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INTRODUCTION
The writing of this book actually began about twenty years ago
although I didn't know it at the time.
I've always enjoyed compiling lists, gathering memorabilia,
interviewing participants, researching events, and observing quartets,
choruses and everyday barbershoppers. All of this, unknowingly, has prepared
me for this book.
In retrospect, I realized all of this information was important.
I also felt it needed to be shared with those who created it.
Therefore...this is not my book...it is YOURS!
SOURCES
Every possible source was used in compiling this book. I,
of course, took advantage of the well stocked SWD archives. This included
the historical record provided by the Harmonizer, The Roundup, chapter
bulletins, show programs, convention programs, district directories, score
sheets, oral histories, interviews, record albums, and photographs.
Most of the chapter histories were written by historians of
each of the individual chapters. My sincere thanks to them for their valuable
contribution. There are also many barbershoppers who came to my aid when
called on in my attempt to clarify the facts. The enthusiastic support
I've received while working on this book has been a joy and made this monumental
task much less monumental. I sincerely appreciate their help.
"Unless carrying a byline all articles are written by the editor"
ERRORS AND RE-WRITING HISTORY
It was my wish to have this book as factual as humanly possible with the
sources at hand. I hope I have succeeded. Throughout these pages,
however, I'm sure some will find errors. I offer my sincere apologies for
any misspellings, especially of members names. In many cases, I'm sure
we're just repeating the original error. A few educated guesses were included
to fill any information gaps. It is also my hope that any exception to
my interpretations be accepted in the spirit in which they are offered
and judged to be sincere on my part. |
