C. T. Suddeth

Hayes State Park, Irish Hiils, Michigan: The Wamplers Lake Dance Pavilion was built by the WPA about 1935 and has been torn down. It was once the home to famous Big Bands. This is my tribute to it. (Mystery Hill was across the road)

Dance Hall, July 1959

Charles Suddeth

Jitter buggers once ruled the dance pavilion,

Glenn Miller bopped to “In the Mood.”

Someone dropped a 45 on the turntable,

Ricky Nelson warbled “Lonesome Town.”

Bobby soxers danced barefoot,

We sat on the floor and watched.

Dance with the girls, said my aunt,

I shook my head and hid in the shadows.

Another 45 plopped down,

Buddy Holly belted out “That’ll be the Day.”

A man wearing a string tie muttered,

This past winter, Buddy’s plane crashed.

I caught up with the other boys,

We played tag in the warm night.

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