony Creek will be welcoming back, as their special guests, the St. Mary’s Prize Band from Limerick, Ireland. Stay tuned for more information.
It is with a heavy heart and sadness that we inform the drum corps community that Bobby Powers, aka “Boyle”, passed away on August 14, 2021. Bobby was a great person with much energy, a talented musician and he will be missed. As a past member of the Creek’s bass line, Bobby earned many awards including State Champion. Please keep Bobby and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
