Spring convention hosted by Grosse Pointe
The Grosse Pointe Chapter hosted a knockout event, providing first-class hospitality to all attendees. CENTER STAGE, the RITZ and TRI-COUNTY CONNECTION won the honors of representing the Pioneer District at the international contest. The Wayne WONDERLAND Chorus won as the 1985 District chorus champion in the District chorus contest. Lansing CAPITOL CITY CHORDSMEN became the Gold Division Chorus champs with Huron Valley Chorus winning the Silver Division.
A revised logo
 New Logo
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During the Pioneer District Board of Directors meeting held during the spring convention, Bill Pascher suggested a revision of the district logo. The original logo was designed by John Morris of the Oakland County Chapter. Bill Pascher redesigned the emblem by superimposing the conestoga wagon over the Michigan-Ontario map, to be more reflective of the District since it encompasses Michigan and southern Ontario. The change was unanimously adopted.
International convention results
The Minneapolis Auditorium was almost filled to capacity for the quartet and chorus competitions at the 47th annual convention. The NEW TRADITION from the Far Western District moved from last year's seventh place to become the 1985 international quartet champion. The chorus contest presented a judging challenge. Competing after their mandatory three year absence as 1982 champs, the VOCAL MAJORITY from Dallas, Texas took their fourth championship.
The Wayne WONDERLAND Chorus, CENTER STAGE, THE RITZ and TRI-COUNTY CONNECTION did our district proud with the quality of their performances on the international stage in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Wayne WONDERLAND Chorus placed fifteenth, CENTER STAGE placed seventh, THE RITZ finished fifteenth and the TRI-COUNTY CONNECTION finished forty-first.
Port Huron, the reincarnation of a chapter
Sam Kennedy, Society field representative, felt that Port Huron, Michigan, area could support a chapter. Accordingly, an ad was placed in local papers; there were day and evening announcements on radio and TV indicating intentions to hold an organizational meeting.
One of the first contacts made was with Pat Yacques of the Grosse Pointe Chapter. Pat was the baritone of the BACK PORCH MAJORITY. He was asked to become the musical director and to help guide the work in the chapter organizational stages.
The organizational meeting was held Wednesday, September 26, 1985. The net result of this initial effort was the signing of 24 members who paid their initiation dues that evening. The chapter was granted a license and was on its way.
This was not the first Port Huron Chapter, however. An article in the December Troubadour is entitled "Port Huron—an Example of Encouragement, Dedication, Organization and Much Hard Work". Port Huron was chartered not only once, but twice. It was first formed on May 14, 1943, but the charter was eventually revoked in November of 1948.
Like the proverbial Phoenix rising out of the ashes, the Port Huron Chapter experienced a "rebirth" in September when they had an organizational meeting. It just goes to show you that chapters can experience a "rebirth".
In memoriam—Louis R. Harrington November 30, 1904 - August 18, 1985
Lou was a member of the Society for more than forty years. After serving twenty terms as district secretary and two terms as district president, Lou was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1974. The following is excerpted from the December 1954-January 1955 Troubadour by District Historian Art Schultze:
 Lou Harrington
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"During his tenure as district secretary, Lou Harrington made significant contributions to the district and the Society. He established our district publication, the called then Michigan Troubadour. He set up the point system for achievement awards. Lou compiled a pocket-sized district directory for all members. When there were insufficient funds to publish the directory, Lou found an anonymous benefactor to finance it. Lou also obtained a blanket U.S. Government exemption from an admission tax on `Chapter Parades' (shows).
Lou was a part of the committee that succeeded in bringing the international convention to Detroit in 1953, serving as associate chairman of the event. He also provided assistance to chapters wanting to sponsor district conventions."
Lou wholeheartedly felt that the chorus was a fundamental part of barbershopping, both as a training ground for quartets and to provide an opportunity for less experienced members to participate. Lou, a native Detroiter, attended the University of Detroit and the University of Michigan. He was a practicing attorney and an active member of the Detroit Bar Association Glee Club and also the Harmonie Society, Detroit's oldest singing society. Lou will be missed!
First annual Logopedics Spectacular a roaring success
Zone IV, of the Pioneer District, has come up with a winner—a Logopedics Benefit Show. The newly renovated Cheboygan Opera House was the site, and September 28, 1985 was the date. What a success it was! Chapters from Boyne, Au Sable, Alpena, Traverse City, Sault St. Marie (Ontario, Canada) all worked together to stage the event.
Several quartets performed, including the NITTY-GRITTY-GOOD-TIME-FOUR and the MUSIC MART from the Cardinal District. The NITTY-GRITTY-GOOD-TIME-FOUR have been long-time supporters of Logopedics and didn't want to miss this opportunity. The MUSIC MART were so well received that plans were made to have them return the following year.
The Cheboygan Opera House has magnificent acoustics. There is ample seating on the main floor and, with the addition of a balcony, there isn't a bad seat in the house. With both a matinee and an evening performance, there was room for all. The last Saturday in September 1986 was set aside for the second annual Division IV Logopedics Spectacular.
Fall convention results
 Ivy League "85"
|  Great Lakes dist86
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The Pioneer District fall convention was held in Kalamazoo, Michigan October 18-19, 1985. Grand Rapids GREAT LAKES Chorus won the right to represent the district at the international contest to be held in Salt Lake City in July of 1986. The IVY LEAGUE is our new district champs.
Two Detroit #1 Members inducted Into the Hall of Fame
Mike Arnone, a 45-year member of Detroit #1 was inducted into the Pioneer District Hall of Fame. Mike had done an awful lot to advance barbershop singing over that 45-year period. He formed the original FRANKENMUTH FOUR, a quartet which sang on Detroit radio station WXYZ. They sang "Doggone Good Beer and Ale", an advertising ditty for the Frankenmuth Brewery Co., featuring the famous howling dog. Later, the quartet was renamed the PROGRESSIVE FOUR which sang regularly on WJR radio station, and had advertising spots in the long-running Lone Ranger television show.
In the 1940's, Mike and his quartet sang for benefit shows and hospitals, eventually racking up more than 1000 performances before servicemen. In 1950, because of its efforts, the PROGRESSIVE FOUR received the coveted Midwestern Athletic Clubs of America Award. Another memorable occasion was when the quartet sang with Bing Crosby and Bob Hope, but its greatest thrill was when it harmonized elbow-to-elbow with President Harry S. Truman.
Mike Arnone was elder statesman, a mark of achievement all barbershoppers would do well to emulate. No one deserves the tribute to be named to the Hall of Fame more than Mike Arnone.
Art Schultze was another long-time member of Detroit #1 to be inducted into the Hall of Fame—forty three years to be exact. Art quickly involved himself in chapter activities—treasurer, vice-president, show chairman, president and just about every committee that ever existed.
Art is especially known for his involvement in the BobLo Moonlight Cruise. The cruise was started in 1946. Art took over in 1949 and remained as cruise chairman until 1979. While Art is retired now, that doesn't mean he has become inactive. He has become the watchdog of the chapter. He is there with advice, direction and support. Art is also chapter historian. He knows more than anyone about the history of the Detroit #1 Chapter and the Pioneer District. Because of his knowledge of district history, Art was appointed Pioneer District historian.
 Mike Arnone
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Art Schultze
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We do not have pictures of the individuals named in the blank frames. If you have a picture of any missing individual and are willing to share it, please contact Steve Sutherland
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