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Our History
The Hanger Squares dance club was born out of the Family
Riders equestrian club. In 1974, the Family Riders began having
occasional square dance sessions in
The Hangar, a real hangar, airplane and all. These square
dance lessons led to the organization of the "Hanger Squares".
The word "Hanger" was originally misspelled and because of a
strong sense of tradition among club members over the years, the
name was never changed.
Jack Carrender of Pasadena became the first club caller and
taught the first two classes. The first class graduated in
February of 1975. According to charter member Benny Baker, the
first song called at the Hanger was Glendale Train, and the
first visitation was to the Petro Chemical square dance club
with Jack Carrender. Other charter or early class members still
dancing with the club include Loyce Baille and Dicky Arndt.
After Jack Carrender, there were a number of guest callers
for a short period of time. They included Lou Hackney and Paul
Gordner. Then Lou Hackney became the second club caller, and
taught the third class, which graduated in February 1976. In
these early years of the club, it was not unusual for two
classes per year to graduate.
The Hanger Squares became a member of the Houston Square and
Round Dance Council on July 18, 1976. Since then, club members
have actively served in many capacities in the HSRDC and the
state square dance organization, the TSFSRD. We currently have
two Past Presidents of HSRDC and a past President of the TSFSRD.
In August of 1979, Curtis Byars became our third regular
caller and is our current club caller.
A traditional Jubilee has been held the first Saturday in May
since 1981. This event features a festive meal, square and line
dance workshops, and an evening of square and line dancing.
Callers and cuers from the surrounding area have volunteered
their time and talent to support this fund raising activity. For
the past Seven years the mayor of Friendswood has proclaimed the
Jubilee date as "Official Hanger Squares Day" in Friendswood.
The Hanger Squares have always placed a high value on fun,
fellowship, and visitation with other clubs, supporting HSRDC
activities, and introducing new friends to the fun of square
dancing. Over the years, many of our activities such as our
Anniversary Dance, Jubilee, 5th Saturday Specials,
Funstitute, Mystery Trip, and Christmas Progressive Dinner have
become established annual traditions of our club. |
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