New book chronicles story behind Two Rivers' Schmitt Brothers stage, and more news in weekly dose
MANITOWOC — When the Schmitt Brothers quartet won the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA) international championship in 1951, they put their hometown of Two Rivers on the map.
On July 15, 2023, the city dedicated a stage in Central Park to honor the quartet.
Now, a new book puts the whole story together — from the beginning of the park in 1880 to the building and dedication of a stage in the same park where the city welcomed the Schmitt Brothers home after they won the championship.
The full-color, hard cover, 81/2-inch-by-11-inch coffee table book boasts 112 pages filled with more than 240 photos plus nearly 40 newspaper clippings and photos of historic memorabilia, such as the tickets to the SPEBSQSA competition and the medal each member of the quartet received in 1951. Copies are available at amazon.com.
The book’s author, P.T. Rivers, said in a news release: “When I wrote the novel about the Schmitt Brothers a few years ago, I had stacks of photos and newspaper clippings to work with. This new book not only provides the opportunity to share historic resources from the past but to record a recent historic event. So many family, friends and fans were involved in making the stage and the event a success. This book is a tribute to the people who worked so hard to honor the Schmitt Brothers and celebrate their harmony.”
“The Schmitt Brothers Stage” begins with the founding of Two Rivers and explains how the Schmitt Brothers were discovered by O.H. “King” Cole at the Hotel Manitowoc. During their 35 years of singing together in more than 3,000 performances on radio, TV and North America’s top stages, the Schmitt Brothers never missed an opportunity to promote their hometown.
The book also details how the extended Schmitt family raised $122,000 to fund the naming rights to the Schmitt Brothers Stage and worked with Two Rivers City Manager Greg Buckley and his staff to build it. Every moment of the dedication is chronicled, including the ribbon-cutting, speeches by special guests, and the sing-along with the extended Schmitt family, which filled the stage with more than 340 cousins from nearly 20 states.
A three-hour barbershop show emceed by Land O’Lakes District President Jay Althof and Barbershop Harmony Society CEO Marty Monson featured many award-winning quartets such as YTBN, Checkmate, the Vintage Mix Quartet, Coulee Classics, St. Croix Crossing and Happiness Emporium. Four Choruses — including the Plymouth/Oshkosh chapters, Northern Gateway, Fox Valleyaires and the Clipper City Chordsmen — also took the stage. The Crescendudes, Jukebox/Lake Effect and Chill Factor joined in the afterglow.
For more information, go to schmittbrothersquartet.com. The Washington House Museum & Visitor Center, 1622 Jefferson St., Two Rivers, also includes a display dedicated to the quartet. The related book, “The Schmitt Brothers,” is also available for purchase at the Washington House, Heart & Homestead, LaDeDa Books & Beans and on amazon.com.
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Welcome to your weekly dose. Here is more news from throughout Manitowoc County.
Native Americans in World War II focus of Maritime Museum program
Wisconsin Maritime Museum’s November Think & Drink program will focus on Native Americans in World War II.
Oneida Nation’s Dan King will share his grandfather’s experience serving in World War I, his father’s experience in World War II and his own experience serving in Vietnam.
The presentation will be at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 2 at the museum, 75 Maritime Drive, Manitowoc. Doors will open at 6 p.m.
Admission is free and a virtual option is available by registering in advance at https://forms.gle/vfyZT9M5Y3gSLHzC9.
For more details, contact the museum at 920-684-0218.
Endowment fund donates more than 150 coats to Coats for Kids
The Helen Gadys Reis and Lester Reis Endowment Fund for Children, based in Two Rivers, announced that it was able to donate in excess of 150 new coats to the Salvation Army’s Coats for Kids campaign in October.
The endowment fund has now donated more than 1,000 new coats in little more than a six-year period for their campaign.
The endowment fund also made contributions to Bikes for Kids, Wisconsin Maritime Museum, Soles for Souls, Hope House, The Haven, the homeless shelter and others. This was accomplished with only $89.29 in operating expenses this year.
The endowment fund’s board members are Kathy Hanke, George Reis, Mary Reis, Andy Steimle, Gloria Theis and Howard Zimmerman.
Additional contributions can be made to the endowment fund, c/o George V. Reis, P.O. Box 388, Two Rivers, WI 54241.
“A special thank-you to Gloria Theis and Mary Reis for their tireless efforts in purchasing the most coats, at the best price,” a news release added.
Two Rivers encourages participation in survey on parks and open spaces
The city of Two Rivers is asking residents to complete an online survey to update the city’s Park and Open Space plan.
Hard-copy surveys are available at the Senior Center and Recreation Desk, or by calling 920-793-5592.
The survey can also be completed online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DHLSWPP.
Roncalli’s International Food Fair coming up Nov. 4
Roncalli Catholic Schools invites the public to tempt their taste buds and attend the International Food Fair Nov. 4.
The event, for adults 21 and older, will take place at Roncalli High School, 2000 Mirro Drive in Manitowoc, beginning at 5 p.m.
The fair will feature a variety of cuisine prepared by local restaurants and Roncalli Catholic Schools families. Americana, Asian, Mexican, German, Italian, French, Jamaican, Polish and Southern dishes are among those that will be featured. Specialty beers and wine will be available for purchase as well.
There is no cost to attend the event. Punch cards will be available for sale at the fair to make food sampling easy. Cash, check and credit cards will be accepted.
The fair also includes an oral auction with packages including experiences, sports memorabilia and more. Greg Schramm will serve as the event’s auctioneer while John Jagemann will return as the event’s emcee.
Tickets for the Ticket to Cash raffle are available for purchase now. Only 500 tickets will be sold for a chance to win a grand prize of $7,500 cash. Tickets are $100 each. Visit https://rems.roncallicatholicschools.org/international-food-fair for the flier and form. Winners will be drawn during the International Food Fair.
An array of themed collections also will be up for bid in the Gift Collections Raffle. And, for those looking to decorate their homes for the holidays and beyond, there will be plenty to pick from in the Tabletops, Trees, Wreaths and More! area.
Of course, those with an affinity for Roncalli will want to make sure to stop at the Roncalli HeART Originals. This special section features original artwork up for bid created by Roncalli students ages preschool through eighth grade.
The official International Food Fair book will be released later this month. Go to https://rems.roncallicatholicschools.org/international-food-fair for more details.
Sunrise Rotary donates hygiene kits to police to give to victims of trafficking in Manitowoc
Manitowoc Sunrise Rotary purchased and packed 10 hygiene kits for local police officers to give to victims of trafficking in Manitowoc.
After Det. Sgt. Eric Kowalski presented information about this activity in the city and indicated many victims come into custody with nothing, the club took action.
Kits included hygiene products as well as some clothing articles. ReMax chipped in some Home Starter Kits also.
Kits were delivered to the Manitowoc Police Department by Sunrise Rotary on Oct. 17.
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This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Two Rivers Schmitt Brothers stage: Book chronicles story behind effort
