In 1953, the first boy to signup to become a Northernaire, or more correctly a member of the D.A.R Boys Club Drum & Bugle Corps, was Mickey Pichette.

In 1970, the corps opened its ranks to girls. The first girl to sign-up was Eileen Quick. Gloria Meyer was number two.

The person who came up with the name Northernaires was Rick Sonntag in 1958.

The person who spent the most years as a marching member of the Northernaires was Terry Heckle, 12 years as drum major. Tom Ennis spent the second most years, 11 years as soprano.

The first (and only?) marching member of the corps who was married was Gene Nason.

The Northernaires won the first contest in which they ever competed in 1956.

In the early 60's the color guard became the honor guard at Robert and Roberta Tordeur's wedding. Bob was the corps' assistant business manager in the '50s and '60s.

Five corps members marched more then one position during their years with the corps; Punky Pesola, baritone and drum major, Jack Fisher, soprano and drum major, John Schneider, glockenspiel and baritone, Doug Klatt, color guard and snare, Ted Decker, cymbals and bass drum. Does anyone know of somebody else who did the same?

Bruce, David, and Robbie Hultgren were the only three brothers to march in the same section and same year, 1967 bugle section.

The Northernaires were the first unit to perform at halftime in the very first league game at Green Bay's Lambeau Field in 1958. The full show was broadcast on CBS.

During his years with the corps, Rick Sonntag played three different instruments. He started on baritone, moved to tenor, and ended up on soprano.

Approximately 1600 young men and women passed through the ranks of the Northernaires during their 32 year existence as a junior corps. Can you name brother, sister, and brother/sister combinations who marched with the Northernaires over those 20 years? Here's what various alumni can remember...so far.

Mickey and Tom Pichette Dan and Rick Ross Terry, Dick, and Skip Heckel Mark, Tom, and Paul Ennis Ron and Ed Velich Walter and Dan Durow Steve and Dave Olsen Forrest and Doug Coleman Ray, Jim, and John Evans Joe, George, and Pat Lemire Jim and Jeff Theriault Ted and Dan Witt Chuck, Larry, and Jim Vojcihoske John and Mike Farley Tom and Barb Lahaye Steve and Jon Grenier Dick, Jim, and Ken Cairns Gene and Mary Nason Chris, Terri, David, and Tracy Wellner

Jeff, Scott, and Cindy Rupert John and Ann Campbell Bob, Harriet, and Lucy Snell Barry and Gary Jenkins Peggy and Rodger Crossman Pat and Rick Collins Tom and Bert Hayward Donna, Lisa, and Cindy Bertrand John and Donna Gunderson Donna and Mary Everard Charlene, Molly, and Kelly Malone and Carol Johnson (half sister) Mark and John Minslaff Doug and Kim Dettman Ken and John Thompson Earl and John Brumschriber Linda and Laura Bauman Sherry and Lynette Vieth Patty and Gary Pomerenke

There were a few uncle/nephew/niece combinations to have marched with the Northernaires.

• Tom (uncle) and Dick (nephew) Barley. They marched together for a year or two. See picture in 1963 archive.
• Mickey (uncle) and Andre (nephew) Pichette.
• Bill Gressel (uncle) and Chris, Terri, David, and Tracy Wellner (nephew/niece).

Not only did Andre Pichette's uncle Mickey march with the Northernaires but so did his father Tom. At this time, they are the only father/son known to have done this.