1

Throughout Bowmanville's history music and theatre have played important roles. In a time before movies, television and even radio, neighbours gathered to celebrate with music, both vocal and instrumental. Brought to these shores by the Loyalists and immigrants from far away Ireland, England and Scotland, early settlers incorporated music into every holiday, festival and ceremony.

2

Notorious Literatti Club
late 1800s
King Street, Bowmanville

Credits:
Shaw Photograph Collection, Clarington Museums and Archives

3

As leisure time increased in Bowmanville residents were finally able to focus on their many talents. In the late 1800s bands began to form in the many factories throughout the town, the most popular being the Dominion Organ and Piano Company band. The D.O.P. Company band became one of the best in town and beyond . They played in Bowmanville for parades, community celebrations, anniversaries, and garden parties. Prior to the stately Alma Hotel burning down in 1888, they often played from the balcony as people gathered in the Market Square to listen.

4

Grand Parlor Minstrel Entertainment
10 December 1886
Town Hall, Bowmanville

Credits:
Clarington Museums and Archives

5

Dominion Organ and Piano Company Band
c. 1920s
King Street, Bowmanville

Credits:
Clarington Museums and Archives

6

Dominion Organ and Piano Company Band during the Great War
World War One
Church Street, Bowmanville

Credits:
Gordon Photograph Collection, Clarington Museums and Archives

7

The Salvation Army had a band as early as 1884 and it has been said that it was one of the best in the country at the time. There was the Bowmanville Citizens band, several Brass bands, a Cornet band and the Legion Pipe band that all played during parades, ceremonies, events and celebrations in the town.

8

Salvation Army Corps Band
1920
King Street, Bowmanville

Credits:
Shaw Photograph Collection, Clarington Museums and Archives

9

Legion Pipe Band
1950s
King Street, Bowmanville

Credits:
Rehder Photograph Collection, Clarington Museums and Archives

10

Chamber of Commerce Band
1910-1915
Bowmanville, Ontario

Credits:
Shaw Photograph Collection, Clarington Museums and Archives

11

Ladies' Band
1930s
Lion's Centre, Bowmanville

Credits:
Rehder Collection of Photographs, Clarington Museums and Archives

12

The Opera House was once the main showplace of Bowmanville and was used for all types of entertainment productions and public functions. The term 'Opera House' referred to the auditorium, with stage and gallery, on the upper floor of the Town Hall building.

Opening ceremonies for the newly completed Town Hall were conducted over three consecutive evenings in February 1904. The community celebrated the opening of this very important building and in true Bowmanville style included music and theatre.

13

Grand Opening Concert
25 February 1904
Town Hall, Bowmanville

Credits:
Clarington Museums and Archives

14

Dramatic clubs often presented popular 'Gilbert and Sullivan' productions such as 'H.M.S. Pinafore' and 'The Mikado' at the Opera House to rave reviews. Residents enjoyed supporting and celebrating their community in such a way and the seats were often sold-out.