Square Dance Leaders
Ernie and Ellie Chase have unselfishly given of themselves to their community and the square dance activity in a leadership role with various organizations, all for the betterment of the community and square dancing. Their organizational skills are outstanding and their accomplishments are many in a sharing of their time and talents with others.
They were introduced to Square Dancing by their teenage son and daughter in 1961 and became members of the Shindiggers of Wenham, Massachusetts and continue to this day as active lifetime members. As well as having held many offices in the club they have twice served as Presidents and were instrumental in forming the Shindiggers Teen Square Dance Club. They started Round Dancing in the 60’s with the Fifth Nighters. Since serving as Presidents of EDSARDA in 1967 they have continued in various capacities and currently are Clerks and members of the Administrative Procedures Committee. Since 1967 they have been EDSARDA delegates to the Cooperation Committee and represented EDSARDA on the Yankee Clipper Award sub-committee for the first five years when the title, type of award and criteria was developed. Were incorporators of the Square Dance Foundation of New England, served as officers and currently are Chairmen of the Board of
Trustees. In 1983 they were listed in the “Who’s Who” of Square Dancing and are also Associate Members of Legacy.
Not only have they been active in square dancing, over the years their other interests have included active church participation with Ernie serving as Moderator of the church during the time of raising funds and rebuilding after the church was destroyed by fire, Master Councilor of the local Chapter of the DeMolay and has also been active in Masonic Circles. Member of the Board of Aldermen in Beverly for four years, member of the Beverly Planning Board for twenty two years, serving as Chairman for two years, was Chairman of the Beverly School Committee for four years and was also involved in many school projects.
In addition to all this they have raised four children (three of whom were square dancers). Before retiring, Ernie was Manager of Engineering Services of the American Shoe Machinery Company in Woburn and Ellie was employed as Cook at the Kinder-care Learning Center in Danvers. They both retired in 1982 to enjoy their hobbies of working on their small farm in Maine, Gardening, Photography, Walking, Woodworking, Sewing, Music and of course Square and Round Dancing.
Ernie and Ellie exemplify the true spirit of Square Dancing, a sharing of one’s self for the betterment of many. Their list of accomplishments and involvement in the New England scene deserves recognition. They are fun loving, dedicated, hard workers and enthusiastic in all that they do. More, important, those who have come to know them value their friendship and cherish the fact they have come our way.
The YANKEE CLIPPER AWARD is well deserved by Ernie and Ellie for their unselfish dedication to sharing and working with and for others throughout New England.
April 25th, 1987