Dancing at “Hern’s Hanger”

Hangar Parties at Hern’s Hangar – A Shagger’s Paradise!

There was nothing quite like a Hangar Party at Hern’s Hangar! Nestled in the West Virginia mountains, this legendary dance venue provided an unmatched atmosphere where the rhythm of beach music filled the crisp mountain air. Dancers from near and far gathered to glide across the best dance floor around, where every step felt effortless and every song invited you to stay out just a little longer.

As the sun dipped behind the mountains, the unbelievable sunsets painted the sky in fiery hues, setting the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable night of dancing, laughter, and friendship. Whether you were a seasoned shagger or just learning the basics, Hern’s Hangar was more than a place to dance—it was an experience. The warm hospitality, the incredible music, and the stunning mountain views made every Hangar Party an event to remember.

While time may have turned the page, the memories made on that dance floor will live on forever. Those who danced at Hern’s Hangar know—it wasn’t just a party, it was magic.

Turning the Page 

For over 30 years it has been a pleasure to host many gatherings at what has commonly and admiringly become known as “Hern’s Hangar.” We have shared great times and wonderful personal relationships with those who have attended, many from all corners of the United States, as well as several other countries. Without a doubt, these memories are some of the best of my social experiences and dancing history. 

The individuals that made those parties great will always be heart-felt friends and special to me. The many long days and exhausting hours of making sure all was just right seemed to be of extra importance. These tasks became a ritual so that everyone could enjoy what we had grown to love and treasure. Names like Dick Hyre, Tom Keadle, Pam Coffman, Jim and Juanita Ritter, Mel and Tammy Hancock, Bill and Joan Wilkinson, Freddy & Becky Legg, Nancy Cline, Regina Mullins, Sherman and Connie Slaughter, Ann and Eddie Hampton, Dave and Diane Meadows, Bobby and Marylou Short, Jim and Pat Reed, Tom and Janie Chipps, Bill and Rowena Stump, Roger and Carol Buckland, Darrell and Kethel Holley and many others of this era truly brought Hangar Parties to the forefront. These folks were always ready to help prepare for the festivities and then clean up after we had enjoyed the evenings to the max. They were, and still are, wonderful friends in crime from those early days of Hangar Parties. 

Then came the next generation of dedicated Hangar Party devotees: Linda Skaggs, Joan Parsons, George James, Sharon Dickinson, Buddy and Susan Tate, Tyke and Denise Wilson, John and Sheila Lucento, Larry and Kay Lilly, Danny Birchfield, Larry and Sherril Patrick, Jim and Donna Topping, Tom and Barbara Cochran, Bob and Sue Thomas, Sonny and Debbie Berry, Mike and Donna Smith, Tonya and Jeanne Massie and several others. Again, the torch passed without a blink, and the events became bigger, more robust, and stellar musical experiences. 

We have also been honored to have hosted great dance celebrities like Carl and Ellyn Taylor, Charlie Womble and Jackie McGee, Gene and Nancy Pope, Sam and Lisa West, T.K. and Marty Robinette, as well as great regional DJs like Ed Timberlake, John Smith, Larry Edwards, Ron Wallace and local spinners like Mead Parsons, Tim Miller, Randy Kinsolving, Kevin and Dee Twohig. 

Recently, the contributions of photographers Larry and Cindy Black made memories more than just a mental vision but wall hangings in hundreds of homes, dance rooms, and back porches. 

Great bands such as the Piney Creek Canyon Band and the popular Carolina Beach Holiday Band helped make Hangar events special and unmatched in variety and joy of great music and dance. A short stint of Competitive Shag Association contests, hosted by all of the West Virginia Shag Clubs, added to a great experience for our local Hangar goers and complemented a well-rounded appreciation for both professional and junior competitive dancing. In fact, one of these competitions was voted the Association’s “Best Contest of the Year!” 

Through all the years of Hangar Dances, I truly believe these have been among the best in the Association of Carolina Shag Clubs. All dance events have their own personality and unique character, but Beckley can stand proud knowing that no event can claim more of a tradition and devotion to Shag dancing and the promotion of Swing dance. 

But throughout this history, and without a doubt, the two individuals that have been paramount throughout our entire journey in making sure all was exemplary and fine-tuned were partners-in-crime Charlie Cline and Queen/Princess/Drill Sergeant Karen Callahan. I can’t express my thanks enough for the many times they took the reins and polished every facet of each and every Hangar Party. They have been the backbone and foundation of almost every single Hangar Party for over thirty years. Their election as Shagging Icons is without a doubt an obvious statement of their dedication and sincere mission of advancing Shag Dance. I know of no one who has put forth more dedication and humble effort toward the mission of promoting dance in West Virginia. I will always be grateful and hold them in honor for all they have contributed to the many Hangar Parties that we have all enjoyed and generated so many wonderful memories. 

But, as Old-Man-Time tells us, time waits for no man (or woman) and the time has come to pass the torch to another generation of enthusiastic dancers. Now that Dale and I have retired to South Carolina, we realize that maintaining the Hangar is just not a reality. So, with sadness and sincere feelings of regret, we are announcing the turning of the page and an end to what we have so enjoyed for the last 30 years. I hope that all who have attended and participated in the over 100 parties over the last 30+ years have a bounty of memories to revisit for many years. WE will always be a part of the era that grew these parties to the “Best of the Best.” 

Now, it’s up to the next generation to keep it going. Turning the page doesn’t mean the end… just a new page and chapter. 

Make sure you invite Dale and me; we still have a step or two we would love to show off. 

Jim & Dale