Robert Grambling devoted twenty years of his life to Minden - the town, the school,
the band, the young people. During those twenty years he captured much of the
spirit of Minden on film. His son, Greg, has allowed Minden Memories to make
those images available online. We express thanks to Greg. To Mr. Grambling, we
express our respect, our admiration, our fondness, and our appreciation for a job well
done.

In 2003, William Turner Watson interviewed Mr. Grambling. From those interviews, we
learned that Robert F. Grambling was born to James B. and Ethel Schegel Grambling
in 1921. Mr. Grambling was a "PK," a preacher's kid. Being Methodist, that involved
moving to different churches through the years. During his high school years the family
moved to Bogalusa where another band member caught his eye. This marked the
beginning of a love story that lasted more than 60 years. In 1943, Bob and Dee were
married by his father in New Orleans.

In 1947, Mr. Grambling was hired to replace the retiring Dwight Blake as band director.
As the country and the parish recovered from the War years, more funds became
available from the parish and the Band Booster Club. Minden Band grew and represented
our city well.

Music and photography kept Mr. Grambling very busy, but not too busy for his church
or his family. He made time for his wife and children, Connie and Greg. Today, she is
Dr. Connie Lane, professor of flute at South Carolina University. her husband, Dr. G. B.
Lane, is a retired professor of music at South Carolina University, and their daughter is

majoring in Musical Engineering at the University of Miami. Greg makes his home in

Ruston where he is an adaptive physical education teacher. He supports and is actively

involved with handicapped sports activities throughout the area.  Mrs Grambling passed

away in January, 2004.  In May, Mr. Grambling made the decision to relocate to South

Carolina near Connie.  He has been a life-long "learner," and has added harmonica and

bass guitar to his repertoire.  Don't be surprised to see him next on the Grand Ol' Opry!

In 1967, he accepted an offer to direct the Byrd High Band in Shreveport, where he was

 already a member of the Shreveport symphony.  He had served Minden well. We of

Minden Memories are proud to share some of  “Bob’s Memories” with each of you.

His photo's are available by clicking on the Bob Grambling site.