Merrymakers made music in Kindersley

By Joan Janzen

An excerpt from “Kindersley Memories” submitted by Mrs. Norman Gibbs, showcased local musical talent in the area prior to WWII. Jane grew up and took her schooling in Kindersley, graduating in 1934 from McKenzie High. During the dirty thirties, she said she took music lessons from Mr. and Mrs. Harold Elliott.

The Merrymakers Orchestra in 1940 entertained in Kindersley and area. L-R: Gerald Mitchell, Lawrence Mitchell, Dave Dorward, Jane Gibbs and Pearl Mitchell. (Charlie Ward and Jim Dorward were also members of the orchestra). Photo from Kindersley Memories

In 1939, she joined Gerald, Lawrence and Pearl Mitchell, and her cousin Jim Dorward to form an orchestra which they called the Merrymakers. They played at school houses for $5.00 a night, with the exception of the Christmas season when they charged $3.00 a night. Later on, her cousin Dave Dorward also joined the orchestra, along with Charlie Ward.

As was common during that time period, the band members dressed in matching costumes. The girls in the band wore red silk skirts and blouses, and the guys wore black pants and black satin shirts. However their musical pursuits came to an end in 1941 when members of the band enlisted in the Second World War.