This is a picture of my father, Donald Henry Speer, ca. 1929. (one year before he got married) By profession, my father was a printer - owner/manager of the former Speer Press Printing Co., in Paterson, NJ. His real interests, though, were music and art. He painted many beautiful oil paintings, many of ocean scenes of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, one of his favorite places. He also loved music, particularly singing and piano. He sang tenor and even tried out for the Metropolitan Opera. He also taught voice lessons and conducted the Wyckoff, NJ Male Chorus.
Recently, a friend of mine sent me a written item about a Wyckoff
Male Chorus performance, one I had never known about. It appears that
the Chorus was invited by the well known
Fred
Waring to sing for the Eisenhower Rally at Madison Square Garden in
New York City, 1952. Following is what Fred Waring wrote to my father:
November 4, 1952
Dear Mr. Speer:
I can't begin to express my appreciation to you and your
wonderful group for participating in the Eisenhower Rally last
Thursday night. It was a real thrill for me to look up and see
such a cooperative and enthusiastic bunch. Certainly you made
my job a lot easier by your quick response and fine singing.
For your help, your interest, and your loyalty, please accept
my warmest thanks and best wishes.
Sincerely yours,
Fred Waring
This letter written by Fred Waring was sent on Election Day, 1952. My father said that although the chorus was strictly apolitical, the members sang at the rally for the thrill of working with such an outstanding director as Waring. It was a thrill for me to read about such a wonderful opportunity and honor given to my father and the Chorus which he directed!
My father was truly a wonderful man - a real "people person". I was very sad to lose him at such a young age. (1958)
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