Chip Hendrickson, historical dancer

Charles “Chip” Cyril Hendrickson III of Newtown, a former Ridgefielder who was widely known for his knowledge of historic and square dancing, died at Danbury Hospital on Friday, Feb. 25, 2005, from complications of a stroke. He was husband of Frances Cibel Eitapence Hendrickson, and had lived in Ridgefield from 1962 until 1967 when the family moved to Newtown.

Mr. Henrickson was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Sept. 26, 1932, son of the late Ruth Copeland and Charles Cyril Hendrickson II of Oceanside, Long Island, N.Y.

He grew up on Long Island, attending Oceanside schools and receiving an associate’s degree in surveying from Brookline College. His career in technical illustrating included work at Branson Sonic Power, and other companies in southwestern Connecticut. He had worked at Schlumberger Doll in Ridgefield from the late 1970’s until 1988 when he retired from corporate work.

As a pre-teen, Mr. Hendrickson saw a presentation by a American Indian family at a Long Island library, and that began a life-long commitment to educating the public about Indian ways. He formed a dance group in his teens and later, with his five children as the Te Wa Hey Dancers, continuing the education process. He created regalia after learning beadwork skills, leather craft and feather work.

After a stroke in January 1997, he was unable to dance but could still teach and display his items.

A longtime square dancer, Mr. Hendrickson became a caller for many local clubs and traveled across the country. He made 27 recordings and wrote for a national square dance magazine. He had been the square dance caller for the father-daughter Girl Scout dances in Ridgefield, as well as for other groups, and also did American Indian dance demonstrations for schools and Cub and Boy Scout groups here.

As Cyril Hendrickson, he was dancing master for historic re-enactment groups including DeLancey’s Brigade based in Trumbull, and The Living History Foundation, based in Virginia. In 1990, he was employed by Colonial Williamsburg as dancing master.

Mr. Hendrickson was also involved in Boy Scouts with his sons, serving as an assistant leader and an adviser.

He is survived by two sons, Bob and Russell of Newtown; three daughters Ruth and her husband Gary Hard of Ridgefield, Carol and her husband Jim Mayhew of Shelton, and Susan and her husband Tim Vogelman, of Newtown; two stepsons, Adam Eitapence of Waterbury and Christopher Eitapence of Orange Park, Fla.; and grandchildren Timmy, Christopher, Alex, Allison, Reed, Benjamin and Matthew, and step-grandchildren Danielle, Kerstin and Kyle, as well as his former wife, C. Elaine Hendrickson of Southbury.

Services will take place at 3 p.m. today, Thursday, March 3, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 36 Main Street, Newtown.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Chip and Fran Hendrickson Benefit Fund at Newtown Savings Bank, 250 South Main Street, Newtown, CT, 06470, to help defray extensive medical costs.

The Green Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.