Calling out square dance steps is something Abe (Harvey) Maier loves to do. So much so that this year he celebrated his 50th year as a square dance caller and teacher. 

Maier, who recently turned 90, and his wife Carol learned how to square dance in 1975 after friends of theirs pushed them to try it. They were hooked. Just  a few months later Maier, who is known for his singing voice, began calling as well. 

He was so enthusiastic about square dancing Maier began teaching it. In 1976, with the help of square dance friends, Abe hosted lessons through community education in the evenings at Clearview Elementary in Clear Lake. After the students graduated, they decided to form a local square dance club. It was named County Line Squares because the members were from Sherburne, Stearns and Wright Counties.

Maier has held square dance lessons every year since he began calling, and at his busiest, he was teaching weekly classes for four different clubs, all while traveling to events and festivals throughout Minnesota and neighboring states. His children were among the students in his first classes.

“Square dancing shaped more than just our family’s free times,” said Maier’s daughter Marlene Miller. “It helped us build lasting friendships and develop life skills that have served us well both in our careers and personal lives.”

With his height and top hat, Maier is instantly recognizable. When he grew out his beard, his likeness to Abraham Lincoln became apparent, and his nickname was born. People started calling him Abe, and after he was gifted a top hat by one of the dancers, the resemblance was undeniable. A long-tailed coat and bow tie today completes his signature look.

Maier is the club caller for County Line Squares, which became Minnesota’s largest square dance club, with members from across the region—including Clearwater, Becker, Big Lake, Annandale, Monticello, Maple Lake, Milaca, Buffalo, Elk River, Otsego, and beyond. 

He calls wherever there’s square dancing. Clearwater’s Heritage Days celebration wouldn’t be the same without Maier; it’s tradition. He’s been the caller for the square dancing exhibition held at the event each year since its inception.

Along with clubs and festivals, Maier calls at special events such as conventions, senior communities, weddings, anniversaries, camps, and other social gatherings. Often attendees have never square danced before, yet Maier is always able to make it approachable and fun. His kind demeanor and ability to break complex moves into simple steps is always appreciated.

“Square dancers range in age from 7 to 80,” said Maier. “It’s an activity that keeps both the mind and body active.”

Maier has no plans for retirement.

“I’ll do this as long as my voice and mind keep working,” he said. “Calling is like a puzzle. You’re resolving a formation and need to plan where the dancers are going to end up.”

As Abe celebrates 50 years of calling, 66 years of marriage, and 90 years of life, his legacy isn’t just in the steps he calls—it’s in the community he’s built, the joy he spreads, and the partnership with his wife that has helped keep square dancing alive and thriving through generations.

“For my parents square dancing isn’t just work or a hobby,” said Miller. “It’s a vibrant community. Over the years they made countless friends among the welcoming, kind, and enthusiastic square dancers. Square dancing is woven into our family identity – a source of joy, connections, and lifelong lessons.”