‘Mummers’ the word
Mummers” has been the word for six generations for the Bradeis Bunch. To define them simply, Mummers are costumed entertainers that welcome in the New vear. Everybody loves a parade! The Mummers Parade is a celebration of the New vear but it is serious business in Philadelphia with the animated, happy and fun, always upbeat string band tunes along with the rehearsed antics. Mummery, preserving the sense of nostalgia and tradition in America is as unique to Philadelphia, the “City of Brotherly Love,” as Mardi Gras is to New Orleans.
Mummers celebrations in America date back to colonial times, when the boisterous Swedish custom of celebrating the end of the calendar year with noise making and shouting was combined with the tradition of the British mummery play. In 1790, Philadelphia was the capital of the United States and in 1901, Philadelphia’s city government decided to sponsor the popular parade with 42 fraternal organizations who received permits to participate and prizes were awarded for costumes, music and comic antics.
The Philadelphia Mummers of today total more than 15,000 marchers who work on the costumes and practice all year for their one day in the sun, or the wind, rain or snow.
Saxophones, accordions, banjos and glockenspiels are the most common instruments played, but no brass is allowed.
Derek Stephen Bradeis is looking forward to marching in his 20th Mummers Parade this New vears Day. As he shares his life story, he passionately exudes confidence, energy and ambition.
Derek’s mother, Jennifer Margaret BradeisCrawford, had him marching in his first parade right before his first birthday. His grandparents, Air Force Sgt. Kenneth Dennis Jr. and Kerry Joan [Hett] Bradeis, encouraged this upholding of the family tradition. Kerry “married into the mummers. I marched for 10 years with the Murray Comic Club with our daughter, Jenn. I even became a Marshall, checking costumes and props.”
Kerry’s brother, Ricky, was a classmate of Ken’s and the two of them worked on cars together. Ricky introduced Ken and Kerry. Their first date was the annual St. Mike’s fair in Tullytown.
Derek’s late great grandfather, Army veteran Kenneth Dennis Bradeis Sr., coincidently was born on a New vear’s Day. His great grandmother, “GG,” is Margaret Catherine “Marge” [Adair], affectionately known as a “two-streeter” who attended South Philadelphia High for Girls. Marge’s Uncle Bob was Hall Of Fame Mummer Pop Adair and he paraded with his sons in the early 1900’s.
Marge shared, “Girls weren’t allowed in the parade, only men and boys. I helped make the costumes.” Derek confided, “They tucked my mom’s hair into a bun so she would look like a boy.”
She and her husband Ken had five sons and now there are 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Time and the family marches on.
Derek looks up to his grandfather as a role model and mentor. “He molded me into the man I am today. He was a living Boy Scout. He taught me to shoot a gun, a rifle and a bow and arrow.”
They have hunted deer and squirrel, caught trout, bass and catfish together, often at Levittown Lake and sometimes in the Poconos or Big Woods State Forest by State College, in Ringing Rocks Park and in the Delaware Canal since he was 5 years old. “He is a big father figure in my life.”
The admiration is mutual. This Friday’s child is loving and giving. “Derek is the son I always wanted. I am very proud of Derek. He’s a good kid.”
The family Mummer tradition is carried on. “My grandfather doesn’t dress up anymore but he helps with the floats and the props.” Derek plays the sax and he assures, “Grandpop and I were the best strutters.” He had the opportunity as a youngster to march with the Mummers when