Our History

Introduction:The Harmony Lodge is considered to be the finest Barbershop singer's "Home away from Home" facility in the country (perhaps the world)! We want all interested persons, including the variety of "users" of the Lodge and especially boards and members of barbershop chapters currently renting space, to our understanding and appreciate the unique and practical arrangement that is yours (ours) here at Harmony Lodge. We hope your experiences here in the halls, rooms and special areas of this place will be representative of our chosen name.

History and purpose:About 25 years ago, a few farsighted Barbershoppers, tired of putting up with the usual (and frequent unsatisfactory) meeting places began looking for a place to call "very own" Barbershop singers home ---a place where risers and other equipment could be left in place and where the owner would not be able to dictate unreasonable edicts to the tenants, mainly Barbershoppers ---a place more accommodating with permanent arrangements possible. If such a place could be found, Barbershopping in Cincinnati would be greatly improved and more appealing to all.

Eureka!!! In 1979 ken Toepfert, continuous Lodge President from the beginning, was made aware of the Winton Place Mason's building going up for sale. An inquiry was made as the story line goes "the rest is history". However, it was not easy! A group of 27b dedicated, risk taking and hard-working Barbershoppers agreed to chip in a form of corporation. Thirty-seven shares of stock at $1,000 each were sold and in 1980 Harmony Lodge became the home for Barbershoppers in Cincinnati and in turn, the envy of Barbershoppers everywhere.

Much hard labor and sacrifice followed the purchase of this old, yet potentially successful facility, and these unselfish efforts continue to this very day. Improvements and retrofits have been made to fill the needs of Barbershoppers and commercial renters alike. Over the years a mortgage was paid down and most recently, Don Gray, current V.P. of Corporate Affairs and his mother, Mrs. Dorothy Gray, set up the Col. R. McDonald Gray Foundation and through that fund provided monies to retires the remainder of the mortgage. Of course, maintenance and operational costs are ongoing.

Volunteers and HLI stockholders have supplied the planning and execution effort for most of the improvements made to the Lodge. Those involved in variuos upgrade projects (to improve and maintain the Lodge) are understandably protective and proud of what they have accomplished! Major improvements include full house air conditioning, a new entrance lobby and stairlift in compliance with A.D.A. requirements, new roof(s), new carpeting, protective fencing at the old lodge entrance, electrical up grades, an improved auditorium sound system and numerous other renovations throughout the building. Some of the improvements listed and others would have not been possible without the generosity of chorus members during fund raising events and their support of the ongoing Commemorative Tile Wall projects with the consent of HLI. These efforts are greatly appreciated by HLI and are indicative of the shared respect and interest we all have for this fine place. Of course, there is an ongoing need for general upkeep such as painting, repairs and clean up. Contributions of time, labor and expertise in these areas, by Barbershoppers and stockholders alike are always welcomed and needed.

It should be understood be understood that Harmony Lodge is not constituted as a profit-making business. It is a hobby facility for those who love barbershop music and the fraternity it fosters. No dividends have ever been paid to the shareholders and none are expected. Harmony Lodge is a "goodwill" charity run and OWNED by barbershoppers. Of course, all renters, including barbershop chapters, pay a reasonable fee to help defray the operating expenses of the Lodge. To further help balance the budget, commercial rentals including wedding receptions, Union meetings, business conferences et al, take place from time to time in the Lodge facility. These occur most often on weekends. An attempt is made not to schedule "outside" functions during barbershop events. There is also newly constructed office space that is currently rented.

All users of the Lodge should also understand that Harmony Lodge inc. is the sole owner and manager of the Lodge building; however, we consider all choruses (barbershop chapters) favored renters and as such, invaluable to the health and welfare of the facility. The HLI Board requests their assistance in maintaining and supporting the Lodge in a variety of ways including selecting the Lodge for special events in their lives or to promote the facility amongst their friends. As you can see, there are many ways you can help to keep Harmony Lodge the home for Barbershopping in Cincinnati now and for many years to come. Any questions or suggestions pertaining to the operation and upkeep of the Lodge should be forwarded to the Harmony Lodge Board.

Epilogue:The future of Harmony Lodge will not be (solely) determined by the current corporations (aging) shareholders, but by a new generation of barbershoppers who are determined to do whatever they can to keep a "good thing" going. If you have a desire to provide leadership in this venture (the future of Harmony Lodge) we need you to step up to the plate and become part of the team.