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Blue Bell Square Dance Club records

 Collection
Identifier: Ms-0502

Content Description

The Blue Bell Square Dance Club records are arranged in two series: Organizational records and scrapbooks/photographs. These materials span the years 1973-2013.

Organizational records consists of club activities, bylaws, membership and financial statements. Scrapbooks/photographs primarily cover events and social gatherings held by the club throughout its existence.

Dates

  • 1973 - 2013

Conditions Governing Use

Open. All materials in this collection are available for research under supervised conditions in the Research Room. Researchers should contact the department in advance to make arrangements to view unprocessed materials, as these may need to be screened before use.

Biographical / Historical

The Blue Bell Square Dance Club was formed January 3, 1951 by a group of Mountain Bell telephone company employees. The club’s membership initially consisted of married couples only, and was intentionally kept small. It was later opened up to a wider membership. The club’s main objective was to “provide wholesome and appropriate recreation for members and guests.” The club met on Wednesdays, first at the VFW Hall, then, after 1999, at the Belton Bridge Center, both located in Las Cruces.

The club had an elected board of directors, made up of president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, immediate past president, and two members in good standing. The club held recreational square dances for its members and guests. Members provided square dance lessons for novices and the club sponsored various social events for its members. In April 1951, the club joined the statewide New Mexico Square Dance Association. After 65 years, the club ceased activities May 31, 2016. 

Extent

4 Linear Feet (2 Hollinger boxes, 1 Paige box and 3 photo binders)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The records of the Blue Bell Square Dance Club document the activities of a Las Cruces square dance and social club, which was active from 1951 to 2016. Consisting of organizational records, scrapbooks, and photographs, the records cover the period 1973-2013 and provide a window on social organizations and leisure activities in the Las Cruces area. The Blue Bell Square Dance Club was established January 3, 1951 by a group of Mountain Bell telephone company employees. The club met on Wednesday nights to discuss club matters. The club’s objective was to “provide wholesome and appropriate recreation for its members.” The club provided dancing lessons, held dance events and sponsored other club activities, in which members could participate. After 65 years, the club ended its functions May 31, 2016.

Processing Information

This collection was processed by Caitlin Wells and Jennifer Chavez, (January-February, 2017).
Title
Guide to the Blue Bell Square Dance Club records
Status
Completed
Author
Finding aid by Caitlin Wells
Date
September 27, 2016
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the New Mexico State University Library Archives and Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Branson Hall
PO Box 30006
MSC 3475
Las Cruces New Mexico 88003 USA