The primary sponsor of the corps was the local American Legion Argonne Post 180. The bond between the corps and the Legion was permanent, and the Post routinely funded new instruments, uniforms, and travel expenses to their state and nation championship contests and conventions. While the corps enjoyed the support of the Post, it was dependent upon the generosity of the local public school systems, area businesses, foundations, anonymous donors, member families, volunteers, and its many friends and fans. Families of corps’ members contributed financially, by paying nominal annual membership dues. When families were unable to meet that obligation, other member families or donors covered the expense.
Car washes, bake and broom sales, and silent auctions helped fund the corps’ operations.
The growth of the corps created additional financial requirements and support would manifest in many forms. Civic organizations and local clubs gave the proceeds of their fundraising endeavors to support the operation of the Rebels. Parents transported equipment and corps’ personnel, and manned fireworks stands. Donated floodlights lit a practice field, public schools opened for rehearsals, volunteers transported consultants to and from regional airports, aprons were sewn to protect uniforms, and corps’ members and staff were welcome in homes providing temporary lodging. Recognizing the value of hiring highly motivated youth, area businesses employed corps’ members needing financial support for higher education.
The Argonne Rebels received appearance fees, but moving the corps across town, the state and the nation required considerable financial means. Volunteers ran annual countywide fund drives, local businesses purchased Honorary Memberships, and they proudly displayed their membership decals on their storefront windows. When a lack of financial resources threatened the corps’ ability to appear in regional events or national contests, area residents, civic organizations, and local businesses made additional donations – often within days – to fund their goodwill ambassadors.
Learn more about the history and heritage of the corps, and its rise to national prominence. Explore the current exhibition: The Argonne Rebels Drum and Bugle Corps / The Hometown Team / How Our Community Championed Its Youth, through Sept. 5, at the Great Bend Public Library. The exhibit is part of the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum on Main Street Program, sponsored by the Kansas Humanities Council.