From the Troy Times-Tribune, Thursday, May 31, 2012

Photo submitted by Sharon Mersinger Petty

The Blackjack Band was in existence around 1900. When the roads were muddy, the band members would practice over the telephone. The operator would open the party lines for them. From left, front: unknown, unknown, unknown, Valentine Mersinger; standing: Henry Riebold, unknown, Philip Mersinger, Adam Mersinger, unknown. It has been recently found that the band was organized in 1894 as a "Cornet Band." If anyone knows who the unknown musicians may be, please contact the Times-Tribune at 618-667-3111.