Stories in Rockhampton's 'Morning Bulletin' newspaper reveal some tantalising
titbits about the square dance craze that hit Australia during the 1950s. The Junior Chamber
of Commerce and the YMCA were heavily involved in presenting dance classes to the hundreds
of teenagers interested in learning a new dance style in the central Queensland area in the
early part of the '50s.
John Martins store in East Street sold thousands of handbags to fashionable young things in
the region and promoted the 'Square Dance Bag' which featured a 'compact yet
roomy' handbag (with a strong clip) for girls interested in looking stylish at dances.
Luckily dancers today no longer require the accoutrements of yesteryear to have fun on the
dance floor.