The Perseverance band has a long association with the Coleman family. From the Band’s inception as the “93rd Regiment Band” as part of the 93rd Regiment of Lebanon during the American Civil War, it was mustered in at Camp Coleman (Lebanon’s Monument Park), which was named in honor of the 93rd’s major supporter, George Dawson Coleman, the “Father of the Regiment.” Mr. Coleman’s daughter, Fanny, was born during the time of Camp Coleman and the 93rd then called her the “daughter of the regiment.” The Perse, as the band is often called, was attached to the regiment at Camp Coleman on October 3, 1861, with John Stanley as its leader. After the Civil War, the Perse played at many of the reunions of the 93rd regiment held at The Gettysburg Battlefield with Mr. and Mrs. Coleman in attendance. In reply to his invitation to attend the 2nd reunion of the 93rd, Mr. Coleman wrote,” It gives me great pleasure to accept the invitation. I am pleased that the Perseverance Band will accompany the Association on this occasion.” 

The Perse (purse-E), as the band was affectionately known, indeed played for many ceremonies, concerts, parades, and occasions throughout the Lebanon area and even throughout the state of Pennsylvania. In 1883, the grand Cornwall and Lebanon Railroad was officially opened, connecting the vast deposits of iron ore in Cornwall with the many furnaces in Lebanon. It was a Coleman venture, initiated by Robert H. Coleman, and headed later by B. Dawson Coleman. Opening Day for this railroading venture was led by the exciting music of the Perseverance Band on October 1, 1883. The Band led a parade to the courthouse with many local and state officials in attendance. Speeches were made and the Perse played a variety of music. It seemed like the whole town turned out for the occasion.