Gene and Audrey Dalton with their children Sherry and Donnie at a Family Crusade, 1960.

The Daltons enjoyed making music together in their their "Family Crusade" meetings. Family Crusades, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, was founded by evangelist Gene Dalton, who through the preaching of the Word and presentation of gospel music, reached the hearts of children, teenagers, and adults in meetings held across the country. After graduating from the Northwestern College of Minneapolis in 1954, evangelist Dalton served as pastor, youth minister, assistant Youth for Christ Director, and then entered the work of full time evangelism in 1959. Realizing the need for reaching the whole family for Christ, he inaugurated the Family Crusades. His wife, Audrey, who played the piano, organ, and accordion, and their children, Sherry and Donnie, often accompanied him on his travels. Donnie began singing at the age of three and Sherry at six. Their third child, Kent, was born in 1963.

Flyer cover for a Family Crusade, 1958.

These flyers and invitation cards were handed out on the streets inviting people to the Family Crusade meetings.

Family Crusade, 1957.

In order to draw children to the meetings, Gene would offer each young attendee a Native American headdress to wear. Gene would dress up as "Big Chief Ring-Arround-The-Bathtub" and tell exciting stories about the Old West. This photo shows a full-sized Indian Teepee on stage behind Gene, and to the right of that, the "Sing-O-Meter."

The "Sing-O-Meter" was a custom-made machine, about 6 feet tall, which had a rocket ship in the center. As the children would sing louder the rocket would soar up and up, past planets and stars, and when they really yelled at the top of their lungs, the rocket would reach the sun at the very top, setting off blinking lights and buzzers. Needless to say, the children had a very good time!

Gene Dalton leading singing, 1955.

This flyer shows Gene Dalton leading singing at a church service in 1955. Audrey is playing piano in the background.

Gene, Audrey, and Marilyn, 1955.

This flyer shows Gene and Audrey with Marilyn Haugen in 1955. They were known as "The Grace Gospelaires." Later John Michael joined them on bass.

Album cover, 1960.

The Family Album was recorded in 1960. It contains gospel songs, children's songs, and a dramatic telling of the story of the prodigal son called "The Permanent Wave to the Pigs."