“It was a sad day in July 1960 when H. Bradford Cole died at his home making breakfast. He was the music man of the community and spent 18 years motivating the students of the Hoosick falls Schools. He never refused or missed a parade. The community, the area, and the students counted on him. I remember the weeks that followed. The community was filled with grief,” said an article by Phil Leonard. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Cole’s passing, and the memories are still vivid in his students minds (some are 60+ years old). Five of them are members of our Community band.
The Cole kids, Ginny, Starr, Karen and Fred are coming to Hoosick Falls in July to visit the graves of mom, dad and Brad (Bud) Jr. Having found that the Memorial Fund that issues two awards annually to graduating seniors in music, was out of funds, four local folks and the Cole family have added funds to carry the awards a short time.
Celebratory Concert July 14
In conjunction with the Hoosick Community Band a celebratory concert will be held on July 14 at a location to be announced as the band will be enlarged by family and friends who wish to play.
Those wishing to dust off their instruments and play should contact Bill Gaillard at 686-9715. Those wishing to contribute to the Brad Cole fund can send a check to the Hoosick Falls Central School, c/o Mike Shea and label it “For the Brad Cole Fund.”