The Monroe Swiss Singers was established 50 years ago on February 20, 1963 by adding female voices to the dwindling membership of the Turner Hall Swiss Club Men's Choir. Originally called Gemischter Chor Monroe, with 18 immigrant Swiss, one German immigrant, and one American-born daughter of Swiss immigrants, the name was officially changed to Monroe Swiss Singers on January 24, 1968. A half-century later, 5 charter members - Martha Bernet, Gottlieb Brändli, Sr., Ernie Halbheer, Gisela Halbheer and Trudi Thomann - are still singing with the 50-member chorus. Shown kneeling in the front row of this photo taken on August 1, 1971 is director Betty Koehler, then Sevi Rast, Martha Bernet, Trudi Thomann, Mrs. Albert Jegerlehner, Brigitte Roeschli, and Helena Buehler. In the middle row are Trudy Brändli, Mathilde Messmer, Leni Hilfiker, Alma Thurlemann, Rose Ammon, Marion Burkhardt, Alfred Fuchser, and Alfred "Shorty" Meier. Shown in the back row are Ferdi Hilfiker, Joe Rast, Benny Blaser, Albert Elmer, Gottlieb Brändli, Gallus Kuhne (a visitor), Gregor Brändli. Not pictured were Margrit Affolter and Bill Niederberger. If you have photographs of an organization that GCHS may copy, contact Matt Figi at 325-6503 or mfigi48@tds.net. (Photo supplied by the Green County Historical Society)