From Racine4thFest
Robert Bohm 1923 – 1992
The Fourth Fest Parade had a new trophy to award in 1993. It was presented to the Drum and Bugle Corps judged to be the best. Because Robert Bohm was an active participant in the Fourth of July Parade for fifty-two years, it was fitting that this trophy bear his name.
He first marched in a Fourth of July parade in 1937 as a fourteen-year-old member of the Racine Boy Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps. During the early years he also worked concession stands at Cedar Bend, the site of the Fourth picnic and fireworks.
Bohm continued to be a part of the Fourth of July parades until 1943 when he was called to serve with the United States Army Signal Corps in the South Pacific.
His return to civilian life in 1946 also marked his return to marching in the Goodwill parades. He was a member of the Boys of ’76 Drum and Bugle Corps for five years. This was a corps sponsored by Racine American Legion Post 76. He served as their marching director from 1951 to 1954. he then became marching director o f the Boy Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps from 1954 to 1965.
In 1966, Bohm assumed the role of awards chairman for floats and marching units and continued in that capacity until 1989.
Bohm was a master electrician and president/owner of Bohm Electrical Contractors. He served a term as governor of the Wisconsin Electrical Contractors Association. In addition, he found time to servce on the boards of the Racine Area United Way and Society’s Assets. Active with the Downtown Rotary Club, Bohm was also past president of his church council.
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 1993 | St. Louis Lancers - St. Louis, MO |
| 1994 | Kilties - Racine, WI |
| 1995 | Bayou City Blues - Houston, TX |
| 1996 | Kilties - Racine, WI |
| 1997 | Kilties - Racine, WI |
| 1998 | Bayou City Blues - Houston, TX |
| 1999 | Bayou City Blues - Houston, TX |
| 2000 | Bayou City Blues - Houston, TX |
| 2001 | Kilties - Racine, WI |
| 2002 | Racine Scouts - Racine, WI |
| 2003 | Kilties - Racine, WI |
| 2004 | Marion Cadets - Marion, OH |
| 2005 | Gulf State Sound - Houston, TX |
| 2006 | Kilties - Racine, WI |
| 2007 | Kilties - Racine, WI |
| 2008 | Racine Scouts - Racine, WI |
| 2009 | Kilties - Racine, WI |
| 2010 | Racine Scouts- Racine WI |
| 2011 | Racine Kilties |
