About Andrew Cusack
Writer, web designer, etc.; born in New York; educated in Argentina, Scotland, and South Africa; now based in London. read more
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The Old Guard
The above photograph shows a 1963 service in the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York. Closest to the sanctuary are four members of the Veteran Corps of Artillery, State of New York, but behind them can be scene a member of the Old Guard of the City of New York. The VCA, of which my Uncle Matt (a frequent commenter upon this site) is a member, is older, being founded in 1790. The Old Guard dates from 1826, and Uncle Matt’s father (my grandpa) was Commadant of that august group. There’s a great photo of my father as a small child gazing up at his father in Old Guard uniform including the tall bearskin busby. Perhaps Pop will scan it sometime, else I will get around to it when I’m back in the States.
With all its traditional pomp and circumstance, the Old Guard of the City of New York turned out to observe the one hundred and fifth anniversary of its organization. There was the usual parade with major generals, colonels, majors, and captains marching as privates under the banners of this battalion and proud of their place in its rank and file. After the parade church services were held in the old chapel on Governors Island.
(A bad copy from The Sun, Fort Covington, NY, 1931)
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Andrew, my Dad was a member of the Old Guard of the city of NY (Michael Romeo) and I remember Matt Cusack and his wife, also the Guths. I attended many parades and meetings at the old brownstone in NY off of Riverside Drive. Matt is your uncle?
looking for an old member of the old guard
Can anyone give me information on the picture in the page above -71st Regiment Drum and Fife Corps, close to 1930(?)
Old Guard
I’m looking for any information on my ggf, Sol Anderson, who was a Captain in the Old Guard. He lived from 1856-1930. I have a wonderful picture of him and others in full regalia, marching down Broadway.
I’m Doug Todd, my dad was Michael Todd, a past Commandant. I attended many OG annual ball’s as a kid and later as a Marine. The Old Guard always stood for all things American, true patriotism and military values. I hope it still exists today. Any friends of the OG or similar historic organizations are welcome to contact me.
My parents, my wife and I attennded many of the Old Guard Balls in New York. I have a photo of the January, 1970 Ball when Matt Cusack was the Colonel Commanding. Mr dad, Col. Daniel J. O’Mahony was Commander of the 3rd Regiment Infantry, N.G.P. We also attended the rifle matches at Camp Smith sponsored by the Old Guard. Many fine memories of old comrades.
I always remember going with my dad to many parades and outings with the OG, I have many great memories of those days. Just wanted to say hey to all.
Son of the late Robert F.Tera
Andrew,
My grandfather, Major Augustus Hoffman, was a veteran of the 71st regiment of New York and member and one time treasurer of the Old Guard. He died when I was ten but am familiar with his military experience from photos and memorabilia left to me. In particular I have a short 1863 “Artillery Model” musket he received from the NYC Armory or West Point. Wondering if anyone was handed down a similar antique. Am trying to verify the authenticity as one of 700 repaired and issued as cadet rifles in 1866 by Springfield Armory.
My father, Irving Kriesberg, was a member of The Old Guard. He must have stopped being a member in the late 50’s/early 60’s and died in 1995. My mother, Rita, passed away a month ago and in the process of cleaning out her place, we’ve run across numerous pictures, some of them quite grand, at gala balls in NYC hotel ballrooms.
My father left me a good deal of OG memorabilia including bearskin hat, sword, parade baton, insignia, etc. but I believe my father left his full dress uniform in the OG’s HQ, perhaps forty years ago! Does the OG exist today?
Barry Kriesberg