UNDER THE KISSIN' TREE BACKGROUND

 “Under the Kissin’ Tree” is a mini-musical comedy written and composed in 1985 by Fenton McLellan and Barbara McLellan Beebehiser. Set in the 1920’s, “Under the Kissin’ Tree” features 18 of their songs. They were a father-daughter team that lived in Bay City, Oregon and were members of the Monday Musical Club of Tillamook.

Fenton began composing music in his early twenties and at the time of his death in 1989 had composed many beautiful songs and poems. He was a carpenter by trade and was the building contractor for the St. John’s United Church of Christ church. He moved to Tillamook in 1942 to work on the Blimp Hangars.

Barbara began playing piano by ear at the age of 3 years. She composed her first melody at the age of 16 and Fenton wrote the words. It was entitled “I Only Meant To Love You” and is one of the songs in “Under the Kissin’ Tree”.

The first performance of “Under the Kissin’ Tree” was in January 1985, the second performance January 26, 1986 and will be performed again 40 years later in January 2026. Some of this year’s cast were in the 1986 performance.