Marine Band in Badger Bomber concert

Photographer

Kadow, Francis M.

Date

• February 11, 1942

Summary

• The Manitowoc Marine Band is on stage in the “Town Hall” auditorium of radio station WOMT in Manitowoc, Wisconsin on Wednesday, February 11, 1942 during a benefit concert for the Badger Bomber Fund, a World War II effort to raise money from Wisconsin residents to cover the cost of building a war plane. During the campaign, which spanned several weeks in early 1942, radio station WOMT also held an on-air pledge drive to secure more donations. According to an article published in the Milwaukee Sentinel on February 26, Manitowoc led all Wisconsin cities except Milwaukee in contributions for the Badger Bomber Fund. This picture, taken from the back of the room, looks toward a low stage on which the Marine Band members are seated in front of a large United States flag, with Band Director Emil C. Sohrweide conducting as a trumpeter appears to be playing a solo part. A poster promoting savings bonds and stamps hangs on the wall beside the flag. Audience members, including a number of children in the front rows, are seated on metal folding chairs facing the stage. “Town Hall” was on the second floor at 1118 Washington Street.