The photographs in these galleries ...

   The photographs on this web site are examples of a sensitivity to, and a genuine enthusiasm for, the gestures and character of the early culture and heritage of America right up to and including today in what is known as Modern Western Square Dance or Modern American Square Dance. It reveals to us an America that once was - and what it still is. Square dancing is known as America's folk dance. The origins of the square dance are uncertain. There are English, French, Scandinavian, and Spanish elements in square-dancing.

   The square dance is an American institution. It began in New England when the first settlers and the immigrant groups that followed, brought with them their various national dances, which we now call folk dances, but which were the popular dances of the day in the countries of their origin. After a week of toil in building new homes and carving homes out of virgin forest, the settlers would gather in the community center on Saturday evening and enjoy dancing their old-world favorites.

   Henry Ford became interested in the revival of square dancing as a part of his early New England restoration project. His efforts captured the interest of other individuals who then modernized the activity so that it would appeal to contemporary America while retaining its basic flavor. Square dancing groups began to form hither and yon. The people who had rediscovered this activity were determined to retain it, to perpetuate it and to share it with others. In the process of revival, the barn and the little brown jug disappeared from the scene and square dancing moved into the urban centers. Name tags, worn by all dancers, put everyone on a first-name basis and thereby created instant informality and good fellowship. That's where we are today.

   The Grand Squares club members share with you some of our fun and activities in these photos. You see us, people from all walks of life, dancing, having the times of our lives - square dancing. Won't you join us?

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Disclaimer of Liability ...

   Neither Lon Ligon, nor any his family, friends, or volunteers acting on behalf of the Grand Squares, shall be held liable for any improper or incorrect use of the information described and/or contained herein and assumes no responsibility for anyone's use of the information. In no event shall the Grand Squares or its members or volunteers acting on behalf of Lon Ligon / Grand Squares, be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, or consequential damages (including, but not limited to, procurement or substitute goods or services; loss of use, data, or profits; or business interruption), however caused, on any theory of liability, whether in contract, strict liability, or tort (including negligence or otherwise) arising in any way out of the use of this system/web site, even if advised of the possibility of such damage.

   The information and data on this world wide web site is provided on a "As is, As available" basis without warranty of any kind. I, the website author: make no representations, express or implied, as to the accuracy of the information and data contained on this world wide web site; accept no liability for any use of the said information and data or reliance placed on it; make no representations, either express or implied, as to the suitability of the said information and data for any particular purpose; make no warranties that the said information and data is free of infection by computer viruses or other contamination.

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