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Chapters |
| .meeting in the Sam Houston Room of the Rice Hotel. Newspapers
and radio stations helped publicize the idea with the result that some
150 to 200 men came to see what it was all about. The place was swarming
with reporters and camera men and, out of those assembled there, 92 men
paid the $5.00 membership fee that night.
The enthusiasm was so great that it was decided to hold the charter membership open until October 21st, the time set for the next meeting. When the meeting of the 21st closed, we had 127 paid up charter members. From there, we went on to more than 220 members by the end of our first year. Thus it was, that the idea which has brought to so many, much genuine amusement, amazement, and enjoyment - as well as sincere good fellowship with the grandest gang of guys in the world, reached maturity in an organized chapter for that wonderful, metropolitan city of the South, Houston, Texas." From the time of the charter, through about 1952, Houston's chapter participated in some activities that were perhaps a little bit different than those of the rest of the Society, the minstrel show. Early photos of the chorus during this time will show a front row |
made up in black face, a common ingredient in minstrel shows.
Two or three men on the front row, commonly known as "end men" would occasionally
telljokes, sing solos, and act as emcees.
This activity brought about some interesting conflicts. There was a large segment of the chorus devoted to the minstrel shows, especially some of the older members. There was another segment of the chorus that was more devoted to pure barbershop quartet singing. By the early 50's, the Houston chapter had only about 20-25 "full-time" barbershoppers who attended chapter meetings all year. Then, during the two or three months before the minstrel show, membership would soar to 60-80 men. These men were welcome of course, but after the minstrel show was over, so were they. A quick glance through some of the Houston chapter's archival material will show the immense popularity of these shows. It was not uncommon for the minstrel shows to sell out two consecutive nights at the Music Hall in Houston (seating approximately 1500). There would also, occasionally be special requests to do these shows out of town. Once, a man offered to pay expenses for the whole |
Houston Tidelanders - V.L. Hooper, Director
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How It All Began Chapters Chapter Histories International Quartet Champions ChorusesAdministration
Contests and Conventions Registered Quartets Publications Recognitions In Conclusion