HUMBOLDT HARMONAIRES HISTORY

The Humboldt Harmonaires, Eureka's Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, was chartered November 16, 1961, originally as part of the Evergreen District. In 1962, through realignment, the Eureka Chapter became, at the time, the Northernmost sentinal of the Far Western District. The Charter Presentation Show was held at the old Scotia Theatre, 25 miles south of Eureka. Headlining that Show was an Evergreen District quartet called "The Journeymen" from Coos Bay, Oregon, and the original 25 man Eureka Chorus was directed by Conrad Walla, the first official director. As with many small chapters, the fortunes of Eureka's chorus rested with having a dynamic music director, and unfortunately in the early days, continuity in maintaining good musical leadership caused loss of member interest and numbers. When membership dropped below 10, the Society placed Eureka on associate chapter status meaning it had a year to bring its membership back up to 20 or risk having to surrender its charter. Fortunately, as a result of a rigorous membership drive, the chapter turned the corner toward achieving successful musical leadership and has never looked back. After nearly 10 years of stop-gap musical direction, the chapter secured the services of Jacki Edmondson who directed from 1971 to 1988, retiring only due to her affliction with Parkinson's Disease. It is important to note that during Jacki's tenure, she was barred from directing the chorus in contest because the rules and bylaws of the Society did not permit women directors. Eureka's early confrontation with this outdated policy contributed to its change. Today, there are a number of women directors throughout the Society and some have directed choruses on the International contest stage. Eureka pressed the idea that a chapter should be able to use the best director available in its area, and if a man were not available, then use of a talented and experienced woman should be allowed. Another first among barbershop chapters is worthy of mention. Eureka, in the 1970's and early 1980's hosted an annual June Campout at Benbow, located just south of Garberville in Humboldt County. This was before the many Spring and Summer Campouts held now at Lake Tahoe, Lodi and other locations all over California. The Eureka-sponsered Campout attracted barbershop singers from all over Northern California, some flying in for the weekend. As other locations became popular and perhaps closer to those visitors, our Campout was gradually phased out. Membership in the Humboldt Harmonaires averages 28 to 32 although in 1981 we reached a high of 42. Eureka puts on at least two shows yearly - a Spring show with out of town guest quartets or choruses, and a Fall show, an informal Beer & Peanuts/Pop & Popcorn/Audience Sing-a-Long endeavor featuring the Humboldt Harmonaires and local quartets.More of the history and legacy of the Eureka Chapter can be obtained by contacting Bill Edmondson, past Director at P. O. Box 92, Eureka, CA 95502, telephone 707-445-3939