The first Ballad Town USA contest was held on May 16, 1947, in Forest Grove, Oregon. Before that, the story goes that “a bunch of fellows were sitting around Don Parsons Barbershop (or maybe the old Forest Grove Hardware) talking about this new thing – four fellows singing some of the old songs in Barbershop style – whatever that was?  Since Ralph Shumm had read that a Barbershop Contest had been held in the East, he thought we should give it a try.  The response was, “Well, why not!” considering no one had the foggiest idea how one should be held.  Under the able direction of Ace Hingston the first show was held in the Old High School (not the current “old high school” but the one where the Catholic Church now stands). With the help of many fellows, the show was a huge success, featuring the Millers Melody Men, Curly and the Three Baldies, and the winner, The Four Flats, of Newberg.  These 4 guys could actually sing!