Carol Green’s School of Baton operated from 1966 to 1973 at 315 Baty Street in Elmira, New York. Owned and directed by Carol R. Green, the school offered instruction in baton twirling, drums, and color guard. Its performing unit, Carol’s Coquettes Drum and Baton Corps, appeared in parades and competitions throughout the northeastern United States and Canada, earning numerous awards along the way.
Candy the Chimpanzee-Majorette
In 1971, the organization gained an unusual new member: a chimpanzee named Candy. Owned by Carol and Phillip Green, Candy became a regular part of the corps’ public appearances and quickly attracted attention wherever she went.
Newspapers show Candy riding a tricycle while wearing custom-made sequined costumes similar to those worn by members of Carol’s Coquettes. According to those who remember her, Candy owned an extensive wardrobe and frequently appeared dressed for parades, exhibitions, and publicity photographs.
The original newsprint image of the majorette Candy, a chimpanzee. May, 1 1969, Star-Gazette, Elmira, New York
Crude AI-generated likeness of the newsprint image of Candy the Majorette. I would have published this story months ago but I have struggled to get a quality restoration of the original image. This image is the closest I could get without hiring an expert. I hope it isn’t too AI-offensive. It kind of offends me. LOL. Sorry, Candy. This single restoration took about 50 prompts. I finally had to call it quits.
Candy Bit Children
Not everyone was comfortable around the chimpanzee. Former students recalled that Candy had a reputation for biting and that many of the children were afraid of her. While she became a local celebrity and a favorite subject for newspaper photographers, her presence could also be intimidating to those who shared space with her on a regular basis.
As Candy grew larger, the Greens eventually relocated from their Baty Street property to a location on the outskirts of Elmira. The move provided more room for the chimpanzee and the other animals kept by the family.
Candy’s gold sequin costume was identical to Carol’s Coquettes.
Today, Carol Green’s School of Baton is remembered for its successful drum and baton corps, competitive achievements, and one of the most unusual performers ever associated with a twirling organization. More than 50 years later, photographs of Candy riding a tricycle in a sequined majorette costume remain among the most memorable images I have come across in my work documenting baton twirling.
Candy with her pet Guinea Pig, 1971
Editor’s note: Candy’s story reflects a different era, when exotic animals were more commonly kept as pets and featured in public entertainment. Such practices are far less common today.
