In June of 1983, three of the original club's couples graduated from a
class being given in Placentia, CA. The instructor for that class was Ron Harris, who is still the caller and instructor for the club today. One graduating couple was
Rick and Norma Allen, who became the first presidents of the new club. After gathering a group of 32, they submitted ideas for the club name. The Huggin' Hearts
(submitted by Nan Reger) was actually the second choice, they discarded the first because it was the name of a club that had previously folded. Looking back, it was
a well- chosen name, lending itself nicely to decorations, club outfit design, and many hugs!
Rick and Norma did much of the work themselves at first. They made refreshments, called people to attract visitors
and members to attend the club dances, and made decorations for a new theme every month. Eventually the club formed committees to take on the various tasks,
providing some relief for the Allens.
One method that worked very well to spread the word about the new club came from an idea that Rick had. He made
easels, painted them red, and placed them at local markets and other businesses. There were couples assigned to each location to check the supply of posters and
flyers on the easels every day. All of this hard work and some additional advertising paid off. Most of the couples who attended future classes on the first night kept
coming back because Ron made it so much fun for them. Also, the members encouraged the students by attending the half way dances with them, and made them
feel much more at ease when they were starting out.
The Allens continued to contribute to the club until they moved to Crestline in the nearby San Bernardino mountains.
They still attend the club dances, and are very proud of the part they had in the early years of the Huggin' Hearts.
Today Ron Harris continues to call for the monthly club dances, and starts a new class each September with students
graduating in June. He also holds plus level workshops during the summer months. The club continues to enjoy good attendance at its monthly dances by members
and visiting clubs. The members also enjoy getting several squares together to visit another local club as often as possible.