Kishwaukee Valley Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society (DeKalb)

Collection

Identifier: RHC-RC-284

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection contains the records of the Kishwaukee Valley Chapter of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America (S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A.) from 1967 to 2007. The records include newsletters, minutes, correspondence, administrative files, show material, district and national information, contest information, audio-visual material, as well as an individual’s judging secretary records. These records reflect the singing and philanthropic activities of the Kishwaukee Chapter within the national organization. While the records document performances and contests throughout the history of the chapter, the only performances of the Kishwaukee Chapter recorded are from 1998 to 2004..

Dates

created: 1962-2007
Other: Date acquired: 05/18/2007

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on access to the collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Property rights in the collection belong to the Regional History Center; literary rights are dedicated to the public.

Biographical or Historical Information

Started around 1961, the Kishwaukee Valley Chapter of the S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A., was organized to provide men the opportunity to sing barbershop harmony for personal enjoyment. The group, which also sang competitively, was comprised of men from DeKalb County and its surrounding areas. The group sang under the national organization of S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A., which was organized in 1938 is now known by the simpler name Barbershop Harmony Society. The Kishwaukee Chapter took part in philanthropic endeavors, including raising funds for the Institute of Logopedics which aids individuals with hearing impairment. The Kishwaukee Valley Chapter or “Kish-Wau-Keys” continues into the present, delighting DeKalb County residents with their performances.

Note written by

Extent

3.50 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement Note

The collection is organized into four series: Kishwaukee Valley “Kish-Wau-Keys” Chapter (I), Illinois District (II), National S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A. (III), and Audio-Visual (IV). The first series contains several subseries: Chapter By-Laws and Information (A.), Reports, Minutes, Newsletters (B), and Show Material (C). The third series, National S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A., is further divided into four subseries: General and Chapter Information (A), Performance and Show Information (B), Institute of Logopedics ( C), and John R. Barker, National Judging Secretary (D). The materials are arranged chronologically with the audio-visual material arranged chronologically within record type.

Source of Acquisition

Larry Ball

Method of Acquisition

Larry Ball, President of the Kishwaukee Valley Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society donated the group’s records to the Regional History Center on May 18, 2007.