Name/Title
Star Prowlers scrapbookEntry/Object ID
2017.19.2Scope and Content
A scrapbook compiled by the Star Prowlers square dancing club of Broomfield, 1978-1989. The book is 11.75" x 18" x 2.75" when closed, with metal three ring binding. The cover is hardcover with blue fabric. Yellow felt is used for lettering on the front, stating "Star prowlers," as well as a silhouette of a square dancing couple and a large star in the lower left and upper right corners, respectively.
Contents of the scrapbook include several photographs (black and white silver gelatin and color prints), newspaper clippings, event flyers, schedules, thank you notes, and certificates pertaining to the Star Prowlers. Events such as square dancing workshops, meals, and special dances are all documented, with notes handwritten for certain events and individuals. Of particular interest is the annual Yellow Rock Dance, a chicken-themed dance, Broomfield Days, barbecues, a farewell celebration for caller Dave Kennedy, and square dancing challenges. The Star Prowlers would regularly dance at other clubs to "steal" banners as part of a friendly, informal competition. They would also host clubs that would come to steal theirs, which would prompt the Prowlers to visit and retrieve the banner from the opposing club.Collection
Permanent CollectionLexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Secondary Object Term
ScrapbookNomenclature Primary Object Term
AlbumNomenclature Sub-Class
MemorabiliaNomenclature Class
Documentary ObjectsNomenclature Category
Category 08: Communication ObjectsLOC Thesaurus for Graphic Materials
Clubs, Scrapbooks, Square dancingSearch Terms
Broomfield Days, Star Prowlers Square Dance ClubArchive Details
Date(s) of Creation
1978 - 1989Archive Size/Extent
One scrapbook, 11.75" x 18" x 2.75"Archive Notes
Date(s) Created: 1978-1989
Date(s): 1978-1989
Copy/Orig/Other: OriginalRelationships
Related Entries
Notes
2017.19.1, 2017.19.3, 2017.19.4, 2021.3.1a-sProvenance
Notes
Admin or Biographical History: The Star Prowler square dance club was founded in 1970 and lasted until 1995. During this time, the club enjoyed a robust membership, moving into the Broomfield Grange in the early 1970s every first and third Saturday of each month to dance.
Square dancing, often associated with American folk dance, generally involves four pairs of dancers forming a square and facing the center, being prompted to change formation or step by a "caller." For the Star Prowlers, the caller would remain on stage facing the dance floor to call out directions by microphone. At least three callers presided over the Star Prowlers' dances through its history: Larry Buhler, Dave Kennedy, and Larry Reichert.
In addition to scheduled dances, the club would hold themed dances and events, such as the Hillbilly Dance, Yellow Rock Dance, Chicken dances, square dancing workshops, and graduation dances for new members (where each graduate would cross dress), each with their own unique traditions. For example, the Yellow Rock Dance saw the caller of a square dance tell the performers at certain times to switch partners at the corner of the dance formation by hugging the new partner. Traditions such as this helped to make different dances feel like annual events for the club to get together and celebrate.
The club also had its own special banner, and would visit 48 other square dance clubs across Colorado to "steal" their banners by dancing at them (or vice versa). This would prompt the club whose banner was stolen to dance at the opposing club to retrieve theirs. This tradition was practiced nationally by several square dancing clubs, and served as a friendly, social competition that allowed clubs to visit one another. The club would also fly its banner proudly at community events in and around Broomfield, such as the annual Broomfield Days parade. The banner was created by Prowlers Sarah Ann Smith and Ruby LeMasters.
[History written with information from donor Sarah Ann Smith and information from scrapbooks]
Custodial History: Scrapbook is part of a collection of four, donated to the Broomfield Depot Museum by Sarah Ann Smith in 2017. Smith and her husband, Joseph Smith, were both members of the Star Prowlers square dancing club from the 1970s to 1995. The scrapbooks were originally compiled and kept by Sarah Ann.