An Evening with the Carl Tapscott Singers at Cedar Villa Lodge, 1966

Each year many visitors came to Cedar Villa Lodge to enjoy summer in the Kawarthas. Opened by C.O. and Alma (Flynn) Phillips around 1935, it had a restaurant, complete with its own bakery, so it could offer fresh bread, tea biscuits and buns. It was famous for its beautiful stretch of waterfront on Balsam Lake—where visitors enjoyed fishing, boating and swimming. Its commodious boat house hosted dances on the second storey, which were not just for the guests. Many locals attended the events at Cedar Villa Lodge. In the era after the Second World War, people enjoyed unprecedented prosperity and freedom. Practically everyone had a car, but most people were not yet habituated to watching television. Many people went out to community and social events several nights a week, like when the Carl Tapscott Singers performed at Cedar Villa Lodge on June 23, 1966.

In the 1960s Carl Tapscott was a big name, performing the kind of music that many adults in that era enjoyed (not the Rock ‘n’ Roll that kids were listening to!). He rose to prominence performing as a tenor soloist on Toronto radio stations like CFRB, CKNC, CKGW and CFCA. He was the choirmaster-organist for several Toronto Churches, and went on to be a choral director for the Royal Canadian Navy. He was a founding member of the Commodores, who performed folksongs, sea-shanties and spirituals across Canada. This group expanded to become the Carl Tapscott Singers, a 12-man choir which broadcast on CBC until 1975, and recorded many popular albums. In keeping with the tastes of their audiences, much of the music was sacred—in that generation most people attended church faithfully. Carl had a long association with the Kawarthas, where enjoyed spending summers. Born in 1910, he passed away at Lindsay in 1993.

On a warm summer evening on the east shore of Balsam Lake, a concert was given by the Carl Tapscott Singers, in the Aqua Room at Cedar Villa Lodge. Thursday, June 23^rd was the day, and a capacity audience was in attendance. The ladies were given dainty corsages upon entering, and all were greeted by Doug and Dolores Vanderburgh, the charming host and hostess.

Announcer Allan Maitland opened the program at 8:30 pm with a few humorous stories and then introduced the singers individually: Tenors—Alex Ticknovich, Harvard Reddick, Jack Reid, Allan Sawyer, Bob Farrar, Ed Murch; Baritones—John Olson, Malcolm Russell, Jack Ringham; and Basses—Don Parrish, Allen Stewart, John Garden.

Carl Tapscott himself, no stranger to this area, was introduced as “a favourite son of Fenelon Falls,” and it was later revealed that, although not born here, he has been vacationing at Cameron Lake “for more years than he would like to admit,” and considers Fenelon Falls and district his second home.

The Singers began with a rousing version of “Get Along Little Dogie,” followed by a beautiful Scotch ballad, “Ye Banks and Ye Braes;” then they sang a peppy Southern folk song called “I’se the Boy that Builds the Boat.”

After a brief rest the singer returned (jacketless, because of the warm night), and guest soloist George Murray emerged from the audience (mopping his brow) to delight everyone with the lovely Irish Ballad, “the Mountain of Mourne.” A spiritual, “Rockin’ My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham” by the Carl Tapscott Singers was heard next, after which talented pianist Lloyd Edwards changed the mood with a lovely solo, “On a Clear Day,” dedicating the song to singer Joyce Sullivan, a favourite of hers.

The group then sang “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad,” with all present joining in, and George Murray returned to sing “Surrey with the Fringe on Top,” from the Broadway show, Oklahoma, which he sang to perfection. A solemn atmosphere took place when “How Great Thou Art” was so beautifully done by the Singers, and a “sing along with George” (Murray that is) followed with everyone singing “When Irish Eyes are Smiling,” with him; then there was a short and well-deserved intermission.

Before the concert continued again, a well-known person in the theatre world, Mr. Alexander Gray, was noted in the audience, and it was revealed that he just recently arrived in Lindsay to take over the Academy Theatre there, which he said he is really looking forward to.

George Murray was welcomed back and sang two numbers: “Danny Boy” and “Yellow Bird.” The Singers did “This Old House,” with the audience joining in by clapping to the beat. A highlight of the evening came when Cleone Duncan (one of the renowned Gino Silvi Singers) popped in unexpectedly, and thrilled everyone with her beautiful soprano voice, singing “I Love You” and “Summertime.”
The Carl Tapscott Singers’ last number was a rollicking one, titled “The Happy Wanderer.” The applause was great; proof positive that all present enjoyed the entertainment to the full.

A reception followed in Cedar Villa’s main lodge, where refreshments were served, and everyone got a chance to chat with the Singers, George Murray, announcer Allan Maitland, and the CBC personnel; one of who was Jack Brickenden, promotion manager for the CBC.

This concert ended a 6-day tour by the Carl Tapscott Singers, where they have given similar concerts at various lodges and resorts through the Muskoka and Haliburton districts, and like this night, were all an enormous success. They will probably be appearing in the Lindsay Academy Theatre Sometime in the fall, so we urge everyone to go and have a truly marvellous evening, just as we had at Cedar Villa.

Originally Published in the Fenelon Falls Gazette, July 14, 1966.