Thistle Gildry Pipe Band, NY City circa 1950s

[Michael Faughnan]

Hello,

I have read of the Thistle Gildry Pipe Band in New York City in regard to Bob Gilchrist being Pipe Major in the 1950's. Does anyone know much about this Pipe Band? What does the name reference? When they started or disbanded ? Any competitive achievements or notable personnel? What Tartan or sponsor?

Just continuing on my quest to collect info on Bands in the NY City area..

Michael

[pat martens]

Michael,

Joe Brady Sr was P/M of the Thistle Guildry band.....Im sure he can tell you all the info.

Pat

[Michael Faughnan]

Thanks Pat. Was trying to develop some traction or dialogue here with people who might know about some of the older bands in the NY City area and the people who influenced their development. Hoping they might share stories or history with us. I will follow up with Joe who has been such a positive influence for many of the bands in the area over the years.

For people not in the area there is a good article in the Spring 2010 EUSPB Voice highlighting Joe on his well deserved receipt of the R.G. Hardie Services to Piping Award this past Winter.

Regards,
Michael

[Peigi Mulligan]

Michael, to to fultonhistory.com, they have online newspapers, searchable. It's where I've found info on Yonkers Kilties.

[pat martens]

Hi Mike,

I have always been a bit of a buff in regards to pipe bands in the Tri State area as you may know. I know a lot of the old histories and will gladly share what I know. I have gone out of my way to meet most of the old timers and talk to them and have a lot of memories about people and events so ask away.

Pat

[jviss]

(Resurrecting this old thread, as I just joined the forum.)

My father, Ed Visser, played with the Thistle Guildry Pipe Band, with Joe Brady, Sr. (already mentioned), and with the notable piper, "Billy Barr," now U.S. Attorney General William Barr, in the 1960's.

The instructor I knew who was associated with the band was Pipe Major John McKenzie, 6th Bat. H.L.I., retired. He was my father's instructor, and I know he was Williams Barr's, as well.

They met at the Second Presbyterian Church on 96th St. and Central Park West. I think the pipe band was an adjunct to the Thistle Guildry, a Scottish Society. Highland dance was taught there, too, with the instructor at the time being Jean "Aunt Jean" Waters. My two brothers and I did highland dance there, and entered competitions at the highland games we attended.

I remember a female piper named Joyce Fox.

I can't remember any more names at the moment. If I recall or learn more I'll add it here. I'm sure Joe Brady, Jr., can add much more if he can be reached.

jv