Hall of Fame Chorus History

History

The Canton, Ohio Chapter was chartered on July 11, 1945, under the direction of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America, Inc. This was done to provide a musical opportunity to Canton area men, who love to sing and perform in four part barbershop style.

The Canton Chapter was represented by 35 men in the very first international chorus contest, held in Detroit in 1953. The chorus placed sixth among sixteen competing choruses.

In the mid 1950s, both the Canton Chapter and nearby Massillon Chapter experienced a lull in their membership. This provided the opportunity for the two chapters to merge, into the Stark County Chapter on July 9, 1955. When the National Football League decided to make Canton the home, for their Hall of Fame in 1964, the chapter officially changed its name to the Canton Chapter. It was then that the chorus became the Hall of Fame Chorus.

The Canton Chapter is a member of the Johnny Appleseed District, which covers 59 chapters in Ohio, western Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Overall, there are over 800 chapters residing in sixteen districts throughout the United States and Canada.

Musical Accomplishments

The Hall of Fame Chorus is one of the top choruses in the Johnny Appleseed District. We have represented the district at two international competitions, the first was in Detroit in 1953, and again in San Antonio in 1988.

We are pleased to have fostered three district champion quartets. The first were The Humdingers, who won back in 1954, Their members were: Frank Siler, tenor; Bill White, lead; Vic Glenn, baritone; and Ralph Craddock, bass. All were members of the chapter.

In 1971, The Chord Dusters won the coveted blue ribbon with Jack Stephen singing tenor, Ray Neikirk singing lead, Darryl Flinn singing baritone, and Max French singing bass.

The Limelighters were crowned district champions in 1974, with Tom Remark singing tenor, David Schmidt singing lead, Darryl Flinn on Baritone, and Dick Middaugh singing bass. All were members of the Canton Chapter.

The only international first place gold medal earned within our chapter was won by The Silvertones, who were crowned Senior Quartet Champions in 1988. They consisted of Bob Reidenbach singing tenor, Bill Brooks singing lead, Sam Love singing baritone, and Ralph Shonk singing bass.


	History The Canton, Ohio Chapter was chartered on July 11, 1945, under the direction of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America, Inc. This was done to provide a musical opportunity to Canton area men, who love to sing and perform in four part barbershop style. The Canton Chapter was represented by 35 men in the very first international chorus contest, held in Detroit in 1953. The chorus placed sixth among sixteen competing choruses. In the mid 1950s, both the Canton Chapter and nearby Massillon Chapter experienced a lull in their membership. This provided the opportunity for the two chapters to merge, into the Stark County Chapter on July 9, 1955. When the National Football League decided to make Canton the home, for their Hall of Fame in 1964, the chapter officially changed its name to the Canton Chapter. It was then that the chorus became the Hall of Fame Chorus. The Canton Chapter is a member of the Johnny Appleseed District, which covers 59 chapters in Ohio, western Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Overall, there are over 800 chapters residing in sixteen districts throughout the United States and Canada. Musical Accomplishments The Hall of Fame Chorus is one of the top choruses in the Johnny Appleseed District. We have represented the district at two international competitions, the first was in Detroit in 1953, and again in San Antonio in 1988. We are pleased to have fostered three district champion quartets. The first were The Humdingers, who won back in 1954, Their members were: Frank Siler, tenor; Bill White, lead; Vic Glenn, baritone; and Ralph Craddock, bass. All were members of the chapter. In 1971, The Chord Dusters won the coveted blue ribbon with Jack Stephen singing tenor, Ray Neikirk singing lead, Darryl Flinn singing baritone, and Max French singing bass. The Limelighters were crowned district champions in 1974, with Tom Remark singing tenor, David Schmidt singing lead, Darryl Flinn on Baritone, and Dick Middaugh singing bass. All were members of the Canton Chapter. The only international first place gold medal earned within our chapter was won by The Silvertones, who were crowned Senior Quartet Champions in 1988. They consisted of Bob Reidenbach singing tenor, Bill Brooks singing lead, Sam Love singing baritone, and Ralph Shonk singing bass.