FROM EARLY DAYS TO THE PRESENT PAGE 224-225, 232-233

The Hazen Martial Band

Who of the old settlers does not remember the Hazen Springvale Martial Band? At fairs, 4th of July, politicalmeetings and other gatherings, if the Hazen Springvale Band was there or to be there, the crowd was in the immediate vicinity. All the band were Hazens but one. Uncle W. Florida. Chester and Loren Hazen were the fifers, Sanford, Lorenzo and Calvin Hazen the snare drummers, and Warren Florida, the bass drummer. When they were in Fond du Lac at the Harrison political meeting in 1892, the statement came from them that this was probably the last they would everplay together, and it was.

All have died since then. The band was organized and first played in the Harrison campaign of 1840, in the state of New York, so they were together as a band, more than half a century

Trip of the Hazan Family.

In 1844, a company of twenty-four from New York state, among whom were the Hazen brothers of the famous martial band of Springvale, landed at Milwaukee in June. A team of three pairs of oxen was purchased, wagon decked, boxes and trunks loaded, when it was found that but three could ride. there were eight women in the company. Did they wait for a parlor car? No, indeed. They uncomplainingly took turns in walking. They left Milwaukee Monday morning and Saturday night found them within three miles of what is now Oakfield, the wagon stuck in the mud and the oxen too tired to travel further. One of the men remained with the team and the others bravely resumed their journey. Every rod seemed a mile to the weary, foot-sore company. After what seemed to be hours, the log cabin of Lorenzo Hazen came in sight and the company were gladly received. Too tired for supper, they took boots, bundles of clothing, foot rests, anything they could lay hands on for pillows, and with puncheon floor for feather beds, were soon oblivious to their surroundings. Three of the Hazen brothers were soon keeping house in single room shanties with puncheon floors and troughed roofs, which had the faculty of letting most of the rain find its way to the room beneath. Their furniture was home made and the good housewives did all their work for one summer out of doors by camp fires. Their bread was baked in a kettle. As the summer of 1844 was very rainy, such outdoor work was no light task. For this story and many other facts, I am indebted to Mrs. Sanford Hazen, of Ripon, lovingly known as 'Aunt Susan.' Her courage, her bright and cheery manner of today tell us she was the life of this little company. The mud must not have seemed so deep, the bogs less numerous, the hills not so high or steep by the sunshine and cheerfulness of her presence.

Incidents and anecdotes of early days and history of business in the city and county of Fond du Lac from early times to the present : personal reminiscences, remarkable events, election results, military history, etc. (1905)

Loren E Hazen