Emery Wheels

In 1975 the minister of the Platte Woods United Methodist Church, where the Emery Wheels used to dance, decided he wanted a square dance club as part of his church program. Our caller, Emery Wilson, had retired from square dance calling for about seven years, but the minister of the church insisted that Emery get back into square dance calling, and the Emery Wheel square dance club was born.

Our first beginner square dance lessons started October 13, 1975, and six squares completed the lessons after fifteen weeks.

A very large crowd attended the Emery Wheel's first dance on March 19, 1976. "We Were On Our Way."

The club joined the Federation in April, 1976, with the main goal of promoting square dancing, good fellowship, and friendliness.

In February, 1997, the Emery Wheels's by-laws were written. The president's wife, Barbara Budd, designed and made our banner and two traveling banners.

The Emery Pen Wheel, our newsletter, was born in 1978. This newsletter contains all club news, a list of visitation schedules, a list of the members who participated in the vigorous visitation the previous month, and any other timely information.

In April of each year, a closed dance was held and we had election of officers for the coming year.

A special board meeting was held August 16, 1981 with the purpose of obtaining a new caller. Much to our dismay, Emery Wilson had to resign due to health reasons. Gary Schick became our new caller beginning with the Fall, 1981 dance season. However, due to a job transfer, we lost Gary in July, 1982.

Dick Enderle agreed to become our caller, starting with the September, 1982 season. Dick told us many times, our founder, Emery Wilson, taught him to call. Dick suffered a heart attack, and after heart surgery, and a courageous battle, Dick passed away April 24, 1986. Dick left his darling wife, Ninfa, a son, and a daughter, and numerous family and friends who loved him.

We were lucky to secure Jay Krebs as our caller. Jay and his wife Linda were truly an asset to the Emery Wheels, and equally as important to the club was Charles Simmons, our cuer, and his Taw Nadine. We were grate?ful to these two couples for giving so much of themselves to the Emery Wheels. A great big yellow rock from all of us! AND THANK YOU JAY, LINDA, CHARLES, AND NADINE!

We had one Honorary member, Fern Hawkins, she and her late husband, Bill, were Charter members. We miss them both, they were devoted Emery Wheels and dear friends.

And, most important to all of us, our President couples in 1997, Arn and Martha Hudnall, were Charter members of the club. Talk about devotion! Thank you Arn and Martha, you are SPECIAL!

Our main goal was always to promote square dancing, good fellowship, and friendliness.

The Emery Wheels closed their doors on August 24, 2001.