• 1965 - Twenty-two members became a chartered chapter of Sweet Adelines, Inc. in April and took the name "City of Flags Chorus". Canton, at that time had just completed the flag-lined Central Plaza and the mayor along with "Repository" reporter, Otto Hager, were trying to encourage all citizens to fly the flag every day, and thus have Canton be known as the City of Flags. In October, the chorus hosted its first annual inter-chapter Halloween Party which has become a tradition enjoyed by Sweet Adelines from all over northern Ohio.
• 1966 - After two years of performing all over the area in nursing homes, PTA's, public and private club activities, etc., the chorus entered its first regional competition, competing with other choruses from all over Region #16. City of Flags placed 18 out of 18, but were not discouraged, and continued to entertain in the area. At this time, quartets and double quartets began to be formed from the chorus.
• 1967 - The chorus changed its meeting place to the Jewish Center and began work on its first all-barbershop show. The show, entitled "Down Memory Lane" was staged at Souers Jr. High School auditorium, and was dedicated to a staunch Sweet Adeline supporter, Bonnie's father, Lawrence Scott, who had passed away shortly before. After the show, Bonnie resigned as director to get married. She was ably replaced as director by Darryl Flinn.
• 1968 - The chorus again entered regional competition in the spring, this time placing 9th out of 20 choruses. The fall show was "Hobo Junction" was chaired by Donna Dudash and Catherine Haslar and was presented at the Lincoln High School auditorium.
• 1969 - Although the chorus didn't compete this year, it did have its first competing quartet from the chapter, the Star Khords (Jan Whitacre, Evelyn Smith, Donna Dudash and Connie Noble). They placed 2nd in a novice quartet contest held in Buffalo, N.Y. Donna Dudash was elected Secretary of Region #16. The annual show was called "Barbershop on Broadway" and featured many popular show tunes. Donna and Catherine again chaired the show.
• 1970 - City of Flags Chorus sang its way to 6th place in competition, and the Starkhords placed 2nd. The show in the fall, called "March to the Mardi Gras" featured an all-time favorite song "South Rampart Street Parade", was chaired by Jackie Michel, Georgi Loomis, and Marilyn Ramsey.
• 1971 - Although the chorus did not compete this year, Starkhords brought honors to the chapter by bringing home second place medals and representing the chorus in International Competition in Kansas City. The show was in the spring this year, and was called "Vaudeville Daze", featuring a magician and a juggler as well as barbershop harmony. It was chaired by Jackie, Marilyn and Polly Scott. Later in the year, Connie Noble left her quartet and joined a quartet from Cleveland called the "4th Edition". Also Darryl found it necessary to leave and Connie became the new director.
• 1972 - The chorus did not compete during this year and did not present a show. It was, however, actively performing locally and hosted the "Silver Anniversary" Regional Meeting of Sweet Adelines in Buffalo, New York. Jan Whitacre and Donna Dudash joined two women from Akron and formed a new quartet, the Star*Fires, who placed 4th in regional competition. Connie and the 4th Edition brought international fame to Canton when they were named International Queens of Harmony at International Competition in Salt Lake City.
• 1973 - Another championship for City of Flags when the Star*Fires were named best quartet in Region #16 at the spring competition and then competed in Washington, D.C. The chorus placed 15th at Regional. The fall show found City of Flags singing "Sounds of the Seasons" under the director of Mary Ann Flinn, Kitt Goudy and Catherine Haslar.
• 1974 - The chorus again did not compete in competition. Star*Fires competed Internationally in Seattle placing 15th. Connie Nobel and Marilyn Ramsey chaired a medley of southern songs in the fall show, "Southern Serenade", that was staged at Louisville High School.
• 1975 – Since Star*Fires placed in the top twenty, they did not have to compete regionally. They placed 14th in Milwaukee. Continuing with the southern theme, the City of Flags Chorus sang two Dixie songs in regional competition and placed 6th. The fall show was presented this year at Timken High School entitled "The Roaring Twenties" with appropriate songs including "Bonnie and Clyde". Region #17 was created this year and the chorus became a part of it. Donna Dudash was elected the first Regent of the new region. Jan Whitacre was Regional Judging Chairman and Bev Girard was Competition Coordinator.
• 1976 - A new meeting place, the Greenwood Christian Church, was selected this year. Although the chorus did not present a show, it did return to competition and placed 4th. Quartets have been forming and re-forming, and championship medals were returned to the City of Flags by "Talk of the Town" (Jan Whitacre, Jill Davis, Paula Mullis and Darlene Schwarzmann) who then competed in Cincinnati. Julie Lamm also competed with Four-Get-Me-Nots. Double quartets have also become an important part of the chorus. The winter meeting of the new region #17 was held in Canton with the City of Flags hosting.
• 1977 - Following a 5th place finish in competition and a successful show entitled "Readin', Writin' and Barbershop", under the direction of Marianne Geraghty and Sue Reiner, Connie Noble moved to California. Darryl Flinn returned as director of the chorus. Several members became foreign travelers and attended the International Convention in London, England.
• 1978 - St. Mark's Episcopal Church became the new meeting place for the City of Flags Chorus. With Darryl directing, the chorus placed 5th in competition again. Three quartets represented the chorus in competition: "That’s Entertainment" with Claudia Brothers, Julie Lamm, Mary Kintz, and Debbie Remark, "Talk of the Town" with Debbie Leach replacing Darlene, and Penny Arcade with Meredith Wise, Marcia Doyle, Donna Dudash, and Sandy Hollis. In the fall, the annual show was presented, "Sentimental Journey", a collection of songs from the 40's. Donna Dudash was elected Regent.
• 1979 - The chorus became medallists for the first time in competition placing 2nd. Again represented by three quartets, one brought home a 3rd place medal, "Creative Touch" (Jan Whitacre, Jill Davis, Debbie Leach and LaDonna Thomas). "7th Ring" with Debbie Remark, Sue Reiner, Bonnie Landers, and Marianne Geraghty, and "That’s Entertainment" with Robin Whitacre in place of Debbie Remark, also competed. LaDonna Thomas brought honor to the City of Flags by becoming its second Regent and Bev Girard was on Regional Board as Regional Competition Coordinator. In the fall, the chorus added a fourth step to its risers and moved into a new rehearsal hall with a higher ceiling at the Congregational United Church of Christ in North Canton. The annual show, held in November, was a Ziegfield Follies review entitled "You, Me and Mr. Z." under the direction of Marianne Geraghty and Debbie Remark.
• 1980 - This is the year the chorus brought the honors back to Canton with 1st place medals in spring competition. Darryl Flinn directed "I Used to Love You but It's All Over Now" and "For the Sake of Auld Lang Syne". The chorus was again represented by three quartets, Vocal Design with LaDonna Thomas, Harmony Showcase with Donna Dudash and The Penny Arcade with Debbie Porter replacing Donna Dudash placing second, fifth and eighth respectively. The chorus received other awards including 1st place in Quartet Promotion and Membership Increase and 3rd place in History Book. LaDonna continued as Regent, while Mary Pauli was appointed International Expansion Representative. Jan Whitacre became an accredited Showmanship Judge. While preparing for international competition, the chorus presented a western show at Umstaad Hall in November, "Pistol Packin’ Barbershop", under the direction of Mary Kintz and Julie Lamm.
• 1981 - The championship year! In the spring, the chorus did not compete but hostessed the regional competitions held at the Civic Center in Canton. Vocal Design with LaDonna Thomas brought in top honors in the quartet competition, with Crystal Blue Review (Cindy Dressler, Robin Whitacre, Marcia Doyle and Denne Shryock) placing 4th and winning the novice trophy. "That's Entertainment" with Pam Wallace replacing Robin Whitacre also competed. Our show this year,"Road to Phoenix", chaired by LaDonna Thomas, was held at Umstaad Hall in September, since the chorus planned to attend International Competition in November. Fundraisers were a top priority as all members tried to earn their way to Phoenix. The first try at International left City of Flags in 20th place, but all the members learned a great deal and enjoyed the trip.
• 1982 - In regional competition, the chorus brought home second place medals, and Crystal Blue Review and That's Entertainment took part in the quartet contest. A new quartet formed called Friendly Persuasion and consisted of Jill Davis, Sandy Hollis, Meredith Wise and Jan Whitacre, with the music of the 50's being their specialty. Jackie Michel and Meredith Wise chaired the annual show, "City of Flags Loves Broadway" that was held at Timken Auditorium and featured many songs from the Broadway stage.
• 1983 - In spring competition, the chorus brought home another second place medal, adding to its collection. A new quartet formed early in the year, Counterpoint (Marcia Doyle, Carol Keith, Cindy Dressler and Debbie Porter) represented the City of Flags in the quartet competition. Later in the year, Darryl Flinn announced that he would be leaving as director of the chorus after the show, and the search was on for a replacement. After extensive summer auditions, David Wallace, lead of the Rapscallions Mens’ Quartet, was hired. Mary Pauli was elected by the regional board to be the new Regent, the third from City of Flags, and Darlene Schwarzmann became Regional Secretary. The show, "My Coloring Book", directed by Mary Pauli and Jackie Michel, was held at Timken Auditorium. In July we performed for the Hall of Fame festivities in the portico of the Cultural Center.
• 1984 - Once again the chorus placed second in regional competition with a new blue and white costume. Both Counterpoint and Friendly Persuasion competed in the quartet contest, but were not among the finalists. Due to a conflict, David was unable to direct and assistant director, Debbie Porter, took his place on stage. At Men's International, the Rapscallions won first place, giving David his own medal. For the first time, the annual show was held at the renovated Palace Theatre and "City of Flags Plays the Palace" was presented to near sell-out crowds. The Friday night performance was signed for the deaf, which had not been done by any area group before. Margaret Egan and Gail Montjar chaired the show. Mary Pauli continued as Regent of Region 17.
• 1985 - Once again, City of Flags returned from regional competition with red ribbons, in spite of a quick change of costume on stage. Friendly Persuasion wowed the judges and brought home third place in the quartet competition. In order to provide more growing room and parking, the chorus moved to its new home at the Christ United Methodist Church in Canton in August. The 1985 show, "We Kinda Miss the Good Old Songs" was presented November 1 and 2 at the Palace Theatre to responsive audiences.
• 1986 - Mary Pauli continued as a member of the Regional Board of Directors, and in the spring, Kathie Hughes was appointed to serve the remainder of a two year term. The chorus brought home third place medals from regional competition, in spite of a total chorus rip-off costume change. Friendly Persuasion and a new quartet, Note-Ability (Claudia Brothers, Becky Young, Robin Whitacre and Mary Kintz) competed as quartets. The annual fall show, with a theme of "Our Favorite Things" was held in November at the Palace Theatre under the guidance of Mary Kintz.
• 1987 - Championship medals again became the pride of City of Flags as we won Regional Competition which was held at the Civic Center in Canton. Singing "Mother's Were Made Up In Heaven" and "Changes Made" brought us a standing ovation. Friendly Persuasion received 5th place honors. Note-Ability (with Linda Teis replacing Becky Young) won the Novice Award, Quadrasonics (Donna Reynolds , Joette Thompson, Margie Buehler, and Rita Zwick), and Trish Holland singing with Stage Presents, represented our chorus well. We also served as hostess chapter for the competition After the competition, a productive membership drive brought in our 100th member in September. Appearing on The Morning Exchange TV Show was a highlight of the many performances given. The fall show, "Love, City of Flags", was again presented at the Palace Theatre.
• 1988 - Our Championship Year! In February we began our many singing engagements with a performance on the Hall of Fame Cabaret in which they split the profits with us. In March, our super performance package at Regional Competition with the "Beach Boys Medley" brought the house down. We were proud of our three competing quartets: Friendly Persuasion placed 4th, Champagne & Soda Pop (Kathleen Karrenbauer, Tracey Karrenbauer, Laura Covell, and Trish Holland) placed 5th, and Note-Ability with Linda Teis, Robin Whitacre, Claudia Brothers, and Mary Kintz in a very tough competition. We had a standing ovation on the Men's Show in May, a performance on A.M.Cleveland T.V. Show along with the Hall of Fame Chorus doing the "Old Songs Medley", and another Christmas performance on the Morning Exchange. In September we put on our most profitable show to date, "Entertainment Is..." at the Palace Theater. We rounded out the year with a top performance on International Competition stage in Houston, Texas, in October where we placed 8th out of 25 competing choruses. Three coaching sessions with Sylvia Alsbury and two with Richard Mathey paid off. Nancy Grossman was elected to the Regional Board of Directors and served the year as Treasurer.
• 1989 - Sonya Gatrell was elected to the Regional Board of Directors and Nancy Grossman continued to serve as Treasurer. This was our "sitting out" year for Regional Competition, so we went as performers only. We were proud of our three competing quartets: Friendly Persuasion, Champagne & Soda Pop, and Four Ladies Only. We celebrated our 25th Anniversary with an inter-chapter party in September. In November, our show this year was "Beatles, Beethoven and Barbershop" at the Palace Theater with Pam Simms and Judy Vaeth as chairman.
• 1990 - Nancy Grossman became our Regent and Sonya Gatrell remained on the Regional Board. Sylvia Alsbury and Richard Mathey coached us to first place medals at Regional Competition in Cleveland, April 20-22. We entered six quartets with Champagne and Soda Pop winning the competition, 2nd -Friendly Persuasion, 5th - Four Ladies Only, 7th - Soundburst with Marda Sopko, 10th - Enchante' with Nancy Mardick, Cindy Green, Shelly Green and Mary Ann Poulelis and 14th -Familiar Ring with Debbie Saurers, Nancy Swanson, Sonya Gatrell, and Pam Simms. We had several performances in Cuyahoga Falls, Warren, New Philadelphia and Canton. Our show, "Destined for Stardom" was held November 16/17 at the Palace Theater with Robin and Jan Whitacre as show chairmen. We instituted our $350 scholarship award, which was announced at the show.
• 1991 - Raising money for International Competition in San Antonio brought us to the Cleveland Indians and Browns games working concession stands, selling Entertainment books, hostess chapter for the Regional Competition, and its boutique. Regional competition was in Lansing where we entered four quartets. New Rendition (former Champagne & Soda Pop) with Peggy Sue Henshey replacing Kathleen Karrenbaurer, again won first place. 3rd - Friendly Persuasion, 8th - Four Ladies Only, and 9th - Enchante'. We participated in the Hall of Fame activities by singing at the Queen's Pageant, Mayor's Breakfast and Ribs Burnoff. Our show was September 13/14, "Back by Popular Demand", with Barb Cascioli and Claudia Brothers chairing. Although everyone had a great time in San Antonio, we were disappointed in the 19th place in an extremely tough competition. Nancy Grossman continued as Regent and Sonya Gatrell on the Regional Board.
• 1992 - Since we were not permitted to compete Regionally, our main focus this year was our show, "Oh How We Roared in the Twenties", held at the Palace theater, November 13/14, chaired by Jeri Ingersoll and Brenda Diehl. Regionally, we placed Mary Kintz on Board along with Nancy Grossman and Sonya Gatrell. We did "A Day With the Champs" workshop for Region 17 in June. At Regional Competition we were represented by first place winners, Singing Club with Gail Polovick from our chorus on bass, Friendly Persuasion with Robin Whitacre on Lead - 5th, Four Ladies Only with Sandy Wallace on Lead - 8th, and Enchante' - 9th. New Rendition did not have to compete since they placed in the top 20 in San Antonio. Many of our members went to Baltimore for International Competition to support our two quartets. The quartets did not place in the top twenty in a very tough competition.
• 1993 - We placed second in Regional Competition in April. Singing Club placed second but, because of their high score, drew the wild card to compete in Indianapolis. New Rendition, with Patty Shaffer replacing Trish Holland on Bass, was 3rd, Friendly Persuasion was 6th and Four Ladies Only was 8th. Nancy Grossman, Sonya Gatrell, and Mary Kintz continued to represent us on Regional Board. Two new quartets from our chorus were registered this year: "The Accidentials" with Judy Vaeth, Kathy Lumpp, Pat Brown, and Linda Bortak and "City Rhythm" with Sonya Gatrell, Janet Thomas, Linda Hine and Pam Simms. October 22 & 23 we had the most successful show, "I've Heard That Song Before" with Adelaine Koyle and Louise Scalambrino chairing. The many special effects and great songs made it our favorite. We also worked on Christmas music and did several performances.
• 1994 - April 30 we again placed second in Regional Competition behind Pride of Toledo. We were represented in six quartets as follows: Antiphony with Shelly Green singing lead placed 2nd, Fourte' with Kathleen Karrenbauer singing tenor placed 4th, New Rendition with Mary Kintz on Bass 5th, Front Page 6th, Reckless with Nancy Mardick, Tammey Helline, Amy Fierstos, and Tracey Bittner 8th, and Accidentials with Pat Brown, Judy Vaeth, Linda Bortak and Kathy Lumpp placed 14th. Our show, "Down Memory Lane", was chaired by Sonya Gatrell and Linda Hine.
• 1995 - It was a winning year for us again at Regional Competition in Cleveland May 5-7. We were represented by five quartets as follows: Live Wire with Marda Sopko and Laura Covell placed 3rd, Antiphony – 4th, and Fourte’ – 5th. Front Page and City Rhythm also competed. October 13 and 14 we presented "Best of Broadway" under the chairmanship of Sue Heck and Robin Whitacre.
• 1996 – We had four competing quartets at the Regional competition in April bringing home honors. Live Wire won first, Park Avenue with Amy Fierstos singing lead placed second, 4-U with Sandy Wallace singing lead placing third, and Front Page fifth. We were disappointed with our 22nd place finish out of 26 competitors at International competition in Ft. Lauderdale. Live Wire represented us very well. On November 15-16, we presented our show, "Friends ‘n’ Harmony" with Adelaine Koyle and Louise Scalambrino chairing. Mary Kintz was elected Regent of Region 17.
• 1997 – We had a very successful Regional competition as we again won the blue. Four quartets represented us at Regional competition May 1, 1998. Park Avenue placed 1st, Live Wire placed 2nd, and 4U placed 3rd with Sandy Wallace and Chelsea Selvaggio, and Front Page placed 5th. In October, Park Avenue and Live Wire competed Internationally in Salt Lake City but neither one placed in the top twenty in a very tough competition. Our show, "A Taste of Swing", featuring Region 17’s International winning quartet, Swing Street, was chaired by Louise Scalambrino and Adelaine Koyle. Sonya Gatrell was chosen to be on Regional Leadership Team and Mary Kintz was elected to the Board of Directors.
• 1998 - We had three quartets representing us this year at Regional: Park Avenue won the contest and will compete in Nashville, Live Wire was 2nd and 4-U was 5th. Due to preparation for International in Nashville on November 7th, we did not do a show this year. Along with the preparation, we went to twice a week rehearsals during October, one-on-one coaching sessions, and had coaching from Jean Barford, Tori Postma and Joe Connelly. All to no avail as we placed a disappointing 23rd out of 26.
• 1999 – We were the winners of the May 1 competition along with Park Avenue. 4-U was 2nd, Live Wire was 3rd, and Front Page was 6th. Rita Zwick, Robin Whitacre, and Louise Scalambrino put together the show, "Pure Imagination" held at the Palace Theater in November with all new music. Everyone agreed it was our best show yet.
• 2000 – The turn of the century brought a new City of Flags. With the resignation of David Wallace, the search was on for a new director. Dave Smotzer was the director of choice. He was the baritone in the Men’s 1984 International winning quartet, the Rapscallions. May 2nd was Regional Competition where we were hostesses and performers. The following quartets competed: Live Wire placing 2nd, Front Page , and Cuttin’ Loose with Sue Heck, Pam Simms, Cheri Seith, and Kathy Lumpp placing .The Region showed tremendous support to the 45 gals who performed under the direction of Jan Whitacre. In May we began our preparation for International competition in Orlando this September with Dave Smotzer directing. After four months of preparation and with fifty-three gals on stage, we placed 26th of 28 competing choruses with a score of 999. We were the third smallest chorus and were happy not to have come in last. Everyone had a great experience and a good time. On October 23rd we had a reunion party which brought 35 former members to view the new City of Flags. October 14th we performed at P.H.W. and November 18th we sang on the Greater Cleveland show doing two combined chorus songs.
• 2001 – May 12th was the Regional Competition where we put forty-two gals on stage and placed 4th with a score of 555. This indicates that we sang 56 points better than we did at International. Live Wire won the quartet contest, Front Page placed 10th and Cuttin’ Loose with Rachel Watson on Tenor placed 12th.
* - And one of our current chorus members, Jackie, was one of the original 18 members that met in the Elks Club in 1964.
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