History of the American Banjo Fraternity

The American Banjo Fraternity

How the ABF Got Started

The ABF was begun in 1948 by John Copeland and George Collins.  Both men had retired and wanted to resume playing the classic 5 string banjo.  Both had contacted people who still played classic banjo.  They finally met through an ad George had placed asking for banjo music.  They corresponded then met and agreed to form an organization called the Fraternity of Five String Banjoists of America.  Our magazine is the 5 Stringer.  It was first published in September 1949. The organization was renamed the American Banjo Fraternity in 1955.

The original objectives of the organization are:
     - To keep alive interest in the classic 5 string banjo
     - To promote fellowship among its adherents
     - To keep alive the traditions and memories of its composers and players
     - To provide an interchange of music, especially among amateurs
     - To encourage correspondance, especially between amateurs

1st ABF Rally
October 1949
New Rochelle,
New York