Trustees Honor Roll

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Zalar, John

Accordion Manufacturer (1914- 1997)
Inducted on November 27, 1999

John Zalar's life's work centered around making, repairing, and playing accordions. John learned the trade working in Nick Skorka's shop to pay for the button box and lessons he obtained there. After his apprenticeship, John opened his own shop in 1935 before moving to East 52nd and Superior, the home of Zalar's Accordion City for over forty years. Plying his musical skills, John played piano and accordion as a studio musician for WJAY in Cleveland and teamed with Chuck Tuttle as the Sharpshooters duet. John's Custom Craft Accordions were renowned for their craftsmanship and sound, and his glowing reputation gained the trust of customers from across the nation including many prominent Cleveland-style musicians. John's slogan said it all-- "Dollar for dollar, you can't beat Zalar.

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