On this very pleasant Saturday in May, crowds larger than normal have been pouring into town. By late afternoon, all four local restaurants report long lines of patrons waiting to be served.

Reason for all this activity is tonight's special concert by Frank Palumbo's Ambler Band. It's to be held at the new Bandstand, an octagon-shaped building completed just a few days ago by K&M's carpenters. It's on Butler Avenue near Maple Street, and, appropriately enough, it's surmounted by a roof of "Century" Asbestos Shingles, made right here in Ambler. Seven of its eight sides are emblazoned with names of the great composers.

Very soon now, Palumbo and his musicians will present a special program of mainly classical music that includes the "Sextets from Lucia", plus selections from "Carmen". Those who have attended the practice sessions say that the band is in excellent form.

Palumbo turned this group of musicians into a professional-sounding concert band soon after arriving in Ambler way back in 1902. He came here well-qualified, being known as one of the finest cornetists in the country. Additionally, he operates a successful tailor shop right on Butler Avenue.

The crowds around the bandstand have been a surprise to everyone. We knew many strangers would be in town for the event, but no one expected to see nearly a thousand attending this inaugural performance. The combination of the new structure plus the reputation of the Palumbo Band have brought in larger crowds than Ambler has seen since the old days at the Fair Grounds, with the race track being the big attraction.

As eight o'clock nears, the musicians are tuning up. Chief Dick Ford has instructed his deputies to be on the lookout for the inevitable pickpocket, and to try to keep the crowds out of the streets. Many here tonight are asking this question: Why did Mattison choose to build the structure so close to the streets, making it necessary for patrons to stand on the sidewalk, and even in the street? But that was Doctor Mattison's decision and few here would dare criticize him. Why no seating was provided is another question being asked, although many have been thoughtful enough to bring along their own chairs or blankets.

This special event at the bandstand is not without a bit of humor when Chief Dick Ford encounters a stranger annoying the crowd by imitating train noises. Ford offers him the option of spending 40 days in the Ambler lock-up, over on Main Street, or leaving town for good. Choosing the latter, the stranger is given a dollar and placed aboard the Chestnut Hill bound trolley waiting on Main Street, next to Joe Angeny's Drug Store.

The band performing tonight under Frank Palumbo had its start as the Citizens' Band in 1897. During the period from 1898 until 1902 they had their share of successes and failures, but with Palumbo's arrival the group took on a more professional character under his direction. Many of the members were Italians with varying degrees of talent, several having played in the Royal Band of Italy. Many were employed at the K&M plants.

Promptly at eight o'clock, Palumbo ascends the stairs and is greeted with a resounding applause. As he raises his baton, quiet falls over the crowd; the long-awaited inaugural concert at the bandstand is under way. Needless to say, it's a huge success, measured by an unusually large number of encores. The concert runs well over the allotted time, with many feeling that future successes here are assured by tonight's triumph.