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The Kilties were an all girl Marching Drum Corps who
performed at Lake Charles High School football games from the group's
inception in 1939 until it was disbanded in 1983 when Lake Charles
High School merged with W.O. Boston school.
For almost 45 yrs. this group thrilled crowds with
their colorful uniforms, their 'stutter-step' marching routines and
brisk drum cadences.
At one time they were the largest marching group in
Louisiana with 100 members taking the field at perfomances.
They performed at the Sugar Bowl and Cotton Bowl
college games in various years, at the Dallas Cowboys vs.
Washington Redskins football game in Dallas November 3, 1963, in
parades and at all Lake Charles High School football games.
When they practiced, or during home games the drum
cadance could be heard virtually all across the city of Lake Charles.
It was an inspiring sound and the performances at each game were
enjoyed by the large crowds the games usually drew.
This webpage is about and for all the Kilties who
participated in this wonderful program through the years and includes
a message forum for Kilties and their fans to renew friendships and
exchange memories.
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For a good idea of what it was like to see and hear the Kilties
perform, check out the video below.
This video footage is from a VHS tape that was donated to the McNeese
Library Archive.
It was made by Joey Alcede and was entitled LCHS Memories.
On the tape I found this footage of the Kilties marching. With
permission I have edited out the section containing just the Kilties
marching sequence for this website. I cleaned up the video quality as
much as I could and am posting it here. This is a .avi file and
should open in your default media player.
Also, this is a very large video file and requires broadband to view.
Kilties video
Special thanks to Pati Threatt of the McNeese Library
Archive Dept. for obtaining permission for me to use this video
footage, converting it from VHS tape to DVD and mailing it to me. And
thanks to those who granted permission. |
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I have received a wonderful book compiled and written by Nola Mae
Ross and Susan McFillen called 'Footprints
of the Kilties'.
With their permission I have excerpted a few paragraphs from this
book for more historical background on the Kilties.
Click on the name of the book above.
NOTE from the author of this website:
I have set up a picture gallery on this website for the Kilties to
enjoy. If you have pictures of the group, individuals, teachers who
participated in the Kilties, or photos from the reunions you would
like to see displayed here, send them to me at dusty1usa@wb4me.com
and I'll populate the gallery with them. I can't guarantee I can put
all of them on there but I'll sure try.
I hope you all use and enjoy the forum and the memories of your time
in this great group.
Leon Rhodes, class of '63
*Miss Iris Murphy
Kiltie sponsor and teacher extraordinaire
*Cotton Bowl 1963
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