History of the Swingin’ Singles Square Dance Club

It all began when Ethel Zimmerman visited her daughter in Boise, Idaho in July of 1973. Since her daughter knew her mother liked square dancing, they made inquiries of where there was a club. She visited the “Single Swingers” and met the president who introduced her to other dancers, and Ethel had a great time. She now had a dream. Since that club had met at the YWCA, she wondered what the YWCA would have here in ST. Louis. She talked to all the other single dancers she knew, and they all agreed it would be a great thing to have their own club. She called the YWCA in Clayton and talked to Pat Cooke who was greatly impressed. To be able to get the hall there, all of the lady members had to join the YWCA and the men became associate members. After working hard on getting the news to all interested points, the big night came on November 3, 1973. Frank Schroeter was contacted and agreed to call for them. The ladies brought refreshments and the “Y” furnished the coffee. The evening was a huge success with more than 100 attending. Frank Schroeter called alternating “tips” to take care of all levels of the dancers present.

During January of 1974, they formed the club and called it the “Swingin’ Singles with 24 members, 11 men and 13 women. The Swingin’ Singles Club danced on the first Saturday of each month at the County Branch of the YWCA at 140 North Brentwood Blvd. Now they dance twice a month on the first and third Saturdays. On January 27, 1974 a class was started by the singles and built under the leadership of Ethel Zimmerman, who has since moved to California. The classes always had an abundance of ladies, so to assure them of their chance to dance, a number system was used and still is. Frank Schroeter was the instructor and beginner class caller until he retired due to health reasons. The last dance that he called for the Singles was on March 18, 1978. We thank Frank for his great patience in helping our club grow. Lou Potts consented to be our class instructor and continued until his work schedule changed. Mike Corns is the present class instructor.

The very first officers of the club were: President, Bernard Zoborosky; Vice President, Ethel Zimmerman; Recording Secretary, June (McDade) Kroeck; Treasurer, Del (Smith) McGinty; and Corresponding Secretary, Barbara (Oberjuerge) Powell. Several of the singles have also found their love while members and are now happily married. On May 25, 1981 the first baby boy, Ben Gildehaus, was born to two singles who met and married while members of the club. Ben will be looking for a partner in 1999. Any offers???

It happened on Friday the 13th, the Singles took their first banner home – that of the Double Dixies. They were also booked for exhibitions and danced on the Admiral which was an annual event given by the Federation and thoroughly enjoyed by all square dancers.

Tom Owings served as the second president of the Singles, followed by Joe Gildehaus, Mike Cromer, and Joe Lonsdorf III. The dance hall was changed to the Glendale Lutheran Church on Sappington Road and Manchester Road on May 6, 1978.

The Singles hosted the Federation Picnic on June 1, 1980. They had a charity project at the picnic of which the proceeds were donated to the Cancer Society. At this time they have won the raiding plaque for the third consecutive time.

On February 20, 1982 we moved to our present hall, Webster Groves Christian Church, 1320 West Lockwood Avenue at Berry Road. Carolyn (Heady) White was president at that time. The Singles acquired their “We Done It” award through the efforts of Joe Ohmoto and Art Miller for getting the dancers together to accomplish it. Our thanks to Joe and Art for a job well done.

On April 2, 1983 with Jim Vacca, President, we had a record-breaking crowd of more than 242 present. Our Tenderfoot Dance, one of our big events, was held at Marvin School on Saturday, April 30, 1983, with more than 233 new dancers in attendance. Jim Vacca, our president, was asked if he would be chairman of the 37th Annual Festival and the Singles would be the host club. The response was great, and committees were formed and plans were made for a very successful festival. Everyone who was asked were very pleased to be part of the annual event.

With Don Tabor as our president, something new has been added to our club. On September 17, 1984, a round dance class sponsored by the Singles under the direction of Gene and Del McGinty, round dance teachers, was formed.

The Singles work hard at everything they set out to accomplish and are proud to be the host club for the 1985 “Square Dance Heritage” Festival.

Compiled by Rosemary Parker and Pauline Nocifora* with the help of Mike Cromer (1985) *Pauline is a member of Singles & Doubles in 2024. The name of the club changed to Singles & Doubles in September, 2006 when Don Kramme was president.