Our History

THE HARVARD BANJO CLUB was founded in 1886 but did not effect permanent organization until 1887, when W.S. Scott became it’s leader and appointed S.F. McCleary Jr as secretary. During this season, the Club consisted of five first and two second banjos, two piccolo banjos, two guitars and one mandolin. Thirty concerts were given and the Club was everywhere received with enthusiasm. In May 1888 G.L. Osgood Jr' 91 was chosen leader. He took control the following autumn and made several changes in the make up of the Club. The second banjos were dropped and the guitars were doubled. This strengthened the Club by giving stability to the first banjos and a full powerful bass part. Under Mr. Osgood's leadership the success of the Club became very marked, with the Club consolidating popularity in Boston and the wider New England area.

The Club gave twenty four concerts during this season including a Western trip. It was everywhere received well and won the reputation of being the best amateur banjo club in the country, with some evening labelling it better than most professional clubs. The season of 1889-90 was practically a repetition of the previous one without a Western trip. The Club this year dropped the piccolo banjos which were judged to hurt rather than help the general effect of the instruments. G.L. Osgood Jr’ 91 was again leader during this season as he was the following one of 1890-1891 until April 1891, when he resigned in favor of F.L. Kennedy’ 92. About twenty concerts were given during each of the seasons of 1889-1890 and 1890-1891.

In the spring of 1888 the Banjo Club inaugurated the custom of an annual dinner. There are always a few guests, former members and the evenings are enlivened with songs and reminiscences. MO Simons 91 was president for two years and his good advice and musical judgment did much towards bringing the Club to a high standard of excellence.