Alan Mays' photos with the keyword: trombones

Handwritten message on the back of this real photo postcard (no address or postmark): "My dear Aunt Clara, this post card was taken in Bridgeton on Labor Day. See if you can find me. Clarence." The AZO stamp box on the other side (four corner triangles pointing up) suggests a date as early as 1904 to 1918. Clarence and his marching band probably played in Bridgeton, New Jersey. I took a close look at the uniforms, music sheets, and drumhead but wasn't able to spot any names, insignia, or other details that would help to confirm the location or identify the band.

George Tarlson's Orchestra. 5 years of rhythm. Large or small orchestras for all occasions. Phone, Weirs 2213, 2542. George W. Tarlson, Jr., mgr. The Weirs, N.H. Calendar, 1936-1937. Check your date with George Tarlson's Orchestra on this calendar card.

I haven't been able to locate any information regarding this jazzy bunch of musicians. "Susquehanna," though, suggests an association with the Susquehanna River , which flows through Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland. Or perhaps they were students at Susquehanna University , which is located in Selinsgrove, Pa.

Men on horses--including three with a tuba, trombone, and drum--take part in a parade through town to let everyone know that the circus has arrived. For another view of the same parade, see Circus Elephants on Parade (thumbnail image below).