79th New York on Parade (In color!)

**teamsimple** · 19th March 11, 12:46 PM

Hello I just found a story on my great great grandfather being a private in the 79th in 1866. does anybody have the video that came out in 1903 and or pictures where i can id him. thank you.

**79thReproductions** · 19th March 11, 07:06 PM

Thats great! Some early parade footage can be seen in this video:

http://www.nycaledonian.org/history.php#movie

Your ancestor was long gone from the Highland Guard be then Im afraid. If I could get his name I could look through the collection, rosters and such to look for him.

**OC Richard** · 20th March 11, 04:59 AM

Originally Posted by 79thReproductions

ROBERTSON's Band furnished the music, and there were two bagpipes to give the national (nasal) twang to the performance.

This is an interesting quote but it does not shed any light on those men standing in front of the regiment in that photo.

I put the word "and" in boldface to point out that this quote is in all probability referencing a brass band. In addition, two pipers were in attendance.

We should keep in mind that the concept of a pipe band (several pipers with drum accompaniment) had not evolved at this time.

**79thReproductions** · 21st March 11, 07:05 PM

Richard, theres no light to shed really. Those pipers are Caledonian club pipers. Robertsons band is a brass band formed in the mid 1850s that had strong ties to the scottish community in New York. There was never, ever, ever, ever any sort of bagpipe band. Ever.

If I had time, I would post qoute after obsucure qoute discriping Robertsons band and himself in great detail along with accounts of Caledonian pipers at parades. I thought I have always made it clear that Robertsons band was a brass band and not a hyper scottish bagpipe band.

Sorry if I come off as short with you. Its not personal, just constructive banter.

**Paul Eames** · 3rd September 11, 12:19 PM

Here I am to spread the word. Thanks for telling me about the site !

**Kilted Rogue** · 3rd September 11, 02:53 PM

makes me want to share my 79th photos... but they are already up here some where. Great photos and info Rachel

**creagdhubh** · 3rd September 11, 04:47 PM

Very cool!!! Thanks for sharing - I love the plaids and feathers!

**Pleater** · 5th September 11, 04:55 AM

Oh I do wish that the long plaid was worn more than at present - seeing them in old photos does give an idea of the effect, but it would be a fine sight if modern daywear with kilts was to include a plaid.

Anne the Pleater :ootd: