From: Kathleen Cahall <ww9591>
Date: Tue, 6 Feb 2007 16:18:58 -0500

I especially enjoyed Hattie Big Sky; however, I had a question about what is probably a minor historical detail, but nonetheless gave me pause. On page 210, the author describes a parade that took place June 28, 1918. During the parade, a local/community band played
"God Bless America". At first thought, it seemed odd to me because I thought the tune was written in the 1930's. When I looked it up, I learned that, according to Wikipedia, it was written in 1918 for an army show with a performance slated for July of 1918. However, the song was replaced and Berlin did not use or publish "God Bless America" until 1938.

So it does seem improbable that a small community band in Montana would have had the music to perform; especially, since it had not been published.

Perhaps there is more information than the online encyclopedia provided. A curiosity to be sure.

Kathleen
Received on Tue 06 Feb 2007 03:18:58 PM CST