Not only did the GI’s coming home from World War II go to school on the GI Bill, they became part of a very mobile society. Jobs brought people together in new and different places from all parts of the country. Square dancing became an easy way to meet and make friends in a new town. Lloyd “Pappy” Shaw, school superintendent from Colorado, ignited this interest in square dancing. As its popularity increased many square dancing clubs were caller-run. It didn’t take long for public officials who saw their facilities being used for profit by caller-run clubs to want to rent at commercial rates.

Callers Bob Osgood, Ralph Maxheimer, “Jonsey” Jones, and Dale Garrett were instrumental in forming non-profit square dancing clubs. Thus, they were able to use these public facilities for free or a small fee. Then, it was felt by these square dance leaders that the clubs ought to form associations in order to promote square and round dancing, attract new dancers, encourage friendliness among dancers, establish some standards, and protect square dancing from anything detrimental.

In 1948, the ASSOCIATED SQUARE DANCERS, also known as
A Square D, was organized. In 1950, the Associated Square Dancers was incorporated as a non-profit organization. Beginning with 7 clubs and 7 officers, it grew to 300+ clubs in the 60’s.

During this nearly 53 years of existence, A Square D has supported all National Square Dance Conventions beginning with the first one in 1952 in Riverside, CA. A Square D was the sponsor of the 1988 37th National Square Dance Convention, as well as the June 27-30, 2001, 50th National Square Dance Convention in Anaheim. A Square D also has sponsored the 1960 & 1966 California State Square Dance Conventions.

A Square D was instrumental in forming the California Square Dance Council in 1950. In 1967, A Square D resigned from the council, because the council wanted to limit the number of clubs in our association.

In 1956, A Square D was able to obtain low-cost primary liability and secondary medical insurance for its members. Currently that cost is $3.65 per member per year.

In 1973, A Square D secured recognition by the IRS as Tax Exempt. Then, in 1977, it succeeded in getting tax exempt status for all the clubs in the Association. If a club’s gross income is normally less than $25,000 for the year, they do not have to file an income tax return with either the IRS or the CA Franchise Tax Board.

There are monthly board meetings and monthly district meetings. The districts are named Orange, South Bay/West Side, and Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara. Club delegates meet to discuss relevant issues. The matters discussed are the promotion of square and round dancing, an interchange of ideas, encouraging friendliness among square and round dancers, and disseminating information to all the clubs. Officers for the A Square D board may only serve for one year in that office. This is to ensure fresh ideas brought forward for consideration.