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Essentials in
History
The Web and far-flung friends keep barbershop a long-haul adventure
Where is there a barbershop meeting tonight?
Updated: 8/26/2004 1:56:00 PM
His rig’s named “Power Play;” his CB handle’s “Riptide.” Cross-country truck driver Rich Beil illustrates that Barbershoppers can, indeed, be found in all walks of life. A member of Frank Thorne chapter, Beil searches out chapters to visit during his 18-wheel travels using the Society Web site.
“If the timing is just right, and I hit the right city on the right day in early afternoon, I get on the Web and do a chapter search,” he said. “Thus far, I’ve been able to visit the chapters in Rogers, Ark., Schenectady, N.Y., and, most recently, Jackson, Miss.”
Beil depends on chapter members being gracious enough to pick him up at a truck stop. “Most rehearsal venues are in residential areas, and the local gendarmes frown on taking an 18-wheeler into such areas. And, because of the threat of freight theft, I cannot unhook truck from trailer,” he explained.
Beil, whose wife is a Sweet Adeline, explains why he bothers to seek out other Barbershoppers:
“In 1998, I retired from the Marines after 29 years. While I don’t miss sleeping on the ground in the mud, I do miss the camaraderie. Joining SPEBSQSA in 2001 has helped fill that void. In the Corps, our common bonds were shared sacrifice and love of country. In the Society, we not only share that same love of America, but also the wonderful experience of singing barbershop harmony.”
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