Aurora Corps Aids Homestead Celebration

aurora corps aids homestead celebration. 100 years of serving. the aurora, colo., corps, under the leadership of lts. kevin and lyndall mullin, corps officers, recently made a memorable contribution to “homestead 1896,” planned jointly by the city of aurora and the aurora museum foundation. an estimated 25-30,000 came during the five days, including more than 3,000 school children. using a tent, the salvation army “homestead corps” held forth among the many exhibits showing life in colorado in 1896. as visitors came by, they heard a presentation arranged by major ed ringle (r), assisted by his sister, csm della bozman of the helena, mont., corps; and soldier cyndi mettler, who had suggested the army participate in this event. other full time participants were mrs. ruth ann waldrop, who cooked over a campfire, and violinist mrs. audrey tinkcom. ringle camped at night in the tent. music, of course, played an important part in the presentation. ringle played a rather small antique piano accordion; bozman a big bass drum; mettler banged a tambourine, and tinkcom beautifully played her violin. sometimes richard andrews played a harmonica and a/captain dan luschenat held forth on wooden spoons and a washboard. there was an opportunity for the costumed crew to let visitors know a little about the army’s history in the u.s. as well as in the colorado area, to witness to god’s saving power, and emphasize that the salvation army is a church. many friends were made during these five days of witnessing for god and the army.