A Philadelphia
family story.

Golden Crown’s roots were established in 1958. Members of the Darktown Strutters, along with Pappy Martin—an old-timer with connections to the Klein Fancy Club—first organized under the name George Martin N.Y.B. Meetings were held at Pappy’s home on Daly Street, with Joe Julia as president, John Stewart as captain, Herkie Rivell as treasurer, and Jim Gorman as sergeant-at-arms.

In 1959, the Brigade marched on Broad Street for the first time. The theme Melody of Stars brought the club a 10th-place finish. Miniature stars were scattered into the crowds while the music included Catch a Falling Star. Joe Julia became captain in 1960, the clubhouse moved to John’s garage on the 300 block of Jackson Street, and the Brigade adopted the fancier name Silver Crown.

The year 1961 brought a new beginning. Joe Schubert was elected captain, designer Bob Finnegan first marched with the Crown, and the Brigade began building a reputation for strong finishes. Dancing Through the Seasons won first place in 1963. Its dance routines, props, and scenery were firsts in Brigade history and became enduring Crown trademarks.

In 1962, the club was forced to give up the Silver Crown name. The new Golden Crown became a club for family. The Julias, Gormans, Rivells, Szymborskis, Volkmans, and Schuberts were among its first families. In those early years, the Fancy Brigades paraded with Mother Clubs including Oregon, Klein, Golden Sunrise, and finally Hog Island under Bob Meimbresse.

Golden Crown purchased a clubhouse at 2022 S. 3rd Street from the Golden Slipper Club in 1964 and remained there until the club folded in 1966. After Joe Schubert left because of job commitments, the Brigade was unable to march in 1967, 1968, or 1969. Joe returned in 1969, and with old and new members together, Golden Crown returned in 1970 with Checkmate and a seventh-place finish.

Joe Keyser became captain after Schubert left again in 1972. The club met at the O’Malley Club from 1970 to 1975 before moving its headquarters to 2nd and Jackson Streets. Bill Burke Jr. first filled a suit for Golden Crown in 1972, became a member, and was elected captain in 1976.

Bill Burke Jr. remained captain through 2004. Golden Crown’s reputation grew each year under his leadership, culminating in the 1983 first-place Japanese Cherry Blossom Fantasy, with Burke appearing as Madame Butterfly in a spectacular cherry-blossom setting. In 1984, the Brigade repurchased 2022 S. Third Street from the Strutters N.Y.B.; after renovations, it again became the home and heart of Golden Crown.

Choreographers Dennis Quale and Suzy Miller helped drive the club’s many successes in the 1980s. In the 1990s, Jeannette Rawlings continued that tradition and became drill director in 1997, following the direction of Mike Rayer. Under presidents Franny Zane and Mark Coley, the small family Brigade became a fierce competitor. In 1996, Golden Crown finished second by only half a point, while Captain Burke earned first prize as Best Dressed Captain.

Golden Crown was judged first at the Doubletree Hotel in both 1996 and 1998 and consistently placed in the top three at Methodist Hospital. In 1998, the Fancy Brigades began performing and being judged at the Philadelphia Convention Center following MummerFest. That same year, Golden Crown was featured nationally on Candid Camera.

Captain Burke celebrated his 25th anniversary as captain in 2001 with Reflections from the Dark Side of the Moon, earning fourth prize for both club and captain. His 28-year captaincy concluded emotionally in 2004 with Sorcerer’s Fantasy of Color.

Charles Kueny was elected captain in 2005 and immediately led Golden Crown to third place with East Meets West. For the club’s 50th year in 2008, choreographer Geri Vanore guided the prize-winning ROBO-motion. Kueny closed his five-year tenure with another third-place finish for SEAcrets of the Deep.

In 2009, longtime vice president Bob Runowski was elected captain, beginning a new era shaped by his dedication and innovative approach to every aspect of Mummery. Through every era, faces have changed, children have grown, and people have come and gone—but Golden Crown remains a family committed to one another, grateful to the members, marshals, friends, associates, and families who carried the club forward.