Name/Title
Joseph FormellaEntry/Object ID
2025.780.072Description
Joseph was born in 1893 and in 1913 he formed the Formella Orchestra, consisting of himself, Anton Formella, Edward Prodzinski, and Max Prodzinski. Their first gig was a wedding in Rosholt and they later played for other weddings, dances, and even the Rosholt Free Community Fair. Joe enlisted with the US Army on October 4, 1917. Just in time for WWI. He became a bugler at Camp Grant before going overseas to fight as an infantryman in France. Later in life he trained a pet dog, Teddy, to "sing" when he played the accordian. Joe and Teddy toured the Stevens Point elementary schools to entertain children. Joe donated a collection of photos to the Portage County Historical Society, some of which you can see here. They include the Silver Lake Cornet Band in Scandinavia, Wisconsin, from around 1890, the (likely) Polonia Cornet Band from around 1900, and Rube Tronson's band in Amherst in the 1930s.Created By
Cheyenne AntellCreate Date
September 5, 2025Updated By
Cheyenne AntellUpdate Date
September 5, 2025
