6 Oct 2012

Square Dancing in 1953

Emu Park, electricity.... and square dancing
When electricity was switched on in the seaside town of Emu Park in November 1953 by the Minister for Public Instruction, the community celebrated with a huge crowd of square dancers taking over Bell Park. The Emu Park Transmission Line laid down by the Capricornia Regional Electricity Board featured an 11,000 kv line coming direct from Rockhampton to the small village. Emu Park residents were delighted to have a regular power supply to run their refrigerators – and travellers could access power in the popular camping areas. A photograph in The Morning Bulletin of 9 November 1953 shows a vibrant scene of square dancers kicking up their heels in joyful abandon. It’s nice to know that the gorgeous dancing traditions of the past are still being taught and celebrated today.