When the war began, Henry C. Hawken enlisted in the 110th Ohio Volunteer Infantry under General J. Warren Keifer, where Hawken was appointed Brigade Band Master.
After the war, Hawken returned to Springfield and formed the city’s first professional musical group, the Hawken American Coronet Band that played many local engagements including political rallies, building dedications, and more until an 1884 fire ended their career.
Later, Henry opened a music store on Fountain Avenue and with the help of his son, Earle K. Hawken, who formed the Hawken Cadet Band, show here, made up of 12-14-year-old recruits from Earle’s music school.
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