October 2007

Docey Dandies

Square dancing for the Docey Dandies began in Gardner Kansas, in 1956 when a few enthusiastic couples talked 60 couples into taking square dance lessons. After T. J. Miller, the caller finished with lessons, there were 36 couples remaining. During those lessons, the club name Docey Dandies was selected.

The club survived hard times. Finding places to dance was one of the hardest obstacles to overcome. The club has danced in the school cafeteria, city auditorium, school band room, above the Old Farmers Bank, school patio, American Legion Building, Gay's Little Gray Barn, the 4-H Building an now in the Grange Hall at the Johnson County Fairgrounds. At one time lesson space was provided by Argo's Furniture Store. The Argo Folks would move furniture out of the way to provide dancing space.

Club Callers were: T.J Miller, Dick Enderle, Russ Grove, Bruce Bird, Jim Ellis and our most recent caller Mike Salerno.

Every 2nd and 4th Saturday nights, the Docey dandies have had dancers from all over come to dance with us. We have had dancers from as far away as Canada, as well as other States. We host an Annual New Years Eve Dance at the Grange Hall. We have had crowds as high as 300 dancers for this event from places like Kansas City, Lawrence, Topeka, Olathe and Gardner. Guest are served dinner, dance to three callers, ring in the New Year and have breakfast after midnight.

The Docey Dandies are active participants in the Vigorous Visitors Program sponsored by the Heart of America Federation.

12/6/10