The Coaldale Victory Band was organized on October 18th, 1944 with a membership of 15 musicians. Mr. William Miller, Sr. was their first Director.

The Band held their rehearsals in the East Ward School Building, (now the W. & L. Mfg. Co.). The money the Band earned by participating in parades, concerts, etc. was turned back over to the Band by the members and put into a Building Fund which was started for the purpose of having their own building in which to practice.

Father Gasho, of Ss. Cyril and Methodious R.C. Church of Coaldale was the Architect who planned (work was donated) this new building for the Band. A lot was purchased on Sixth Street in Coaldale and on June 6th, 1957 construction was started with most of the band members doing the work in their free time. The first rehearsal in the new building was held on March 11th, 1958. A grand opening was held on April 12th, 1964 to celebrate the burning of the morgage.

Throughout the years the Coaldale Victory Band, had been invited to attend the following:

United Mine Worker's Convention at Atlantic City - Sept. 1946.
Harry S. Truman's Pre-Election visit to Pottsville - Sept. 1947.
President Truman's Inauguration Ceremony - Washington, D.C. - Jan. 1948.
United Mine Worker's Convention at Cincinnati, Ohio - Sept. 1948.
United Mine Worker's Convention at Cincinnati, Ohio - Sept. 1952.
United Mine Worker's Convention at Cincinnati, Ohio - Sept. 1956.
Governor Lawrence's Inauguration at Harrisburg, Pa. - Jan. 1956.
United Mine Worker's Convention at Cincinnati, Ohio - Sept. 1960.
United Mine Worker's Convention at Miami Beach, Fl. - Sept. 1964.
District No. 50 convention at Washington D.C. - Sept 1966.
District No. 50 convention at Washington D.C. - Sept 1972.
United Steel Worker's Convention at Las Vegas, Nev. - Sept 1972.
United Steel Worker's Convention at Atlantic City - Sept. 1974.

The Coaldale Victory Band has given a great many Benefit Performances throughout the years.

Officers of The Coaldale Victory Band at the present time are:

Director - Wash. King, Coaldale, Pa.
President - William Miller, Coaldale, Pa.
V. President - Lawrence Dahm, Brockton, Pa.
Treasurer - John F. Davis, Tamaqua, Pa.
Secretary - Dottie Paquette, Coaldale, Pa.

The Coaldale Victory Band Hall is rented out to the public to the public for various occasions such as weddings, showers, dances and many other functions. It is also being used at present for Kindergarden.

Source: The Valley Gazatte. - Photos submitted by Bill Kitt.