Nothing Like Being There

These came from an old Monthly Chapter Bulletin from June 1989

     The Pamper Camper, always a good time, was one of the most thoroughly enjoyable and memorable on record.

     The rain and cloudy weather which could have dampened the spirits of a less venturesome crew, seemed to operate in just the opposite way by forcing us physically closer together under umbrellas, screen houses, and other shelters. And of course when barbershoppers are close together they must sing: nothing unites like four part harmony. The camaraderie was superb, and I never heard the chorus sing better than they did in the memorial service for Jack Osburn held in Silex. This super sound was produced after the choking back of some really large lumps in throats. The special trip to Silex by some of our members was just to sing this memorial. The desserts and fellowship following the memorial sing were truly outstanding.

     Billie Osburn presented our chapter with memorabilia from Jack's long and pleasant association with barbershopping.

     A significant number of the guests at the memorial accompanied us back to the campsite, where some of them served as judges for the quartet contest.

     The contest was definitely one of the best ever. The competition was keen, and attempts to bribe the judges with beer, money, food and blankets, were unsuccessful because judges of impeccable character has been selected.

     Gerry Mohr did his inimitable Hawaiian performance with bongo, tambourine, and gourd accompaniment. The accompanying musicians were the Mueller lads and Billie Osburn and her daughter Mary Beth.

     The winners of the first three places in the quartet contest were: Chuck & The Other Three, Silent Wind, and Silex Songsmiths. Our new tenor Chuck was the featured tenor in the top two quartets.

     Another memorable event was the crowd singing "Happy Birthday" to Ron Olson who celebrated the 17th anniversary of the date of his birth on Saturday Oct. 1.

     As sparks wafted heavenward from our plenteous campfire, which was surrounded by a larger-than-ever crowd, two thoughts struck me: (1) Nothing can dampen barbershopper's enthusiasm. (2) What a pleasure it is to be associated with such a truly fine, and truly caring group of men.

     To illustrate, the capping event on Saturday night was the sensational chili provided everyone by Bill Benner Jr. of the St. Charles Chapter, former member of the Florissant Chapter.

     No amount of spreading ink on paper can describe the experience of being there. Make it a must for next year.

By Joe Hale