Alex H. Osterman’s History of Bands in Sandusky

In the Arts Collection of the Sandusky Library Archives Research Center is a binder with typewritten pages, in which Alex H. Osterman presented a history of bands and orchestras in Sandusky, from 1851 to 1934. The binder was given to the Sandusky Library from the library of Dr. Norbert A. Lange. Local musicians Ed Senne and Fred W. Bauer assisted Mr. Osterman in gathering information, as many of the musicians in the early bands were deceased by 1934. The first known band in Sandusky was the Jaeger Band, which was organized in 1851.

Mr. Osterman related how Charles Baetz’s stern discipline helped the Great Western Band to build up an enviable reputation. The band performed from 1867 to the early 1890s, and had several different directors. The Great Western Band is pictured below in the 1870s.

While Mr. Osterman’s history provides us with details about relatively well known bands, such as Ackley’s Band, the Cedar Point Orchestra, and Scouton’s Concert Band, he also covered little known bands, such as the Sandusky Light Guard Band, the Big Five Band, and the Curtiss Orchestra. Below is a list of members of the Harlemetts Orchestra, an orchestra made up of African Americans from Sandusky.

In the back portion of Mr. Osterman’s history binder are letters and anecdotes from local musicians, as well as notes from Dr. Norbert A. Lange with further details about Sandusky’s rich musical history.

Alex H. Osterman died on November 10, 1945, at the age of 69. He had been a restaurant operator in Sandusky from 1896 to 1901, and he served as the street superintendent of Sandusky from 1928 to 1933. In his later years, he was employed at the Erie China Company on Cleveland Road. Mr. Osterman’s little black binder helps us know more about music in a time gone by in Sandusky. An article in the Sandusky Star Journal of April 7, 1934, Alex H. Osterman stated that his history of bands in Sandusky was written “to perpetuate the memory of those men who were always ready and willing to give their time so that their music might be means of bringing joy and pleasure to tired bodies and saddened hearts.” 

Musicians in Sandusky

Music has been an important part of society throughout history. From lullabies, to work songs, to patriotic anthems and funeral hymns, music is associated with major milestones of an individual’s or a family’s life experiences. Before the time of television and radio, families would often enjoy songs together in the evening. Virtually all movies, plays, and television programs utilize some form of music to convey a message.

In Sandusky music has been performed by many community and school bands and orchestras. Musical performances at public events were common. Organized singing groups were very popular with the German immigrants. Additionally, the first known band in Sandusky was the Jaeger Band, comprised mainly of German immigrants (seen here circa 1851). A variety of bands appeared at Cedar Point throughout the years, including that of John Philip Sousa. When local piano teachers had recitals, the newspaper listed the names of the students as well as the pieces each student played.
Aimee Quinn is pictured with her violin in 1897. She later taught music along with her sister Jean in New York City. Aimee’s father was grocer in Sandusky.
Reber Johnson was a child prodigy. He is seen here at the age of 6 with his instructor William F. Peters. Reber Johnson taught music at Oberlin College for thirty years. He was the grandson of Leonard Johnson, who owned Johnson’s Island at one time. Reber Johnson’s aunt, Sallie Reber, was a well-known popular singer.

The Sandusky High School Orchestra of 1904 is pictured below:

Visit the Sandusky Library’s Archives Research Center to learn more about the music and musicians of Erie County.