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Origins | GOLDEN MEMORIES | 
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THE BIRTH OF A NEW DISTRICT -1949
- Saving the best for last
| Though this story lacks high drama, an interesting central
character and would not make a movie-of-the-week, there ARE several very
important events that led to the formation and thereby shaped the future
District of Champions.
We, of course, choose to trace our lineage back to the first meeting with Cash on the rooftop of the Tulsa Club April 11, 1938. We proudly claim this as Southwestern District history however such organizational foresight was not yet envisioned. Ifs ironic, our district was actually one of the last formed. There were several previous attempts in that direction. Founder, O.C. Cash began thinking of an Oklahoma State Association of Chapters in 1941. This was more of a PR stunt by Cash geared toward getting some guys together to sing rather than a "power lunch". Cash announced a February 8, 1941 convention" at the Hotel Tulsa. Thirteen men were nominated for President of this new and not yet existing Oklahoma State Association of Chapters. To sell the event Cash wrote to those invited on January 10: "There is another good reason for this convention at this time. The
Oklahoma L£legislature is in session. Citizens of our state are despondent
and concerned, most of them remaining indoors with shades drawn and doors
barred, awaiting the horrible news from Oklahoma City. ."
A January 22, 1941 letter from Cash read: "We nominated a number of prominent men for president without their
consent in order to get publicity in various parts of the state. . . The
Tulsa World will just eat it up.On February 3rd, each received a telegram
that his candidacy was in trouble and a contribution of $1000 would assure
the support of the Tulsa brethren. John Kane of Bartlesville wired $13.13.
"Honest John" Kane was elected president.
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According to one correspondent, "If he's
fool enough to send us money, he's the man we're looking for." Apparently
the idea of a state association in Oklahoma died soon.
One important fact affecting the population of barbershoppers and chapters was when Johnny came marching home. The end of WW II saw a major surge of young men joining current chapters and even starting their own. Many chapters sprang up around little college towns as many took advantage of the GI Bill. This had the reverse effect when, over time, they graduated, and society as a whole migrated toward the big cities. On May 31, 1946 Cash wrote encouraging letters to Alexander Rand of San Antonio, Malcolm Gregory of Austin, and N.C. Reed of Dallas endorsing the starts up of their chapters. He also mentioned:  |
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Contents |
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How It All Began Chapters Chapter Histories International Quartet Champions Choruses Administration
Contests and Conventions Registered Quartets Publications Recognitions In Conclusion