Maine Memory Network

Chandler's Band, Calais, 1913

Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: 1913-06-13 Location: Calais Media: Photographic print

Chandler's Band, Portland, 1898

Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: 1898 Location: Portland Media: Photographic print

Strike Up the Band

Before the era of recorded music and radio, nearly every community had a band that played at parades and other civic events. Fire departments had bands, military units had bands, theaters had bands. Band music was everywhere.

Prohibition in Maine in the 1920s

Federal Prohibition took hold of America in 1920 with the passing of the Volstead Act that banned the sale and consumption of all alcohol in the US. However, Maine had the Temperance movement long before anyone was prohibited from taking part in one of America's most popular past times. Starting in 1851, the struggles between the "drys" and the "wets" of Maine lasted for 82 years, a period of time that was everything but dry and rife with nothing but illegal activity.

Music in Maine - Military Marching Bands

"… Chandler's Band Click to explore more about Chandler's Band Chandler’s Band is the second oldest continuously operating professional band in…"

Music in Maine - Community and School Marching Bands

"… Marching Bands Click to explore community bands in Maine Community bands, historically comprised of male musicians, embraced diverse…"