Old Gray Mare Band
Inscription
The 142nd Infantry Band of the 36th division of the U. S. Army began during the first World War. Band leader R. Wright Armstrong reformed the group in Brownwood in Nov. 1921. They played at such notable events as American Legion Conventions in New Orleans and San Francisco and the 1923 inauguration of Gov. Pat Neff, who proclaimed them the official band of Texas.
The band marched behind an actual mare and rider into hotels, state capitol buildings and democratic party national conventions in Houston (1928) and Chicago (1932). Wearing distinctive red silk shirts, yellow bandanas, patent leather boots and sombreros, the Old Gray Mare Band spread the spirit of Texas across the state and nation.
175 Years of Texas Independence * 1836 - 2011
Location
Sources
More markers in Brown
Bangs Public Schools
Bangs, TX
The town of Bangs was established on the route of the Santa Fe Railroad, which deeded land to the city for a school.
City of Brownwood
Brownwood, TX
(first site 1 mile E; second, 5 miles SE, present location) Settled 1857.
Howard Payne University
Brownwood, TX
The Pecan Valley Baptist Association was formed by representatives of Baptist congregations in this area in September 1876.
John Wesley Malone Home
Brownwood, TX
Pioneer ranchers Modie J. and Samuel R. Coggin began this house after 1874.
The May Community
May, TX
Originally part of a Mexican land grant given to empresario John Cameron in 1827, May developed in the 1870s when several pioneer...