The Soudan Band

The Soudan Band has a rich history that spans 50 years.  The group had been playing as a unit since 1911, and is thought to have disbanded in the mid-1960s, after the closing of the Soudan Mine. It’s noteworthy that three members of the original band were still active in 1952, and speaks to the band’s strong sense of community and longevity.

An impressive aspect of the band was the diversity of its members.  With members ranging from 14 to 59 years old, and all of them either working at the Soudan mine or being members of the “Oliver family”, the band truly represented the local Vermilion Range community of Tower, Soudan, and Ely.

The band was started with a solid foundation in 1911, with original members paying for their own equipment and music. Some of the band’s early directors went on to achieve fame and success in their musical careers and is a testament to the band’s talent and dedication. Al Merrihew, for example, went on to play with the Barnum and Bailey Circus, while Chuck Minelli became the band director of Ohio University at Athens, Ohio.  Director Peter Moroni, led the band for over 13 years while also serving as the Ely High School athletic director and coach.

The band provided musical entertainment for many celebrations, parades and concerts in Tower, Soudan and Ely. The Soudan Band’s history highlights the power of music to bring people together and to build strong communities.

Source:  News clipping from the Oliver Mining newsletter which was saved by Mary Carlson Yapel and provided by her family after Mary’s passing in November 2022