Fox Valley
Harmonizers

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, at the turn of the 20th Century, barbershops were gathering places for men to socialize and sing, often in four part harmony;

WHEREAS, during the Depression of the early 1900s, this uniquely American art form was beginning to fade;

WHEREAS, two gentlemen met in Kansas City in 1938 and determined that the art of singing four-part harmony should be preserved, and launched the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing In America, Inc. (SPEBSQSA);

WHEREAS, the momentum for this movement reached the Fox Valley in 1946;

WHEREAS, male members of lodges and clubs in the Elgin area were invited to attend a meeting on April 30, 1946, in the Elgin City Hall courtroom to organize a male chorus to sing barbershop harmony;

WHEREAS, the Elgin Chapter of Barbershoppers was recognized by the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA, now the Barbershop Harmony Society) and was chartered in 1946, with Ben Willey, a chemist with the Elgin Softener Corporation, appointed as chorus director;

WHEREAS, the Elgin Chapter's Charter Show and First Annual Parade of Quartets was held on May 21, 1947, at the Masonic Temple, with 1300 tickets sold at $1.50 each;

WHEREAS, the Elgin Chapter of Barbershoppers, known as the Fox Valley Men of Harmony, is believed to be the oldest sustaining chorus in the City of Elgin;

NOW, THEREFORE, I recognize the 60th Anniversary of the Annual Parade of Quartets to commence on May 20, 2006.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this -- Day of
April 26, 2006.
__________________________
Ed Schock
Mayor