Enchanters Records
Scope and Contents
The Enchanters Records, which dates from 1925 to 1929, contains primarily business correspondence, including fan mail from appreciative listeners. Other business correspondence discusses performance engagements, music selection, and business sponsorship of the Enchanters Quartet's radio show. Snapshots, publicity photographs, and newspaper clippings complete the collection.
Dates
- Creation: 1925-1929
Creator
- Enchanters (Seattle, Wash.) (Organization)
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open for research.
Historical Note
The Enchanters were founded as the Seattle Lions Club Quartette, presumably in the mid 1920s. Its members were Marshall Sohl (first tenor), Elmore Bostwick (second tenor), Rudolph Allen (first bass), and Cecil Remington (second base). The group performed at Lions Club functions, at venues throughout Washington state, and toured in California. In 1928, the quartet recorded "Deep River" and "Moanin' Lady" for the Columbia Record Company, becoming the first Lions Club quartet to be recorded professionally.
By 1929, the group had changed its name to the Enchanters. The quartet performed regularly on radio station KJR in Seattle, Washington and developed a following of fans who enjoyed their old time Southern repertoire of spirituals and minstrel songs. Other broadcasters carried the Enchanters Quartet's programs, enabling listeners throughout the Pacific Northwest, Western Canada, and beyond to hear their music.
Extent
0.2 Linear Feet (1 manuscript box)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
The Enchanters Records, which dates from 1925 o 1929, contains correspondence and photographs of a Seattle barbershop quartet known for its renditions of Southern spirituals and minstrel songs.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Donated to the Whitman College and Northwest Archives before August 2004. The accession number is retro-0013.
Subject
- Sohl, Marshall (Person)
- Bostwick, Elmore (Person)
- Allen, Rudolph (Person)
- Remington, Cecil (Person)
- Lions Club (Seattle, Wash.) (Organization)
Topical
- Title
- Guide to the Enchanters Records
- Author
- Colleen McFarland
- Date
- 2006
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English.
- Sponsor
- Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Repository Details
Part of the Whitman College and Northwest Archives Repository