Teen variety group originated at Parkville Elementary School and stayed together throughout their high school years They were well known in the area for performing Dixieland and standards at mostly adult functions such as VFW’s, American Legion halls, bull roasts, etc. Members included Chuck Frohlich (drums), Tom Poteet (alto sax), Don Lehnhoff (trombone), Dwight Miller (trumpet), and Buzz Sappington (tenor sax). Poteet and Sappington soon left the group (Buzz later joining the Dynamics). David Papp was later added on accordion – and later replaced with Mike Schenk. Over the years the group also featured several sax / clarinet players including Will Taylor, Bob Spangler, and finally Bill Holland. Along the way the accordion was replaced with guitarist Bill Tawney.
The Poker Chips were also seen at Perry Hall Teen Center, and many CYO’s, high school dances, and county fairs. They performed throughout the local circuit of talent shows appearing frequently along with the Piccirilli Brothers and organist Beverly Ann Smith (who went on to become Miss Maryland competing in the Miss America Pageant).
The group made appearances on local radio and TV shows including Buddy Deane’s popular dance show while also traveling to New York where they performed on the Ted Mack Amateur Hour.
After high school the group drifted apart. Lehnhoff went on to join the Mellow Men, Majestics, Mitch Ryder’s band…
Courtesy of Dee and Dwight Miller
In The Poker Chips photo at right, Don Lehnhoff recalls “We’re about 14 years old playing on the Steel Pier in the “old” Atlantic City. Paul Anka was there playing the big ballroom and he posed with us outside the theater between shows.”
Photo courtesy of Don Lehnhoff
