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Show Volume III, Issue III THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Page 19 December 1, 2000 The Beginnings of the Valley Chordettes By Elaine A. Jarrett Once upon a Sunday during the cold month of December 1981, my husband and I took ourselves over to the Huntsville LDS Chapel to a special fireside. The Celeste Singers from Ogden were presenting a Christmas musical program. Also attending the concert was one Kathryn Ensign. After the performance, she exclaimed to me, “Elaine, we could do that good with a group of our own. It would be a lot of fun, wouldn’t it?” My remarks to her were anything but exuberant. Having separated myself from any kind of musical activity for some time, including the church choir, I wasn’t anxious to get myself back into it. I said, “Go away, Kathryn, you don’t know what you’re talking about—too much work, all too much work.” Several months later I received a call from Kathryn. She indicated she was anxious to start a singing group and asked if I would conduct it. I was very discouraging. I told her it was too much work; nobody would join; we didn’t have enough talent; it was too much work. She indicated she would do all the work; all I had to do was conduct. I relented and said I would start looking for some Christmas music and she was to start thinking of who to invite to join. We talked again and then started inviting ladies to join. We had a very good response—one or two no’s, but soon had what we thought would be a good group. We were very fortunate to have convinced an excellent pianist to join us. Joyce Montgomery agreed to handle this task—we were all set. I had purchased one copy of many Christmas songs and 20 copies of “Ring Those Christmas Bells.” A preliminary meeting had established the fact that 6:30 a.m. on Saturday mornings was the best time for everyone to practice. Can you imagine getting up at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday mornings to practice singing? I couldn’t. It still amazes me that the ladies showed up at that time each Saturday. We began practicing. By the second week we had memorized “Ring Those Christmas Bells.” We doubled up the practices when the Christmas concert was getting closer. We met on Thursday nights from 9:00 p.m. until we were tired, as well as on Saturdays. We selected a name for the group— Valley Chordettes; we agreed to make evening gowns to match; and we practiced and memorized. On December 20, 1982, at 7:30 p.m., in the Huntsville Utah, LDS Stake Center we assembled to present our first concert. We wanted to begin promptly at 7:30 p.m., but had great difficulty starting. As we were making our entrance up the aisles, the people kept coming. The concert proceeded and in about one hour, was over. I turned around to take a bow with the group and was totally surprised to see the sliding doors at the back of the chapel had been opened to accommodate the crowd. Approximately 500 people enjoyed our first program. It was a beautiful salute to the Christmas season, and the Chordettes sang like angels. The concert was well received. After the performance, the Chordettes and their husbands or partners came to my home for a finger food reception. We had a grand time and everybody wanted to stay and talk about our great success. That was the beginning of the Valley Chordettes. I believe the best thing that happened to me since the beginning of the group was gaining many wonderful friendships. I was really able to get to know each of the members. I could have lived in the Valley for fifty years and never have become so well acquainted with twenty ladies. It was a time for building memories, as well as associations. Memories such as the time the group agreed to perform at a program in Plain City. Kaye Whiting had volunteered to drive her van and take a group of us. It had been snowing all day and when she arrived at my house to pick me up, her van went off the driveway and became stuck in the snow. A car happened to be parked across the street from my driveway, preventing Kaye from backing out properly. Somehow the van became really stuck. A neighbor brought his tractor over and pulled the van back onto the road. When we arrived down out of the canyon, there was no snow in Ogden, and we gave our program, then came back home to winter. Another good thing the establishment of this group did for me was to get me back into the world of music. My husband was delighted that I would once again get involved with singing and performing. I had all but quit the entire business prior to this involvement. Memories Light the Corners of My Mind, so the song goes. Association with the Valley Chordettes provided me with many fond memories to light the corners of my mind throughout my association with them. The beginning Valley Chordettes. Historical Photo For a $20 gift certificate to the General Store, be the first to mail, e-mail, or fax the correct names of these girls to Shanna Francis c/o The OGDEN VALLEY NEWS. Please send us your favorite historical photo. Send photos to: OGDEN VALLEY NEWS P O BOX 130 EDEN UT 84310 Classifieds -For RentFor Rent: Ski Lake Condo for rent. Available Dec. 15. Beautifully furnished and fully equipped. 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, gas fireplace. $750 per month, first and last month’s rent, plus $300 deposit. No pets, no smoking. Prefer 6 month lease. For more information, call 745-0584. -For SaleFor Sale: TOMMY HILFIGER – Beautiful Men’s XL Black leather (lambskin) jacket – fully lined and insulated. Almost new – Purchased for $500 will sacrifice for $175. Call 7450945. For Sale: 1993 Subaru Legacy Wagon, 4 or all wheel drive. 92,000 miles. Loaded; auto, air, cruise, etc. Excellent condition. $5,500. Call 393-4350. For Sale: Home For Sale By Owner, 745-1025. $ave 6% Listing Commission. Was $269,900 Now $253,706. Eden Hills 2-story Custom Built, Beautiful wrap-around veranda, Ultimate Corian kitchen, 4 bedroom, office, 3 bath, 3800 sq. ft. Landscaped, Views. For Sale: Briggs & Stratton engine, 5 hp, model 135232. Excellent condition. Demonstration – nights and weekends. Best offer. Call 745-3811. -ServicesHealth Care for elderly parents. 5days, Monday – Friday, weekends off. Reference required. Call the Lamb’s 745-1368, Eden. Drywall Repair – Convenient – Quick – Quality Guaranteed. Residential or commercial. Licensed and insured. Call 801-745-3035 office or 801-7913714 mobile. Boat and recreational vehicle storage available. Indoor heated and secured facility. Located in Ogden with easy access to Ogden Canyon. For more information and rates, call 745-3347. Julie’s Animal Sitting – Your home or mine. $6.00/day or per visit for cows, horses, goats, pigs, dogs & cats. $2.50/day for caged small animals. Very personal service. Call 745-3327. Welch’s Rabbitery: Rabbits for Sale, Several breeds available for show, pet or meat. Hunters don’t go home empty-handed! Call 745-3327. -Lost & FoundLOST: A small gold round earring jacket with a small hole in the center and a very small separate diamond stud that slips into the hole.. Lost somewhere in or outside of the Eden Post office, the Eats of Eden pantry Store, or the Eden General Store, Tuesday, November 14th. If found, please call 745-6805. $100.00 reward. -WantedWanted: The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is collecting supplies needed in the event of a community emergency. The local CERT Program is sponsored by Weber County. If you would be able to donate any of the following supplies, please contact Linda Spencer at 745-0805. Blankets or sheets Fire Extinguishers Generators Medical Supplies Tarps Backpacks Flashlights and Batteries Other Miscellaneous Items Convenient Quick Quality Guaranteed AAA DRYWALL REPAIR Jim Zeleznick 552 S. 8600 E. Huntsville, UT 84317 Licensed, Insured & Preferred Office/Fax: Mobile: 801-745-3035 801-791-3714 |