Shall we dance? - Glimpses of the Past with Karen Webster
This time we will take a look at the dances held in the 1950s and 1960s. There are probably similarities to be found in any and all of the Huron County dance halls of that era, but the focus will be on those in Dungannon.
In 1948, the Dungannon Agricultural Society obtained the fire hall of the former Royal Air Force Air Navigation base at Port Albert and moved it to its property just west of Dungannon. This large building, with a good floor for dancing, soon became a popular choice for social events. Previously, small church halls and even homes with double parlours were used for dances.
A typical event was the reception for a recently married couple after they had returned from their honeymoon. Friends and neighbours would arrange the event, which would be open to all the public. At the door there would be a collection box and a book for guests to sign, including the amount of money they were donating. Later in the evening, a presentation of a purse of money was made, at which time the young couple could express their appreciation for the event.
Whole families would attend these affairs, and it was here that the younger generation learned the steps for such dances as the schottische, Gay Gordon, Heel and Toe polka, as well as the old-fashioned waltz. No dance was complete without a couple of square dances. Some local men, such as Horace Crawford, were accomplished at calling sets such as “Dip and Dive” and “Birdie Fly In Hawky Fly Out.” Four couples would start by forming the sides of a square and then follow the calls, such as allemande left (linking left arms with the person on the lady’s right, then walking forward and completing a turn to return to the starting position) or swing (holding their partner, couples pivoting on their right feet and propelling clockwise with the left feet).
One of the more energetic calls involved all the ladies joining hands behind the men’s necks, while the men joined hands behind the women’s waists, then circling to the men’s right with the aim of lifting the women off their feet—a manoeuvre that resulted in much laughter. Calls might follow a pattern such as:
“A right to the buggy, a left to the wheel
The harder you swing, the better you feel
The better you feel, the better you swing
So swing your own in a great big ring.”
After many years of hearing the calls, dancers were able to follow the directions easily and could guide any newcomers to their correct spots.
After a square dance, many would seek a breather outdoors. Since no alcohol was allowed in the hall, perhaps more than fresh air was sought. Popular bands for these dances included Boyds, Tiffins, and Carruthers, and later groups like the Country Companions.
As mentioned, these were family affairs, and when the hour grew late, sometimes some youngsters would be fast asleep on coats piled on a chair. When lunchtime rolled around, salmon, egg, and ham sandwiches would appear, either made by the hosts or by those in attendance in response to the invitation of “ladies, please bring lunch.”
In Dungannon, the caretaker, Ben Park, was in charge of the coffee. He would brew it in a large copper boiler on the woodstove in the kitchen annex. Milk and sugar would be added before serving so that everyone had the same drink. No mocha lattes or double-doubles there. Tubs of time-worn cups were distributed, and the coffee was served from white enamel pitchers, followed by the sandwiches.
When it was a wedding reception, it was traditional for the young couple to go around the hall offering pieces of their wedding cake. These would be finger-sized servings of the traditional fruit cake, made by the bride’s mother or other relatives. The pieces would be wrapped in plastic or tinfoil. Young girls receiving this token were advised to put it under their pillow so that they might dream of their future husband.
After many hours of playing music, the band members would start to pack up their instruments. This usually signaled the crowd to line up in front of the stage, clap, stomp, and ask for more music. Sometimes an impromptu collection was hastily gathered, and the band agreed to stay on for a few more songs. This was in the era before musicians’ unions governed working hours and province-mandated closing times for events where liquor was sold.
Every band had its signature song, such as “Good Night Ladies,” that they played to end the evening’s entertainment. Following a reception, sometimes revelers would wait until the young couple had retired for the night and then chivaree them, playing harmless tricks to add to the fun.
Many are the fond memories of these dances, which were part of the cement that bound communities together.