THE DOWN EAST WESTERN SQUARE DANCE CLUB
P.O. Box 155
Kittery, Maine 03904

DOWN EAST !!!


Sailing Ship

One of the "most-asked" questions of the Maine Tourist concerns the term "Down East". It would seem that inasmuch as Maine is north of the rest of the country, "Down" is a contradiction of terms.

In early times, it turns out, the state of Maine was generally reached from Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and other southern points, by nineteenth-century coastal schooners set on a northeast course. Because they sailed with the prevailing southwest wind at their backs or downwind, they were said to be sailing "down east", therefore creating the local term,"Going Down to Maine" or "Down East".


Founded

In 1953 a small group of square dancers, some who were Traditional or Contra Dancers, started meeting at the home of Commander Robert and Edna Blackwood, to learn the art of "Western Style Square Dancing". In the spring of 1954, this group adopted a set of by-laws, elected officers, and officially formed into a Square Dance Club. From this modest start, "The Down East Western Square Dance Club" of Kittery, Maine was born.


Important Notice !!

At the conclusion of this 2003 summer dance season, August 19, the Down East Western Square Dance Club Executive Committee will meet to make preparations to close the Club's books.

After 50 fabulous years of having great fun, exciting dancing, wonderful exercise, exceptional calling and cueing, and making lasting friendships, we regret that we will be pulling down the shades, turning off the lights, closing the door, and fading into the sunset.

We do this with much sadness but with our heads held high for having provided the means for hundreds of dancers to learn and enjoy square dancing.

We thank all the wonderful dancers that have visited our club over the years and sometime, somewhere, somehow some of our remaining members may be joining you in a square.


Aurevoir


Dancers

Down East Western Square Dance Club
Last Modified: August 16, 2003


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