Board of Directors

The first meetings of the founding dance enthusiasts were in the spring of 1969. Bylaws were established, officers were elected, and a newsletter was initiated.  Dances were organized and promoted.  The Club hired mostly local bands and rented various facilities, such as the Moose Lodge 244, Elks Lodge, Acacia Hotel, Dublin House, REA Hall, and the Green Mountain Falls Center.  At the end of the first year, there were 75 members.

The Club aggressively promoted itself and grew in popularity.  In a few years, the membership approached 300.  At that size, it became difficult to find places large enough to hold dances, especially at the frequency the membership wanted.  One solution was to acquire our own facility.  To many, however, this seemed more like a dream than a realistic possibility, but a plan was put in place to raise the required funds.

Proceeds from raffles, bingo, and dances were collected and saved to form part of a down payment.  Prizes for raffles and bingo, including beautiful quilts created by some members, were donated by members and others.  Some members loaned significant amounts of money to finance the purchase of the facility and to make necessary improvements.

Because of the Club’s size and activities, and the anticipated purchase of a building, it became imperative to incorporate as a not-for-profit entity.  This was done in January of 1978.

The dream was realized in May of 1978 when the Club purchased the building at 2422 Busch Ave.  It took quite a bit of imagination to visualize a quality dance hall in this unfinished church building, but the members did, and made it happen.  Through a tremendous effort, the building was made ready for the first dance in March of 1979.  Later that year a special three-day event was held, with the well known Frankie Yankovich band providing the music.  Over the years, many famous polka bands played at the Club, including Herb Eberle and Don Lipovac.

The first Mardi Gras Polka Fest, a one-day affair, was held in 1981.  It was such a spectacular success that it was expanded into a three-day affair in 1983 and became the International Polka Club’s signature event.  Attendees come from all over the mid-west and beyond to join the fun.

The growing popularity of ballroom dancing was recognized by the Club and it began to hold occasional ballroom dances in 1985.

On September 3, 1986 the final mortgage payment on the facility was made, and a memorable mortgage-burning party was held on January 11, 1987.

It took great courage, dedication, blood, sweat, and tears on the part of the founders and early members to establish the Club and keep it going.  Some charter members are still active today, thirty-five years later.

Many people have come and gone over the years, but what has endured is the keen friendship among members and their love of music and dance.