Special Collections Acquires Papers of Tony and Beth Parkes
The Milne Special Collections and Archives at the University of New Hampshire Library has acquired the Tony and Beth Parkes Collection, containing materials related to the couple’s careers as dance callers in the greater Boston area.
The bulk of the collection is comprised of real-time records of events for which Tony was a caller, listing musicians, venues, dances called, numbers of dancers, and more. Other materials include Tony’s correspondence, organizational minutes, annotated books, and audiovisual media, as well as Beth’s dance programs and contracts. The UNH Library is in the process of digitizing approximately 200 cassette tapes recorded live at dances, which will become available through the library’s Digital Collections.
“The importance of the Parkes collection is equal to those of Bob McQuillen, Ted Sannella, and Ralph Page,” says Emeline Dehn, Special Collections and Archives Manager, referring to the preeminent callers who mentored Tony Parkes early in his career. “It was an honor to process these papers and make them accessible to scholars, students, and lovers of the New England dance tradition.”
Tony Parkes (1949-2024) began calling and teaching square dances in 1964. He was known for his clear, engaging calling, which helped both new and experienced dancers feel included, as well as for his wry sense of humor. He called with the Boston-area band Yankee Ingenuity for many years, and he was also highly respected for his skills as a contra dance pianist and Gilbert & Sullivan performer. He wrote two authoritative texts on the history and calling of contra dances and square dances, as well as numerous books of dances. “He was the consummate New England dance master,” writes David Millstone, commemorating the Lifetime Contribution Award Parkes received posthumously from the Country Dance & Song Society in 2025.
Beth Parkes began calling in Cleveland in 1975 before moving to the Boston area in 1986. She is a respected contra dance caller known for her clear teaching, thoughtful programming, and commitment to welcoming, well-run dance communities. Together, Tony and Beth co-managed Hands Four Productions, which published Tony's books and recordings.
The UNH Library is grateful to Beth Parkes for her donation of the collection.
The Milne Special Collections and Archives maintains approximately 18,000 linear feet of rare books, manuscripts, University records, photographs, sound recordings and other materials. Researchers are welcome to use items from the collection in our reading room, located in Dimond Library, Room 101. You can schedule an appointment online, email us at archives@unh.edu, or call us at (603) 862-2714.
