An interest in square dancing began to grow in Ottawa around 1949, and the “Promenaders Club” was organized in 1950 with Pat Beedles serving as their first caller. Dances were first held at Eugene Field Elementary School, the Nelson Hotel and the VFW Hall. In the early years, instead of electing officers, four names were drawn each session to plan functions and to handle finances. Funds were provided by donations made at each dance.

In 1954 the first officers were elected, a new constitution and by-laws were adopted, and T. J. Miller became the caller for the group. Square dance lessons were started at this time. T. J. Miller called for the club until 1958, with dances held in the Memorial Auditorium basement and the National Guard Armory. During this time the club members joined the Four Corners Square Dance Association composed of all clubs called by Miller. This association consisted of Ottawa, Garnett, Osawatomie, DeSoto, Olathe and Leavenworth. Local dancers traveled to the Osawatomie Civic Center once a month to dance to area and national callers sponsored by the association.

From 1958 to 1965 Emery Wilson was the club caller. Emery taught the lessons the first year; Richard and Dorothy Hewitt taught lessons 1959-61, and Bill and Jerry Abbott taught lessons 1961-64. Sal Fanara called one session of the 1964-65 year, because of Emery’s work hours. The Blue Moon building (currently the Eagles Hall) and the Armory were used for the club dances, and the Knights of Columbus Hall was used for lessons.

Bob Kuhn called for the Ottawa Promenaders from 1965-70, and the dances were held at Lincoln School. In 1970 Jim Booton became the club caller. Lincoln and Eisenhower Schools were used for club dances along with the Farm Bureau Hall and the Ottawa University Union for lessons. Jim Booton retired in 1985. Their new caller became Vic Perry. Celebration Hall was used for lessons and dances until 1999. The Ottawa Promenaders then moved to the new Ottawa Middle School. Lessons were taught at the First United Methodist Church and is where our caller, Vic, still teaches lessons today.

The Four Corners Square Dance Association was in existence only during the years that R. J. Miller was the club caller. Since that time the club has been associated with the Heart of America Square Dance Association and the Kansas Square Dance Association (KSDA). The club, currently, is only affiliated with the KSDA.

Line dancing, led by Judy Haas (Broers), was added between square dance tips as an unofficial part of the program in 2001. In 2003 Judy became our line dance cuer/instructor, and she is still serving in that capacity today, assisted by her husband Gene Broers as of 2007.