Memories of 1981 Pamper Camper

These came from an old Monthly Chapter Bulletin from November 1981

     For those of you who missed the annual Flo-Valley Pamper Camper, you missed the time of your life. Fifteen barbershoppers and their sons spent a beautiful weekend at William Logan State Park. Even though it showered during Saturday night dinner, it didn't dampen the spirits. At least two tents rang in barbershop harmony.

     The food was great, the weather was super, and the camaraderie was unmatched. Briefs from the Pamper-Camper:

• Nine made it out Friday night, had a great time!

• Jack Martin is the new chapter fireman.

• Speaking of pamper, one of the sleeping arrangements was affectionately called “Hebrew Hilton”

• Found out Bill Burns' dream is to be a baritone.

• Duaine Hechler won the accuracy shooting contest.

• Ask Bill Benner and Norm Edelman about their new choreography on “Gee What A Wonderful day”

• One fish was nabbed by Joe Hale.

• A late entry of Al Kreher and Jon Hicks took the horseshoe pitching contest.

• Bill Benner followed the same guise as Dick Olson did two years ago, and invited his relatives to judge the quartet contest. (Winners were: Duaine Hechler, Bill Benner, Kevin Keller and Rodney Mehlberg)

• Special guests were Ron Mehlberg, (Rick & Rodney's dad – who happens to pitch a mean horseshoe) and Gerry Mohr. Gerry did his Hawaiian skit, and got some real good audience participation.

     Thank you again, Outdoor Four, for organizing a super weekend.

Kevin Keller

Webmaster Note: The “Outdoor Four” comprised of Dick Olson, Tenor; Vince Cavanaugh, Lead; Jack Martin, Bari; Larry Forristal, Bass; were usually the first four to arrive Friday afternoon at the campsite of William Logan.

Campout Great Success

Jack Martin

     We of the “Outdoor Four” would like to thank each member and guest that attended our chapter annual campout, “Pamper Camper”. The only thing that could have made it better is full participation of our entire membership.

     The “Outdoor Four” arrived at the William Logan State Preservation Area about 4 p.m. Friday, 25 Sep. After setting up camp, Kevin Keller was the first to come roaring in to camp with pitch pipe in hand wanting to sing a tag. Shortly thereafter the “Hebrew Hilton” was set up by Norm Edelman and Bill Benner and the “copper” started changing hands at the card table. Jack Martin kept a close watch on the camp fire and there were about 10 members and guests there before night came to a close. Banner and Cavanaugh won the prize for snoring in tune. Olson and Forristal were tucked into the same sleeping bag and Joe hale and Marty (one of Joe Hale's son) enjoyed the evening. Marty was the only person to catch a fish.

     Saturday morning everyone pitched in on cooking breakfast and we started on the sling shot contest about 11 a.m. eagle Eye Hechler won the sling shot prize. At least it proved he does something well!! Al Kreher and Jon Hicks proved to be the horse show pitching champs. Although we all got soaked with the hour long rain right at the evening meal, no one was slowed down. As Norm Edelman stated as he changed into dry clothes, “This is where it's at man, this is really a gas!”

     We had about 12 guests from across the camp ground to attend the evening quartet contest. Four of them served as judges for which we are grateful. Bill Benner, Rodney Mehlberg, Kevin Keller and Duaine Hechler became an overnight success by singing their way to top honors.

     Jerry Mohr from St. Charles again entertained our gang with highlights from his trip to Hawaii several years ago. After singing several songs with accompaniment from Norm Edelman and Bill Benner. Jerry did an instrumental on the Hawaiian War Chant with the kazoo. Before we new it everyone was caught up in the song and were all dancing around the camp fire like a bunch of Indians on the war path. It was a sight to see, believe me!!

     On Sunday morning, the egg toss was won by Vince Cavanaugh, who threw the last egg to Larry Forristal. The egg broke, glancing from his hand into his cheek. This was enjoyed by everyone.

     At 11:30 a.m. we found the only ones left were the “Outdoor four” sitting in lawn chairs enjoying a song and a beer planning for next years Pamper Camper. Please come, you'll be glad you did.