The Hallmarks formed in December 1963 and in a few short months qualified for
International Competition in San Antonio Texas where they finished in the Top 20.
They did not compete in the District Contest in 1964 because Artie Dolt was called
to active duty with the National Guard.
In 1965, the Hallmarks again qualified for the International Contest and
placed 11th in Boston, MA, nine points from the top ten.
(Artie came right from National Guard Duty to sing in the contest.
The other three members had not seen him for two weeks prior to the contest).
In the Mid-Atlantic District Contest in the fall of 1965, the quartet won the
championship in their first try. [1966 Champs because of the year adjustment]
The Hallmarks went on to place in the finals of the International Contest
in 1968, 1969, and 1970, placing 10th, 7th, and 7th respectively.
Roger Ruhren and Frank Tortorelli are deceased as of this writing (8/25/2003).
However, Bart Plescia and Artie Dolt have remained close friends even though
Artie lives in San Antonio, Texas and Bart lives in Naples, Florida.
The quartet sang on shows all over the country and today, still have friends in many of those cities.
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