University Daily Kansan / Thursday, May 4, 1989
Glimpse
9
The Square De-Lites dance twice a month at the 4-H Fairgrounds. Singles and married couples attend the dances.
Pat Allard and Jim Driver, Pomona residents, prepare to dance
A hug is received before each dance
'Round the square
Photos by Paula D. Hofaker Story by Candy Niemann
it's not a typical social scene.
women wearing checkered skirts dance with men in flannel shirts. Each time a dancer meets someone new, a welcoming hug is the custom. Colas, coffee, tea and candy lie on the refreshment table, and a caller instructs the dancers on their next moves.
But the members of Square De-Lites, a Lawrence square-dancing club for singles and couples, say they prefer the club's atmosphere to the local bar scene.
"It it's about the best thing that's ever happened to me," said Eddie Butel, of Wellsville, who started square dancing seven years ago. "At first my brother forced me to go; he said it would be good for me, and he was right. Overall, I've never met a nicer bunch of people."
The 70-member club, started by a group of friends in 1982, is a part of the Heart of America Singles Square Dancing Association and the Kansas Square Dancing Association. Members can travel anywhere in the United States and dance at other clubs.
Square De-Lites, one of two Lawrence clubs,
meets twice a month, and membership runs
from September to September. Before joining
the club, you must earn at least $25. Non-members can dance for $40.
The other club, Quantrill Squares, was formed in December.
Betty Loucks, assistant treasurer and a founder of Square De-Lites, said the membership was about half singles and half married couples.
Alice Anderson, of Ottawa, met her fiance at the club last September.
the club last September.
"I don't like to go to bars," Anderson said.
"The guys here are really great. There no liquor, and it is the cleanest place you can go. Most of us have been through separations, so we can nurture one another."
Anderson said that when she joined the club, she was not interested in dating, she just wanted to socialize. She and Kyle Medina, Lawrence resident, will be married June 3.
Charlie Baker, of Ottawa, began square dancing in 1984 when a girlfriend persuaded him to start. Baker and his girlfriend have since enjoyed it but he continues to enjoy the club's atmosphere.
Jay Longstreth. Lawrence resident, travels across the Midwest to meet people and square dance.
"I'd rather come here than to a bar any day," Baker said. "Bars are too noisy and too crowded. Here, it's a totally different atmosphere"
"Some of the best people you'll find in this world are square dancers," Longstreth said.
Marg Clark, Topeka resident, and Rodney Smith, Lawrence resident, promenade.
syvua Lano, Topeka resident, and Bob Friauf, professor of physics and astronomy, hold hands.
Harry Beguelin, Lawrence resident, twirls his partner Milly Seeley, Lawrence