Page 26 - North Haven Magazine Issue 17 Winter 2021

L
LANCRAFTANCRAFT FIFEFIFE

& & DR UM CORPS DR UM CORPS

by Susan A. Iverson Lancraft fifes
Right about now I find myself daydreaming about summer and all that comes with it. One
of the first harbingers of summer, in my mind, is the Memorial Day Parade. I look forward
to seeing all the participants, particularly the Lancraft Fife and Drum Corps. Did you know
that Lancraft hails from North Haven? Their lodge is located in the Montowese section of
North Haven and has been here since 1962. I recently spoke with Danny O’Mara, a long-time
member of Lancraft, to learn a little more about this talented and dedicated marching corps.
ife and drum corps were essential on early on the beach or at an old blacksmith shop
Fbattlefields; it was their duty to relay in- near the Ferry Street Bridge in New Haven to
structions, through drums and later fifes, to practice, and this is how the group came into
troops from their commanders. The battle- being. When the railroad was built through
field was a noisy place, and musical instru- the property housing the blacksmith shop, Lancraft drumline
ments were much easier to hear than the hu- the corps found themselves without a home.
man voice. In fact, even though drums might A nearby oyster wholesaler offered one of his
seem louder than delicate fifes, a fife’s sound oyster sheds as a practice space, and in winter Who are the people involved in Lancraft?
carries much farther – up to three miles! The even allowed them to practice in his base- Members come from all walks of life and
fife and drum corps were so respected on the ment. Out of gratitude for his support, the all over the country – there are participants
battlefield that it was understood by both group named their Corps after Ed Lancraft, who travel from California, New Mexico
sides that they were never to be fired upon. the Oyster Man. The marching group saw and Pennsylvania to march in major events.
That is why fife and drum corps often wore many homes after Ed Lancraft’s in New Ha- Those living close to North Haven meet at
bright red – the color signaled the enemy ven, but when the last one was taken to build the lodge every week to practice and share
not to shoot them. Today more sophisticated I-95, they were once again forced to move. A fellowship. If one examines the rosters over
communications are used, but fife and drum North Haven landowner subsequently donat- time, some family names appear in several
corps persist as a reminder of our military ed two acres on Clarke Avenue in North Hav- generations – a testament to the family-like
history. In part, this is Lancraft’s mission – to en and they have been here since. atmosphere that Lancraft fosters. One doesn’t
promote and perpetuate the art of fifing and have to be a musician to join Lancraft; there
drumming, and to preserve and perform the are color guards who march as well. For
traditional music of Colonial America. those who may want to learn the fife and / or
drum, Lancraft will teach them. The group
is presently looking for more members (both
men and women, young and old) – perhaps a
new hobby is in your future?
Since the onset of the pandemic in 2020 Lan-
craft Fife and Drum has not met for practic-
es. Parades, assemblies, musters and other
Lancraft first uniforms events they have always participated in have
been on pause as well. Their lodge also sus-
One of the showier aspects of Lancraft’s per- tained heavy tree damage in one of the recent
formance is the uniform – it undoubtedly storms. Though they have always supported
Lancraft clubhouse 1907 reminds us of the Revolutionary War battles themselves with paid appearances, this past
fought to gain our freedom from England. year has cost them greatly – if you are looking
Though Lancraft has been based here since Mr. Lancraft also generously funded the first to donate to a good cause, consider Lancraft
1962, it was first organized in New Haven in uniforms for the corps members, outfitting Fife and Drum Corps, PO Box 28, North Ha-
1888. During the late 19th century people them in dark blue coats and trousers trimmed ven, Connecticut 06473.
were interested in preserving their memories in black, reminiscent of the uniforms worn
of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars – many by circus bandsmen. By 1897 they looked re- My thanks to Mr. Danny O’Mara for his in-
monuments were erected during this time. ally sharp! Later uniforms started to replicate sights into the organization. If you are inter-
I would presume that this encompassed an the uniforms worn by George Washington’s ested in learning more about Lancraft, visit
interest in fife and drum playing, as well. A Revolutionary War officers, and this style of their website: http://www.lancraftfd.org
group of men would gather every week either uniform continues to be worn today.

North Haven Magazine - Winter Issue 2021
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