Golden Memories Page 134

Golden Memories SWD Chapters

SAN ANTONIO, TX
Chordsmen
by Grif Wooten and Stan Grayson

Next Page

Alamo Heights Chapter, 1956 - Ralph Ewing, Director

The history of the first forty years of the Chordsmen presented here is the culmination of the efforts of past historians who left a written and pictorial mosaic of our chapter heritage. The Chordsmen membership through the years has included many men who have distinguished themselves in all walks of life: Business, Civic, and Military affairs on a local, state, or national level.
The Chordsmen have felt strongly the influence of these men, and though many of their accomplishments are well known, many more are known but to a few. Due to space limitations, it will not be possible to recognize everyone involved in the Chordsmen story, but a sincere effort has been made to include the most prominent events and persons. We hope this provides the reader an insight into the Chordsmen, and to those involved, maybe a pleasant memory or two. We also hope by this to acquaint our new members with the Chordsmen heritage, which is theirs to cherish and enjoy
A special thanks to Chester Lee for his book on the first twenty years of Chordsmen history, which is used, with his permission, as the reference

authority for the early years.
The first chapter of SPEBSQSA, Inc., to be located in San Antonio was not the Chordsmen, but the SAN ANTONIO CHATER, chartered in 1946. This group was spearheaded by Sunny Blevins, abetted by Jim Armacost. This chapter grew rapidly to about 60 members, which was consistent with growth patterns exhibited throughout the Society in the post-war years. The first organized quartet was the "ALAMO FOUR", made up of Harley Chrisman (T), Grady Stebbins (L), Harry Morgan (B), and Sunny Blevins (Bs). Later, the ESQUIRES quartet was formed consisting of Milton Zaiontz (T), Ray Anthony (L), Chester Lee (B), and Ray Belknap (B s). This original San Antonio Chapter performed for many local civic and non-profit organzations for several years but had no larger ambition. In 1954, a change was in the offing.
On August 24, 1954, twelve men met at the Alamo Heights Lions Club building for the purpose of organizing a new male chorus that would have as its goal barbershopping excellence with national aspirations in the new Choral competitions sponsored by the Society. The meeting was the

continued on Next Page

Table of
Contents

Sections:
How It All Began Chapters Chapter Histories International Quartet Champions Choruses Administration
Contests and Conventions Registered Quartets Publications Recognitions In Conclusion