It seems apparent that the H. T. Andrews Sabres provided a universal inspiration for corps thruout the Portland area.

Legion Posts such as the Deering VFW Post also sponsored corps.

The roll call of units in the Forest City includes:

• The Forest City Vanguard
• Aurora (South Portland)
• Shoreliners (South Portland)
• VFW Juniors(South Portland)
• Northern Lights
• The Dirigo Jets
• The Andrews Jets
• The Fifth Maine Regiment
• Maine Brigade
• Imperial Cadets

A close look at the pictures can show settings long gone from the current Portland scene - you can see the Kostchmar Theatre, the Guild Hall and even the large theatre on Preble Street whose replacement - the Portland Public Market - is even now destined to be replaced (and whose stone masks of "Comedy and Tragedy" are outside the Nickelodeon Theatre).

The provenence - and politics - of these groups - and others - are lost in the swirls of time. Suffice it to say that "back in the day" there was no shortage of opportunity for Portland area kids to show their talent.

We're hoping to provide more information about how this all came about. If you can help us out, please email us