About the Wrong Way Squares

In 1967, Donna (Taber) Lageveen worked as a cashier at Patz's Foods in Hebron, IN.  A regular customer who bought fresh donuts weekly piqued Donna's curiosity.  The customer explained she bought them for square dance lessons in Lowell, and she invited Donna and her husband to join.  They did, attending the lessons hosted by the “Sidewinders” Square Dance Club of Lowell, IN.  Over time, other Hebron residents joined them, both at the "Sidewinders" and a new club, the "Hoosier Heylofters," located between DeMotte and Rensselaer.

Eventually, the Hebron dancers decided to form their own club.  Seventeen people met at Hebron's Colonial Inn on October 16, 1972, to discuss the idea, forming the first Executive Board.  Joe Braun, who was a Square Dance Caller for other area clubs, agreed to be their club caller, and the Board elected to hold their dances at Hebron Public School on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, September through May.

Naming the club proved challenging. After much brainstorming, a few Board members suggested "Wrong Way Squares," believing the unique name would make the club famous.  The banner was designed to resemble a "Wrong Way" road sign.  The initial membership badges humorously read, "The friendless club in Indiana," a playful nod to their new beginnings.

The first Wrong Ways Dance was held on November 25th, 1972.  For the first few dances, these eight couples generously provided all the food; the beginnings of a club tradition. 

After the Wrong Ways were established, the club held regular dances with fun themes, organized bus trips to visit other clubs and conventions, and participated in 4th of July parades with themed floats.  The club was even known to hold a roller skating party on occasion!  The club also maintained a tradition of community; holding benefit dances for club members who were going through hard times. 

Today, the Wrong Ways is a pillar of Square Dancing in Northwest Indiana.  The club still holds monthly dances at Hebron Elementary School on 2nd Saturdays, and still uses the same basic design for the club banner & badges (see above) Wrong Way Squares is grateful to Hebron Public Schools for their years of support, and are proud to continue the tradition of community outreach by donating to the school each year.  The Wrong Ways still holds lessons for new square dancers, and in 2024, brought back a tradition of performing Square Dance Demos in local parades!

For over 50 years, the Wrong Way Squares has created a fun community through Square Dancing, and the club is excited to continue this tradition for years to come!