Shortsville Shamrocks

The Shortsville Shamrocks, formed in 1958, was a junior marching and maneuvering corps based in Shortsville, New York. They were sponsored by the Citizens‘ Hose Company of Shortsville, Turner-Schrader American Legion Post 34, and VFW Post 6198.

The corps’ colors were green, black, and white.

Awards included the Northern-Central Firemens Championship.

The corps held at least one contest, in August, 1963, and operated a successful winter guard program into the 1970s.

The Shamrocks merged with the Purple Lancers to form the Dynamic Duo in the mid-1970s.

[Encyclopedia of Drum and Bugle Corps, 1966; rec.arts.marching.drumcorps 8/1/99]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"HISTORY OF THE
"SHORTSVILLE SHAMROCKS"
Shortsville, New York

In the beginning a small group of young people from neighboring town marched together. This group was created by Francis "Cappy" Walker and Dick Geise. The group was called the "SHORTSVILLE DRUM & BUGLE CORPS.". It is believed to have been started in 1956. Short time after that the group took on a nick name. The Shortsville "SHAMROCKS" nick name was adopted. Late 1957 or early 1958. It is unknown exactly how the name SHAMROCKS came to be. It is assumed that the green uniforms had something to do with it..

In 1958, The "SHAMROCKS" as a Drum & Bugle Corps and marched for the Citizens Hose Company, (CHC), and the company that supplies manpower to the Shortsville Fire Dept. When they began the Shamrocks had other sponsors too, the Turner-Schrader American Legion Post #34 and the VFW Post 6198. Eventually CHC became the sole sponsor.

Chuck Childs and others helped rejuvenate the young corps, with Ed DeFlyer as DM, then Lee Rush was DM then Rich Hudson DM, Dick Pronti DM.

In the early-60's, after the Sr. Appleknockers of Geneva disbanded, Donald Phipps was one of the first Directors of the Shamrocks. He was followed by Jim Herendeen that took over the Directors position in 1967 or 1968. Jim Bugbee followed Jim Herendeen until the Shamrocks folded in the late 1980’s.

In 1963, the Shamrocks were transformed into a junior drum & bugle corps. comprising of boys and girls ranging of 8 to 18 years old. Their uniform colors were green, white and black. For many years the membership of the Shamrocks was strong. In the later years the Shamrocks were averaging about 35-45 members per season. It wasn’t uncommon that the Shamrocks would march at least 2 parades each weekend with practices and other competitions going on too. The Shamrock members were always busy.

In 1963 and 1964 The Shamrocks hosted 2 competitions. In 1963, it was held at the Manchester Fireman’s Field and in 1964 it was at Bud Park in Shortsville.

The Shamrocks also appeared at Symphony Hall in Jersey City in New Jersey as part of the 1966 “Evening with the Corps” series of concerts. This concert was recorded on Fleetwood Records [FCLP2160], 1966 – Called An Evening with the Corps., volume #4.

In 1967, the Shamrock and the Auburn Purple Lancers merged together to create the Dynamic Duo just for the one season.

In the mid 1970’s, the Shamrocks started to compete in a winter guard competition. Competing with other color guards around the area. They were very successful.

The Royal Destiny Color Guard, of Clifton Springs merged with The SHAMROCKS in November (1981) with Bruce McCready as drill designer and instructor along with Tammy Polino and Diane Decker.

After a few seasons, the Shamrocks winter guard lost their sponsorship from CHC and had to finance themselves. Shortly after this, those that belonged to the Shamrocks winter guard started their own group know as the “Break-Aways”. The Break-Away was formed in the Fall of 1980....drill design by Dick Hoppe with Tina Bugbee as assistant instructor and James Bugbee as director....with equipment work designed by each member of the guard.

Credits: Information gathered from DrumCorpsWiki & former members, directors, creators and instructors. Information & adjustments will be made when submitted."

[From the Shortsville Shamrocks facebook page]

No members have registered to be listed

LOADING.....