John
Paul Jones, organizer and first president, along with Byron
Roberts, Paul Cumming, and Bruce Morrison, held the first
exploratory meeting and later contacted the Mobile, Alabama,
barbershop chapter to learn "how to" and solicit the aid
of that chapter as a sponsor.
The first organizational meeting was
held soon thereafter and was attended by twenty-nine very
enthusiastic Pensacolians. Several Mobile chapter members also
came to observe, advise and help in any way possible. A ready-made
bank account of $60 from a defunct Pensacola male chorus helped
initial financing, former members of this male chorus helped make
up the new chapter. On April 6th, 1958, Pensacola was accepted
into the international organization as the Five Flags Chorus, in
the Dixie District. The name implied that the chorus was, in some
way, associated with the Five Flags Organization and would later
raise some political hackles and so was subsequently changed to
the Fiesta Barbershop Chorus. Considerable interaction took place
between the Mobile and Pensacola chapters and many warm and
durable friendships were formed among the members.
The new chapter didn't let grass
grow under it's feet. Within three months, two quartets had formed
and plans had been made for a Parade of Quartets to be held in
Pensacola. This performance featured talent from Mobile as well as
the newly registered Polytones and Sea Sharps of Pensacola. At
this very auspicious occasion, the New Chapter Charter was
presented to John Paul Jones by Bob Sears, the president of the
Mobile chapter.
The Pensacola chorus was under the
direction of Robert Lee and boasted a membership of 39 eager
barbershoppers.
Harry Stump took the reins as president and many things were
happening for the chapter. The local quartets and chorus
participated in about 100 local sing-outs. In 1959, chapters in
the part of Florida east of the Apalachicola River, were separated
from the Dixie District and became the Sunshine District, but
Pensacola remained in the Dixie District until 1967. |
