TubeNet

Here's a link to a photo from 1909.

http://www.usma.edu/band/images/archive/tusmab4.jpg

It shows the U.S. Military Academy Band playing President Taft's Inaugural parade. I can see a couple of small helicons and a tuba. Anyone know what basses the military was purchasing in those days? Anything worth looking for today as collectors' items?

By the way, that parade looks like a tough gig, out there in the slush and snow. Lots of onlookers on the sidewalks though.

You are correct, Tuben.

"The weather has been a factor in inaugurations. For the
first 32 presidents, March 4 -- not Jan. 20 -- was Inauguration
Day. In the early days of the nation, winter weather caused
delays in getting the electors together to confirm the new
president. However, Washington is not immune to bad winter
weather in March, and it caused some inaugural problems."