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~ ~ Central
District ~ ~
Western square dancing, as we presently
know it, began to flourish throughout the United States in the early 1950's. The
State of Missouri, including what is now the Central District, became deeply
involved in this different "new" kind of square dancing.
Those who were participating in the new
activity, which included people from all walks of life, wanted very much to
learn this new way of dancing whereby callers "cued" the different movements,
rather than each couple memorizing and dancing their own routine.
The furtherance of this trend, aspiring
callers visited Kirkwood Lodge to learn this newest art of square dancing.
Marshall Flippo, a member of the National Square Dance Hall of Fame, welcomed
local callers to the Lodge to watch and learn.
The Don Donath's were among many who
were dissatisfied with the confusion and uncertainty of the older method, so
they traveled out West in the early 1950's to learn and improve, and brought
back their knowledge to this area.
We would specifically mention Don
Donath, Ray McCory, Leo Kure, Les Robinette and Benny Benjamin as local Callers
who furthered this early movement, as well as National Callers, Marshall Flippo,
Les Gotcher, Frank Lane, Bud Able and Willie Harlan, who also called in this
area in those early days.
Soon, from Columbia and Jefferson City
to Rolla, and from Sedalia to Versailles, Eldon and other cities, square dancers
were getting together and forming groups, or Clubs. These new groups began
sponsoring lessons to teach others who also wanted to learn this new activity,
forming the basis in our area for what is now the Central District.
When the Missouri State Federation
started organizing in Sedalia in 1958, it became a catalyst in the formation of
member Districts throughout the State.
The Central District became a member of
the State Federation the first year it was formed, represented solely by the
Ozark Whirlers of Eldon, Missouri, until the mid-1960's.
Historian's Note: There are so many
Callers and Members who have given of the time and expertise to further square
dancing that it is virtually impossible to give credit here to all those who are
deserving of it. Please know, however, that your contribution lives on in our
Clubs today.
Milli Crabtree |