Dowler’s Band History: Marion, Ohio’s Brass Band Era in the Early 1900s

Photo used with permission from Tom Flach.

At first glance, it’s just a photo — a band posed neatly on the front steps of downtown Marion’s old post office. But this isn’t a small-town novelty shot. This is Dowler’s Band, a group that helped define Marion’s public life in the early 1900s. They were the soundtrack to the city’s biggest moments, leading parades, civic celebrations, and community gatherings where music wasn’t a backdrop — it was the signal that something important was happening.

Dowler’s Band shows up in that history more than once.

One of the strongest references comes from an Armistice Day account describing Marion’s celebration at the end of World War I. The write-up notes that “Dowler’s band was on the street before 6 o’clock,” and describes how workers and crowds fell in behind them until the parade grew into the thousands.

The band also appears in other period references tied to civic events. A 1917 Memorial Day parade report mentions Dowler’s band heading the second division in Marion’s procession. A 1919 newspaper item notes that a group employed Dowler’s band of Marion for musical entertainment, including a sacred concert.

Outside of newspaper mentions, Dowler’s Band is also listed in a historical directory of U.S. brass and cornet bands compiled by researcher Gavin Holman, recorded as: “Dowler’s Band (Marion) — Active in the 1900’s.”

William Dowler’s name shows up in the music business side of the era too. A 1919 issue of The Billboard advertises printed music for bands—“14 parts and piano,” mailed for 50 cents—and includes the contact line: “WM. DOWLER (Old Bill), Music Publisher, Marion, Ohio.”

Ragtime historian Ted Tjaden also lists “Bugavue Rag” as published in Marion, Ohio, credited to William Dowler, dated 1902.

A 1946 issue of International Musician references “Dowler’s Band” again and describes it as directed by William Dowler.

Local historian and author Randy Winland recently shared additional details on social media, saying Dowler’s Band was led by William Dowler. Winland wrote that Dowler was a self-taught musician, blind in one eye, who learned to play numerous string instruments with his left hand even though he was right-handed. Winland also wrote that Dowler was proficient in playing 35 band and orchestra instruments.

Winland added that Dowler operated a successful music store before being forced to close during the Great Depression. He also credited Dowler with composing more than 15 numbers, several of which found success in the music marketplace.

The building commonly connected to band photos like this is Marion’s former post office at 169 E. Church Street, now known as Heritage Hall.

Sources

Armistice Day account describing Dowler’s band “on the street before 6 o’clock…”

1917 Memorial Day parade report mentioning Dowler’s band

1919 Ohio newspaper reference noting Dowler’s band employed for musical entertainment / sacred concert

The Billboard (March 22, 1919) listing “WM. DOWLER (Old Bill), Music Publisher, Marion, Ohio”

Ragtime Piano (Ted Tjaden) listing: “Bugavue Rag. Marion, OH: William Dowler, 1902”

International Musician (Aug. 1946) reference to Dowler’s Band directed by William Dowler

Gavin Holman directory listing: “Dowler’s Band (Marion) — Active in the 1900’s”

Old U.S. Post Office (Marion) / Heritage Hall background (169 E. Church St.)