Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps got their start in 1948 and were originally called the Boy Scout Troop III Drum & Bugle Corps. At this time, they wore the traditional khaki uniform dressed up with shoulder braids and white gloves. The Corps obtained its first outside sponsorship in 1949 in the form of an American Legion Post dedicated to the memory and honor of Revolutionary War hero, Thaddeus Kosciuszko. The Corps went through 1949 known as the Kosciuszko Post 712 Drum & Bugle Corps and changed their uniform to midnight blue Army issue dress pants and shirts.
In 1950, the Cavaliers were just a parade corps with hand-me-down uniforms from the more seasoned Bell Corps that consisted of Eisenhower jackets, shakos & plumes. But, they would soon learn a drill and enter big-time competition. They had taken on the Cavalier name and logo from a new cigarette. The logo was a cavalier with a plumed hat, sword and cape.
The cigarette company, as part of its promotional campaign, had made available a costume jewelry pin of the logo which the Cavaliers would wear on their hats. After a summer full of parades, contests and other appearances in 1950, the Cavalier's treasury was sufficient to allow new uniforms for 1951 that were Kelly Green.
The Cavaliers would soon earn the reputation as an up- and-coming corps. The Spectacle...
In the nationals in New York, the Cavaliers placed 7th. Then, 1953 brought them their first American Legion State title and an eighth place finish at American Legion Nationals in St. Louis. In 1954, the Corps won their second consecutive Legion State title.
In 1955, the Cavaliers won the VFW State title and finished a strong fifth at American Legion Nationals in Miami. The year 1956 brought another VFW State title and a number one ranking in the Midwest. The Cavaliers won both Legion and VFW State titles for the first time in 1957 as well as its first VFW in Miami. At VFW in New York City in 1958 the Cavaliers were victorious in the Prelims but finished second in the finals to Blessed Sacrament. The year 1959 would be the Corps' best yet.
They ruled the Midwest by again winning both States and much of the local competitions. At Wrigley Field in Las Angeles the Cavaliers wrapped up their second National title.
By June 1962, the Cavaliers had not lost a contest in 23 months. They year 1963 completed the transition from a neighborhood corps to the modern corps with an ever-widening reach for personnel. The 1963 Corps not only had members…
