William Herb Papers, Sousa Band Uniform and Travel Trunk, 1924-1980

The collection is organized in 2 series: Series 1, Photographs and Digital Images, ca. 1924-1936, is arranged in 4 subseries: Train Wrecks, Band Members and Musicians, Sousa Band, and Artifacts and Ephemera. Digital images have been placed at the end of each subseries. Series 2, Artifacts and Ephemera, ca. 1924-1980, includes concert programs, newsclippings, Herb's band uniform, travel trunk and music stand.

William Herb (1879-1939) was born in Bechtelsville, PA. A self-trained tubist, he began performing Pottstown as a child. He played tuba for the John Philip Sousa Band between 1924 and 1932.  In addition, Herb was also a member of the Allentown Band from 1904 to c.1930, and continued to be involved with the organization following his tenure. According to an interview with Herb, he had never formally studied music but had played the tuba since the age of seven. In 1924 he stopped to hear Sousa perform at Willow Grove Park and after the concert he was told by a member of the ensemble the he was just the tuba player for Sousa. Herb remained with the Sousa Band until Sousa's death. Herb died in Allentown, PA in 1939.

Sources:
Newspaper clipping in William Herb Papers, Sousa Band Uniform and Travel Trunk, 1924-1980: An Inventory, The Sousa Archives and Center for American Music (12/9/102, Series 2, Box 1, Folder 2).

Band Musicians
Bands
Concert tours
Photography
Railroad Accidents
Sousa, John Philip

Clothing and Textiles
Other Pictorial
Uniforms

Gary Herb