Graphics by Dale Miller

 

CLUB HISTORY

The FairBees had their beginning in 1957 when a small group of square dancers met in County Commissioner "Squatty" Lyons's precinct Barn off the old Hempstead Highway, part of which is now Highway 290 in northwest Houston. You may wonder how the name Fairbees originated. The precinct barn was located in a small community know as Fairbanks, hence, the name FairBees. 

Through the years, it has been necessary to move to several different locations, most of them in the northwest areas of Houston. As an indication of the members' ability to adapt to the moving situations, our club has survived through one precinct barn, two schools, one skating rink, and six churches. All of these locations bring back many fond memories. 

During the early years, the majority of the callers had permanent jobs elsewhere and square dance calling was more of a part time hobby. The club had a regular caller who called for all of the club dances except for an occasional visiting caller. Some of our former regular club callers were Pat Barbour, who began his calling career with the FairBees, Pat Kotal, Johnnie Wykoff, Wade Driver  and several others who are still actively calling in Houston.

The FairBees first began having regular round dancing when meeting at the Wainwright Elementary School, and Leo and Roxy Bacon were the first cuers who taught the club members to round dance. Maurice and Melba Chambers were our club cuers for several years prior to our discontinuing round dancing.

In the mid-seventies, a group of FairBees who owned recreational vehicles decided to reactivate the Houston Area Camping Squares, a group of square dancing campers that had become inactive. This was a successful endeavor, and the Houston Area Camping Squares is still very active and consists of approximately forty camping rigs.

A club with a history such as the FairBees is not without some very interesting and amusing events.

Here are a few:

    • A copy of the Treasurer's Report for June 28, 1965, while the club was still meeting in the precinct barn, revealed a balance of $69.76 in the treasury.
    • At one time a report was given concerning a rather lengthy meeting of the executive board. According to the minutes, "After considerable discussion, the meeting was temporarily adjourned until after the dance. The meeting reconvened at the $1.19 Steak House, all board members present, except one."
    • Selecting club square dancing dresses seems to often create a problem for the ladies. This is quoted from the club minutes of November 4, 1965: "The first topic of old business for discussion was the club dress. Since the members could not agree on the dress, and there had been so much controversy over it, the board members agreed that there should be no more discussion about the dress for a while. It was felt that if this subject was not dropped at the time, the club could lose members over it which we certainly do not want to happen."
    • On one occasion the FairBees went to the Shrine Circus dressed in the yellow FairBees Tee-shirts, black shorts and skirts and black and yellow stripe socks. They were all seated in one section of the Coliseum. To their surprise the spotlight was focused on them. The announcer recognized them and they received a round of applause from the audience.
Each year, at the Christmas Special Dance, the tradition is that the admission charge is a Christmas toy or gift for a young child. These presents, along with any cash donations, are donated to the Church who distributes them to the needy.