Dean Allen, Cadets 1956-59 and Imperials 1960-61, recently contacted me. He was a member of the drum line and played cymbals when in the Imperials. He was a great member of the corps and well liked by all. But, his family moved to New Jersey, ending his time with us. :(

Here is his contact info;

Dean Allen
22 Vienna
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

email: allen7111@aol.com

Can't say I remember him,of course that was a long time ago.

What did you do in the Corps? French Horn

What years were you a Corps member? 1957 thru 1963

I remember Dean, although I had forgotten his name.

I replaced him when he left. He taught me everything I knew about cymbaling!

What did you do in the Corps? Drumline

What years were you a Corps member? 1960-1965

info sent by Dean:

I was a member from 1956-1961. I was in the Drum Line and received my drum instruction from Frank Arsenault and Dick Brown. When the opportunity to play cymbals opened, I welcomed the opportunity. While my time in the corps was shortened because of a family transfer to New Jersey, Norwood Park remains part of my heart. (There was a rumor that I joined the Garfield Cadets in New Jersey, but the commute was too far so I joined the St Vincent Cadets in Madison, NJ for a short while.)

The friendships I acquired at Norwood Park are still a big part of my memory. What the corps taught me about life, discipline, competitiveness, and teamwork has helped me to succeed in both my professional and military careers. I have just completed a very successful 40 year career in educational publishing. Prior to that I was a Naval Officer for 6 years. ( My ship picked up the Apollo 8 and 9 capsules). For the past 28 years, I have been a resident of California. I currently live in Laguna Niguel, CA.

---------------------------

DB note: the St. Vincent's Cadets Dean mentioned isn't the famous St. Vinnie's of Bayonne. The corps he joined was basically a parade corps in Madison, NJ about 50 miles northwest of Bayonne.