Since the late 80s, area citizens have honed their vocal abilities to share with others. Practicing weekly, the Silvertones consists of 10+ members who sing gospel, Christmas, and patriotic tunes. In most recent years they have sung primarily at area nursing homes, including two in Clay Center and one in Leonardville.
They are accompanied by piano music and perform their four-part harmonies live. They practice on Friday mornings, meeting at the Presbyterian Church’s chapel.
Dressed in matching black pants and white shirts, they don artificial flower corsages and bow ties to accentuate their look.
The group began with Marcene Taddiken (1918-2009) in the late 80s. A group of 10-12 singers joined forces and began performing at community events.
“The purpose of the group then and now was to share the message of Christ through Christian music,” said Lisa Seley.
After Taddiken’s tenure, the group was directed by others, including Shirley Boyd, Adina Crawford (1939-2009), and Kaye Chestnut. The latter directed for 16 years after group member, Marilyn Thomas, told her to, “Get up there” in 2009. Current members agree it was most likely she was volunteered due to her conducting experience, having played trumpet and violin through school at USD 379.
Later in life she worked as a flight attendant before returning to her hometown.
Chestnut joined the group in 2007 and directed for 16 years, until her battle with pancreatic cancer prevented her from working with the group.
“She’s really dedicated,” Seley said. “I think the group means a lot to her.”
During her time as director, Chestnut chose music, informed the group of meeting dates and times, and directed all practices. She also held an annual Christmas party at her house.
Today, 21 singers are involved with the Silvertones, the largest it’s ever been, said Seley. Ranging in age from mid-60s to late-90s, the group said the name comes from their color of hair. However, that’s group lore, as its official story was never passed down to current members.
Each month the Silvertones perform at Liberty Place, Presbyterian Manor, and Leonardville Nursing Homes. They also sing occasionally at community or church events. In previous years, they sang at the hospital for the holidays, performed patriotic music for the 4th of July, and even performed at the Town Center Mall in Manhattan.
“In the early days, the choir performed music for country churches,” Seley said. Civic groups like the Lion’s Club, class reunions, and a competition in Salina also landed on their itinerary.
Funerals have also been a mainstay, especially services for previous singers or their spouses.
“It was the biggest blessing to have the Silvertones sing at my husband’s service,” said Deloris Wohler, whose spouse, Norman, passed in 2020. Though not a group member at the time, Deloris joined soon after.
Current singer, Mary Ann Fowles, who is 94, serves as their longest alum. She joined in 1995 and previously served as an accompanist. Nola Schmale took over when she joined, as Fowles prefers to sing. The group’s eldest member is Evelyn Mugler, at 97 years old.
Previously, Veryl Rundquist sang until he was 100; he passed away in 2022 and was one of the final original members.
Seley, who is filling in for Chestnut, said the group is always looking for new members, especially men who can sing tenor.
She added, “And it’s not a requirement to have silver hair.”
