Kentucky Foothills Square Dance Oral History Collection

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: BCA 0268

Staff Only

Abstract

Interviews recorded by Susan Spalding documenting the history of square dancing in Berea and surrounding counties. Also included are selected audio and video excerpts of local dance groups and callers. The dancing is the type done in a big circle that divides into smaller “squares” of two couples.

Listen to Interview recordings

The time period covered is from the beginning of the twentieth century through about 1970. Spalding determined that in the early years square dancing took place predominantly in homes, moving to lodges, schools, and other larger places by the 1930s and 40s. By mid-century the venues and occasions began to shift toward competitions and festivals, although people danced in local establishments until the 1970s.

Dates

created: 2014
Other: Majority of material found in 2014
Other: Date acquired: 01/01/1901

Creator

Spalding, Susan Eike. (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

All records within this collection can be accessed digitally by following recording links for each interview. Records can also be accessed through the Reading Room, Berea College Special Collections and Archives, Hutchins Library, Berea College.