Bates County Star Squares

The first set of square dance lessons were given in September of 1979 by Ralph Mattingley of Nevada, Missouri. Graduation was in January of 1980. The next lessons were started shortly after graduation, which gave those of us who were slow learners a second chance.

Club colors were chosen as navy blue and white. Club name of "Bates County Star Squares" was chosen. The club danced at the American Legion Building in Butler. We were a caller run club for the first eighteen months. Then Ralph's job transferred him to Oklahoma. We then had to organize our own club. Bill and Madalyn Beard were elected Presidents, Quentin and Blanche Cumpton, Vice Presidents, Herman and Zella Mager, Treasurers. Jack Pinkston was hired as club caller. For several years, Jerry and Dot Yockey from Fort Scott, Kansas, were our club round dance cuers.

Our present dance location, Old Butler High School, was arranged for us by Harold Alexander, one of the club members, who at that time was on the City Council, on the condition we do the work on the room ourselves, and furnish the material also, which we did with the help of a lot of faithful members. We are still very proud of our hardwood dance floor.

Charter members of the Bates County Star Squares were: Elvin and Karolyn Bearce, Bill and Madalyn Beard, Greg and Karen Berry, Leroy and Sally Cook, Edward and Helen Dugan, Randall Fassler, Oren and Jessalee Fritts, Dean and Betty Keiser, Frank and June Keith, Dennis and Marge Lockette, Herman and Zella Mager, Ralph and Gail Mattingly, Earl and Lois Muiller, George and Noma Parker, Jim and Mary Prine, George and Eloise Radford, Dean and Cordy Reed, Ken and Linda Ruhs, Rogers and Goldie Saathoff, Wes and Virginia Shall, Bob and Gloria Turpin, Otis and Ina Watson, Hazel Belle Watts, Wess and Sherry Wessley, Karla Wigger, Ervin and Helen York.

Club No Longer Dancing