The Past
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~ Arena
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~ Square Dancing
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Square Dancing first began
in the Enderby area in 1913 at the Grindrod Farmers' Hall. It soon died out because of the
two World Wars.
In the fall of 1957 a man named Eric Hopkins came from Vernon to teach Square Dancing at
Ashton Creek. This was paid through a government recreation grant. Eric Hopkins was
involved in Square Dancing in the Enderby area for about one year. After he left, John
Bogert was the caller in Ashton Creek.
In late 1958, a group was formed in Enderby. They called themselves "Circle H".
"Circle H" met in the old K.P. Hall which is now known as Saena Electronics. Les
Boyer was the caller at that time. Some of the first members of the "Circle H"
group were:
Mr. and Mrs. Herb Scott
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Scott
Mr. and Mrs. John Bogert
Mr. and Mrs. James Emeny
Mr. and Mrs. Daryl Williams
After the "Circle H" group slowed down, the Enderby group joined a group in
Armstrong. Square Dancing in Armstrong was held at the Agricultural Hall. Soon after, the
two groups decided to meet between Enderby and Armstrong. The group decided to call
themselves the "Kokanee Kickers" with John Bogert calling.
The teens of Enderby and Armstrong were also involved in Square Dancing. Under the
leadership of their caller Joe Card, they annually entered the Teen Festival held down on
the coast. Younger kids lacked the concentration to dance, so the Teen group was the
youngest age to dance.
For a short time in 1965 there was Square Dancing in Mara. John Bogert and Joe Card were
the callers. Since Enderby was situated in the middle of the Square Dancing District, the
dancers soon moved back. Everyone and anyone was invited to come and dance for a night of
fun.
There was an annual fee that was paid to cover the cost of the caller. It was only
occasionally that live music was used.
The first Square Dance Jamboree was held in Penticton. There were no Jamborees held in
Enderby; instead they had party night where anyone in the Okanagan was invited to the
Club. When groups got together they didn't perform for each other; everyone just danced
together. Although some clubs sent out special invitations to their party nights, mostly
it was all open invitation.
All Square Dancers were encouraged to wear the traditional western outfits. Women were to
wear a denim shirt and skirt. Man were encouraged to wear jeans and a denim shirt.
Soft-soled shoes were preferred because most of the dancing was done on hardwood floors.
From my research, I have found that Square Dancing in Enderby has had a long and rich
tradition.
Heather MacDougall
ALF School 1989