September 2006

Santa Fe Trailers

The Santa Fe Trailers Square Dance Club was founded in 1966, with five squares of dancers mostly from the Buckner Area. Bud House who was the club's first caller and teacher. The Town of Buckner was settled on the Santa Fe Trail, and thus the club received it's name. Bud called for the club for ten years and the club danced at Buckner Elementary School on the third Saturday's of each month.

In 1974, the club moved to the Blue Springs Junior High School, which would be their home for the next seven years. In 1977, the club acquired a new caller, Van Coble. Van called for the club for the next five years.

In 1981, the club moved again to the Ultican School in Blue Springs. Only one year later the club would change callers, as Richard Lane became the club's third caller. From 1978, and for the next sixteen years, the club danced on the third Saturday's of each month.
In 1986, the club moved once again, this time to the Three Trails School in Independence, Missouri. In 1988, the club was forced to find a new caller again, as Richard moved West without the Trailers.

After one year of guest callers, the club unanimously voted to have Steve Bergman from Sedalia, Missouri, as the new caller. Steve called for the club for three seasons. The Club's program was expanded to include plus and plus workshops prior to the mainstream dancing.
In 1993, the club once again had to make another move and a dance night change to first Saturday's. This time the move was to Sycamore Hills Elementary School. It was also at this time that the club also acquired the services of Gary Mahnken, as Steve And Sharon Bergman were being transferred to Cheyenne, Wyoming.

From 1993, until the 2002 - 2003 Season, Gary Mahnken has been the club's caller. Beginning the 2003 -2004 Season the Santa Fe Trailers have had Guest callers.

For thirty plus years, the club has maintained an average membership of approximately thirty couples. The club's longevity can best be measured by three things. We have always elected to have the area's best callers. We have well planned dances. We have an array of refreshments second to none at every dance, for we know square dancers love to eat! The club as well has always maintained a very excellent visitation program. If you wish to enjoy a very special evening, we invite you to come and dance with the Santa Fe Trailers. You'll be glad you came!

(This History of The Santa Fe Trailers Square Dance Club was researched and provided by Bob & Shirley Stock. We have been members of this club for about 17 years.)

The above history was researched and compiled in 1997, from Fed Facts Records, and was upgraded in 2004, after additional information became available.

12/4/10