The History of Jones Hangar and the Hanger Square Dance Club

Hangar History

The Hangar, aptly named, was an airplane hangar on an estate owned by Dr. Bill Jones. The hangar was at the end of his private landing field, and housed his two-engine airplane most of the time. On Saturday evenings, the hangar doors were thrown open, the plane was rolled out and the hangar was turned into a square dance hall for a couple of hours. After the dance, the plane was rolled back in and the hangar reverted back to its original use.

 Several years ago, Dr. Jones sold the estate, which was later subdivided, and is now a subdivision of houses. He reserved the hangar and grounds, and donated them to the City of  Friendswood  for recreational use.  Over the years, the hangar has been refurbished with a new interior, including a tile floor and the all-important AC and heat.

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 was our club caller until mid-2009. He was the heart and soul of the Hanger Squares for 30 years.

We miss you Curtis!

Our Annual Jubilee

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, Fun-Sti-Tute, and Christmas Dinner have become established annual traditions of our club.

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