[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 85 (Friday, June 14, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E862-E863]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING DAN SPENCER FOR HIS INDUCTION INTO THE ``MUMMERS HALL OF 
                                 FAME''

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 13, 2013

  Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dan Spencer for his 
immense contributions to the string band community in South Jersey. For 
the past forty-one years, Mr. Spencer has diligently served as an 
active leader and has promoted success in numerous string band and 
mummers associations across New Jersey.

[[Page E863]]

  Mummery traces its routes to the countless cultures brought to 
America by European immigrants. Mummers, as the performers are called, 
dress in elaborate costumes and perform choreographed musical numbers 
largely on brass and string instruments. The city of Philadelphia and 
the surrounding region has a vibrant history of mummery stretching back 
to colonial times. Today, this tradition is kept alive and showcased 
every New Year's Day in Philadelphia, an event that has happened every 
year for over a century.
  Mr. Spencer became the Drill Master of Garden State String Band in 
1981 and later led the band for six years. During his time with the 
Garden State String Band, Mr. Spencer helped the band receive their 
best drill points earning them 2nd prize.
  Mr. Spencer united the string band communities of Pennsylvania and 
New Jersey as a delegate and later the first secretary of the Penn 
Jersey String Band Association. He also played a vital role in string 
band parades. Mr. Spencer revamped the Gloucester City String Band 
Parade by narrating the events as emcee and television correspondent. 
In 1989, he was nominated to organize the New Year's Day Parade as 
Director.
  After his time as Master of Garden State String Band, he became a 
drummer in the Ferko String Band. He continued to prove his leadership 
skills serving as Director, Secretary, and Vice President for seven 
years, and later became President of the Ferko String Band. Mr. Spencer 
has dedicated forty-one years of his life to string bands and mummery 
in the greater South Jersey area. On April 6th, 2013, he was inducted 
into the Mummers Hall of Fame due to his outstanding efforts to promote 
and produce activities incorporating string band entertainment.
  Mr. Speaker, the commitment of Mr. Spencer to the string band 
community should not go unrecognized. I join all of South Jersey in 
expressing our gratitude for Dan Spencer as he celebrates his induction 
into the Mummers Hall of Fame.

                          ____________________