THE RAFTER ROCKER
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The
Club held it’s first hoedown in the first year,
and has sponsored at least one in every subsequent year. No record
could be
found of a theme for the first hoedown, but themes in other years have
included, “Lil Bit of Hawaii”, “Honolulu”, “All Singing Calls”, “South
Of The
Border”, and in 1979 and subsequent years “Circus Circus”. Our “Circus
Circus”
hoedown has for many years been famous both for the extensive
decorations (most
made by club members) and for the exceptional quality and quantity of
food
provided. Neva
Johannes retired as caller in 1967, and was
replaced by Herb Jackson, who, in turn, was replaced by Bob Tripp in
1974. Bob,
who had previously called for the Krazy Dazys, is credited for
pioneering the
all-singing-call hoedowns. When Bob retired in 1980, he was replaced by
Ken
Kenmille, who called for the Club for the next 20 years. When Ken
retired in
2000, he was replaced by our current caller, Gary Carnes. The Club has
been
truly fortunate to have had this outstanding array of talented callers
through
the years. The
Club Banner, in its present design, first
appeared in 1974, and was extensively refurbished in 1986. In 1978 the
“Barn
Outfits” were designed and sewn by the ladies of the club, and adopted
as the
club dress. Later (in the 90’s) the patchwork skirts were adopted as an
alternate club outfit. The
Club continued to grow, reaching nearly 100
couples and maintaining that level through much of the 80’s and 90’s.
Like many
square dance clubs of this era, the Rafter Rockers has a rich history
of social
activities that have continued to the present time. These activities
have
included campouts, picnics, mystery trips, theater parties, progressive
dinners, house tours, sailing on the bay, hiking, whale watching, ice
cream
socials, and more. The Club has also been very active in supporting
square
dancing. In addition to attendance and participation at local hoedowns,
these
activities have included membership for many years in SCVSDA,
participation in
festivals and special events such as the Jubilee, Winterfest, Silver
State,
Napa, and the Nationals at Anaheim and Portland, and
demonstrating
square
dancing at the Fair and other locations. * * * |
Last
updated October 13, 2005 RJ HOME PAGE |