THE ONLINE HISTORY OF GULGONG AND SURROUNDING DISTRICTS: BALLS

1900s_______________________________

First Ball held in Gulgong Town Hall.

Jean Clydesdale Babbington and George William James Jackson attended.

Date unknown but thought to be after 1908 based on the flags.

1910s_______________________________

TRILBY BALL
The Hospital ball at Messrs R. and J. Campbell's residence at Trilby on Friday evening last was a great success in every detail. There were about 70 couples present from all parts of the district, Cobbora, Tallewang. Cudgebegong. Slapdash, Gulgong and Canadian being well represented.
At 8.10 dancing commenced and was kept up without intermission till sunrise. Music was supplied by Messrs W. Allen and C. Stanley, while Messrs A. Scuter and C. Fuller fulfilled the arduous duties of Ms. C. There was a complete absence of anything rowdy and although each item on the programme had to be duplicated the best of good order and good humor prevailed.
At 11 o’clock refreshments were served in a large room adjoining the ballroom. So large was the attendance that only the 'better halves' of the dancers could find accommodation at the first sitting. The work of preparing the refreshments was carried out by Mrs. Robert Campbell and the Misses Campbell, and those present given every practical illustration of their appreciation of these ladies’ efforts in the catering line. Although the attendance was great there was enough and to spare. The business people of Gulgong very generously helped the affair along by donating provisions. The following is a list of their names, - Messrs. C R Young, W Ah Lum and Co, A E Brigden, Mrs. Girardier, CA Russell, L. C Naughton, R Brown and Co., W. Watt, Mrs Sharman. J Judge, W H Upham, A Wood, C Brett, and B Copeland.
The best thanks of the committee are due to the Messrs Campbell, Mrs R Campbell, and the Misses Campbell.

Source: Gulgong Advertiser, year unknown, from Barbara Gurney

1916____________________________________

A social at the Jackson Woolshed, 1916

Host: Mrs T Jackson née Elizabeth Taylor (married to Thomas Jackson).
Secretary: George WJ Jackson

1919________________________________

See Gulgong Convent Ball

1926________________________________

The Movie Ball - Grandest Event Ever Held in Gulgong.
Popularly Acclaimed as a Huge Success.
The efforts to hold the first movie ball in Gulgong crowned with a magnificent attendance at the Pictoria Theatre on Tuesday evening last. One heard on all sides the warmest eulogies concerning its excellent management and the high tone of refinement, distinctiveness, brightness and popularity.
The event was termed the great est event of the season. And in deed it was. There was nothing left for patrons but to enjoy themselves. And this they did to the fullest extent. The event was acclaimed a huge success, and being an initial effort, reflected much credit on the hon. secretary (Mr. H. P. Woodhouse), Mr. H. A. Porter (who was responsible for many costumes being worn) and others concerned in it. Incidentally, the event added status to the town, more particularly because of the success attained. The Gulgong District Hospital will benefit to the extent of over £80.

The hall was a blaze of brightness and freshness, and when the floor was crowded with a happy throng of dancers presented a spectacle that was new to Gulgong. Greenery adorned the walls with multicolored streamers that came from a bell of streamers overhead. The judicious, display of advetising posters pointing to future reels to be screened at the theatre lent effect to the decorative ___. In addition to the movie costumes, many beautiful dresses were worn by the ladles, and it was a rare sight that the hall presented to the large number spectators who held seats in the gallery. Music was supplied by Johnson's orchestra, from. Mudgee, and was voted as first-class.

Supper was served in Messrs, Smith and Foster's building, adjoining, and here special attention had been given to the tables and room adornments. The tables were exquisitely laid, and the artistic arrangements in connection with the decorative scheme showed to good effect. Balloons, flags, streamers, Iceland poppies, jonquils, roses and wattle were used to produce a charming effect. Too much praise cannot be given to Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Porter, who spared themselves no trouble in assisting with the arrangements. Their assistance was valuable in the choosing of numerous costumes, the color scheme and decorations. During the evening, Mrs. Gordon Mason won a bottle of perfume donated by Mrs. R. M. Allport, and Miss Travis won a handbag donated by Jas. Loneragan (Gulgong) Co.

PRIZES
The following were the prizes awarded for the best movie set featuring any one of the forthcoming pictures to be screened at the Pictoria Theatre, the "Iron Horse Set''; £1/1/- for the best comic or novel movie costume (male or female), Mr. F. A. Ramsay, "Out of Work" (as the result of the Workers Compensation Act); £1/1/- presented by First National Pictures, for the best characterisation of Coolleen Moore in "Sally"___ any other role, no genuine competitor, consolation prize to Mr. F. Akehurst; six months' pass for an adult, valued at £3/4/-, presented by Pictoria Pictures, for the best characterisation of any one of the stars to appear in forthcoming pictures to be screened at the Pictoria Theatre, Miss Dulcie Lyons as "Little Lord Fauntleroy."

THE COSTUMES
The following costumes were worn: — Miss Dulcie Lyons, Little Lord Fauntleroy; Miss Elsie Hogan, Shepherdess; Miss Violet Gardiner, Gilda Gray in ''Aloma of the South Seas"; Mrs. J. F. Stitfield, Basket Maid; Mrs. T. J. Britten, Swiss Peasant; Mrs. H. P. Woobdhouse, Gipsy costume; Miss Barber, "The Red Devil"; Miss Les. Hogan, Persian Princess; Mrs. J. J. Dowd, Rosamond; Miss Olive Wood, Laura La Plante in 'The Midnight Sun'; Mrs. R. M. Allport, French Peasant; Mrs. C. R. Robins, Folly; Matron Snelson, The White Sister; Miss Annie Moy, Gipsy; Nurse M. Moore, The Lady of the Harem; Miss Thelma Saunder (Sydney), Russian Dancer; Mr. F. Akehurst, Colleen Moore in 'Sally'; Mr. F. A. Ramsay, Out of Work; Mr. J. M. Ryan, Fred. Thompson in Riding the Wind'; Mr. P. Drew, Felix the Cat; Mr. H. P. Woodhouse, Gipsy costume; Mr. J. F. Stitfield, Monsieur Beaucaire; Mr. T. J. Britten, Arabian Chief; Mr. W. Foster, Russian Dancer; Mr. J. J. Dowd, Sea Hawk costume; Dr. R. M. Allport. Mephistophiles; Mr. H. Porter, Lon Chaney in 'The Phantom of the Opera''; Mr. Norman Head (Mudgee), as Reginald Denny in "California Straight Ahead."

"Iron Horse" Set.— The ''Iron Horse" Set, which was awarded the prize, comprised; Miss Laura Wallis (Madge Bellamy) as Miriam Marsh in ''The Iron Horse"; Messrs. O. H. Stapleton (Dave Brandon) as hero in 'The Iron Horse'; L. Been as Judge in 'The Iron Horse'; Tammy Judge as Red. Indian in 'The Iron Horse'; F. Trevenen, Red Indian in 'The Iron Horse.'

'Master Pictures" — The following comprised the ''Master Pictures" Set: Misses Elsie Cross,___ Evans, Maud Lee, Eileen Austin, Hazel Byfleid, Edith. Davies, Nellie Priddis, Lucy Priddis.

JUVENILE NIGHT
Tho following evening (Wednesday) was a never-to-be-forgotten night in the minds of the children, for it was juvenile night. A happy time was spent. Kathleen Porter (daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Porter), who is a pupil of Miss Grace Morris, of Mudgee (who was present), gave the Highland Fling. She was appropriately attired, and received a hearty round of applause, as did Zeta Wilson (Dunedoo) for a recitation she rendered.

The following prizes were awarded: — Six months' pass, valued at £5/4/-, donated by Pictoria Pictures, for the Best characterisation of boy or girl actor or actress, divided between Zeta Wilson, (Dunedoo), as Jackie Coogan and Thelma Jackson as Coolleen Moore in 'Sally'; jazz waltzing competition, under 10 years of age, Bessie Taylor and Horace Wilson, consolation prize to W. Pritten and Manusu; special prize donated by Mrs. J. Foster, Jim Wilson as Charlie Chaplin.
The following costumes were worn by children: Meryl Mason as Colleen Moore in 'Sally'; Bessie Taylor, Fairy; Marjorie Foster, Lady Teazalie; Zeta Wilson (Dunedoo, Jackie Coogan; Thelma Jackson, Colleen Moore in 'Sally''; — Holmes, Fairy; Kathleen Porter, Gilded Butterfly; — Manusu, Powder Puff; James Wilson, Charlie Chaplin; Tony Foster, The Admiral; W. Britten, Nigger; G. Mason, Jackie Coogan.
— "Gulgong Advertiser."
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 22 Jul 1926 Page 7

1927________________________________

Invitation to Grace Morris

Gulgong Bachelor's Ball, 8 September 1927

1928________________________________

Benedict's Ball - OUTSTANDING SUCCESS - SOME CHARMING FROCKS
The Benedict's Ball which was held in the Pictoria Theatre, Gulgong, on Tuesday evening September 4, proved most successful, about 200 people from Gulgong and surrounding districts being present.
Delightful music was rendered by Mr. Stan Johnson's Mudgee orchestra, and the catering was in the capable hands of Mrs. P. Boyd. All present pronounced the evening a huge success and the general desire was to make the ball an annual event.

Among the many charming frocks worn the following were noticed. — Mrs. C. R. Niven, diamante trimming on blue georgette; Miss J. Johnston, pink velvet; Miss. D. Upham, fuschia georgette with feather trimmings; Miss Ivy Inder, gold lace and pink georgette; Miss Eileen Inder, red georgette and silver trimmings; Mrs. J. New-Campbell, black crepe de chene touched with cerise; Dr: Marjorie Tunley, rose georgette; Sister Whitlock, black velvet; Miss M. Croome, old rose crepe de chene; Miss D. Mulholland, Chinese red morocain diamante; Miss J. Heard, white beaded crepe de chene; Miss M. Chapman, blue georgette and taffeta; Miss L. Max well, blue velvet; Mrs. C. S. McFarlane, peach georgette; Mrs. A. L. Henderson, black georgette beaded in silver; Mrs. C. M. Lowe, black embossed georgette; Mrs. T. Maxwell, black georgette, sequin trimmings; Mrs. J. J. Dowd, black satin and lace; Miss E. Oram, black georgette and silver; Miss E. Matchett, white georgette and silver beads; Miss M. McLean, blue georgette and silver; Mrs. J. Small, flame charmeuse georgette; Mrs. J. H. Stahl, black georgette, relieved with pink; Mrs; Dr. Allport, brown and gold tulle; Mrs. J. F. Litchfield, pink georgette relieved with blue; Mrs. R. Glasson, black georgette; Mrs. G. Brownhill, black lace; Mrs. A. Ramsey, rose crepe de chene; Miss M. Snelson, black, georgette; Miss Una Hasenkam, green taffeta and georgette; Miss Lyn Moras, flame georgette, rhinestone trimmings; Miss Grace Moras [sic] black net trimmed with velvet flowers; Miss Hazel Byfield, white satin and silver lame; Miss E. Fyfe, georgette beaded with crystal, Miss Tuxford, apple green taceta with silver; Miss Snelson, green ring velvet; Mrs. W. Fyfe, black crepe de chene; Mrs. F. Heard, alice blue crepe de chene; Mrs. J. F. Foster, black taffeta, chantilly lace, gold lame; Mrs. Wade Gudgeon, rose georgette gold flowers; Mrs. J. H. Dugan, black, georgette, sequin trimming; Mrs. A. Baldwin, black charmeuse; Mrs. B. Boulton, cream georgette; Mrs. E. O'Connell, fawn charmeuse; Miss Lowe, blue georgette; Miss Russ, black, georgette; Mrs. J. Black, pink georgette; Miss B. Bawden, blue crepe de chene.

Gulgong Opera House Ball (possibly 1928 Benedict Ball)
Source: O'Brien family collection (also hanging in Gulgong Opera Houae)

1930s_______________________________

1938 - Gulgong's Great Night - HOSPITAL PIONEER VICE-VERSA BALL
Spectacular Event : Overcrowded Theatre - GRAND PARADE OF FANCY COSTUMES
The annual Gulgong hospital ball in the Roxy Theatre last evening took the form of a Pioneer Vice-Versa Ball. What a night! It was the greatest in the history of the Institution's annual events and a fine tribute to the promoter, Mr. A. R. Newton. The theatre was overcrowded, the grandparade of nations in fancy costume and the beautiful decorations making a spectacular scene such as is seldom seen in towns like Gulgong. Over £60 was taken at the door.
Modern and old-time dances were held alternately, music being supplied by the local orchestras, the Gloomchasers and Wright's Regal Orchestra. The decorative scheme carried cut by Mr. J. Hardiman (manager of the theatre) and Mrs. Hardiman was a feature of the event, quite a number of patrons saying that they had never seen the hall look ing better. Multi-coloured streamers made a richness of color that showed the ball room into good effect. The scheme was certainly very effective.
Quite a number attended in vice-versa costumes. Both sexes were effectively impersonated. Mr. A. T. Fredericks making a splendid 'Mae West.' The outstanding costumes were worn by Mr. T. Menchin ('King Henry VIII') and Mr. Herbest ('Bride'). The fact that scores of people attended in fancy costumes was a triumph for Mr. Newton, one of the hon. secretaries, who, despite his flare for organising, met with a good deal of opposition when he first suggested the nature of the event.
Judging of costumes was carried out by Mr. H. L. G. Moore (Gulgong) and Mr. and Mrs. C. R. N. Owen (Sydney). Too much credit cannot be given to the other hon. secretary (Miss A. Snelson) who, through the years, has been a keen and enthusiastic hospital ball worker, and without whom it would seem that no hospital ball would be a success. The ladies' committee, who went to no end of trouble to arrange eats in buffet style, know Miss Snelson's work, and her effort on this occasion is worthy of warm commendation.
In returning thanks on behalf of the hospital board, Mr. E. F. Trainor made mention of the magnificent effort by the ladies, the secretaries, Mr. Hardiman, the judges, the press, visitors, and supporters. In his well-chosen remarks he apologised for the absence of the chairman of the board (Mr. J. J. Dowd) who, he said, was not attending social functions owing to a recent bereavement. Mr. Trainor praised the work done by those responsible for the success of the function, mentioning that local supporters never failed to help the hospital.
A loud speaker system was used to make announcements, one of the hon. secretaries being the announcer. The 'station' was I.O.U. The following won prizes: —

Best Impersonation of a man vice-versa (own choice): Miss Audrey Tompson (Mudgee). 'Cowboy.'
Best impersonation of a woman vice-versa (own choice) : Mr. A. T. Fredericks (Gulgong), 'Mae West.'
Most humorous vice-versa, male or female: Mr. Trevor Menchin and Mr. Lionel Herbest, 'King Henry Eighth and Bride.'
Most original costume, own choice: Miss Laura Heard, 'Spring.'
Best movie star costume: Miss H. Chew, 'Shirley Temple.'
Best vice-versa party (mixed impersonations) : 'King Henry's party.'
Best party, national costumes not necessarily vice-versa: Spanish Toreadors (Misses Molly Flood, Mavis Hasenkam, Una Hasenkam, Dulcie Copeland, Messrs. Gordon Hasenkam, Warren Barclay, Pop Hyland, E. Panowitz).
Best solo, national costume, male or female: Miss Betty Copeland, 'Madam Pompadour.'
Section not already mentioned: Mr. Roy Griffiths and Miss Ivy Reinhardt, 'Pirates.'

Competitions were won as follow:—
Yodelling, Mr. K. Cunningham (Gulgong): crooning, Mr C. Talbot (Mudgee); sporting event announcement, Messrs. Max Christian and A. Smith (divided). Spot dance (pair of stockings), Miss B. Baldwin; spot dance (pair of stockings), Miss J. Mulley (Mudgee).
A 'bull' flght took place during the evening, the 'bull' being represented by Cliff Dray and Roy "Sandy" Gibbons. Mr. W. A. Saunders acted as ticket seller, and the following acted as door-keepers: — Messrs. C. F. Bliss. T. Britt, J. P. English, and N. Chick.

Those who wore fancy costumes included: — Mrs. T. Amies, 'Confetti Girl'; Miss R. Bayliss, 'Gentleman Aviator'; A. C. Bailey, 'Indian Royal': Mrs. A. C. Bailey, 'Spanish Bride'; Miss D. Clements, 'Gipsy Man'; Miss E. Coyte; 'Rio Rita'; Miss Mary Curry, 'Sailor'; Gordon Chrisp, 'Lady'; Miss Marjorie Campbell, 'Dutch Girl'; Mr. K. Cunningham, 'Spanish Gentleman'; Miss Norah Dewar, 'Chinese Lady'; Miss Rhoda Dutton, 'Gipsy Queen'; Miss Mabel Dutton, 'Spanish Lady'; H. Edwards, 'Sailor'; Mrs. Frank Foster, 'Peasant'; Frank Foster, 'Sailor'; Miss M. Gudgeon 'Swiss-Peasant' ; Mrs. J. Hardiman, 'Early Victorian'; J. Hardiman, 'Golfer' (comic); Miss Laura Heard, 'Spring' (prize for original costume); Miss Ruby Huxley, 'Hard Boiled Egg'; Mr. Geo. Jackson, 'Rajah'; D. C. Lee, 'Viennese Officer'; Jack Morley, 'Naval Officer'; Mrs. Geo. McCauliffe, 'Senorita'; Miss Thelma Nicholas, 'Pack of Cards'; Mrs. Les. Norris, 'Spanish Senorita'; A. R. Newton, 'Red Shadow'; Mrs. W. O'Brien. 'Kilts'; Miss Mary Stones, 'Check-it Cabaret Girl'; Dr. L. W. Tunley, 'Nurse'; Miss V. Warren, 'Gipsy Girl'; Miss J. Williams, 'Lady Aviator; Miss S. Williardt, 'Spring'; Mrs. Bertha Watt, 'Sleepless Nights.'
Mudgee was represented in fancy costume by the following: Ron Imber ('College Boy'), K. Hey, K. Faulkner, W. Holmes, Cecil Talbot, Joyce Jones, and Enid Tuck.
Sets in addition to the prize winning one, were: — Gipsy (Misses Nell Flood, Zilla Winter, Bertha Dutton, Messrs. Kevin English, Alan Laing, Max Christian); Czar (Miss I. Springbett); Harem Girls (Messrs. B. Smith and I. C. Gilbert)

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 8 Sep 1938 Page 13

1940s_______________________________

1946 - JUVENILE BALL - Gulgong Kiddies Enjoy Themselves
One of the brightest and prettiest array of fancy costomes for a long time was seen at the Gulgong Town Hall on Thursday night last when the Parents and Citizens' Association held its annual juvenile plain and fancy dress ball. The attendance was beyond all expectations with the hall packed to its capacity.
Hon. Secretary A. J. Brigden and his willing band of helpers were painstaking in their efforts to ensure that all had a good time. Special thanks are due to the following who contributed towards supplying splendid music through out the evening: Mesdames Byfield and T. Foster, Messrs. K. Murray, Jones, L. Price, J. Cross, J. Turner, Ted Gibbons, Les Wright and McCullock.
The mothers of the children deserve special praise for the excellent manner they turned their kiddies out in beautiful and original fancy costumes. One had only to see the display to realise the amount of work that was required to achieve the ultimate result.
Unique in the history of juvenile dances here, every child in fancy costume received a prize. After the main prizes were distributed, Mr. Stewart (a visitor to Gulgong) and Mesdames Mounter and Clarke (who are on a holiday visit here) donated many special consolation prizes. Every other child was then presented with a special prize.
The Judges Dr. M. Tunley, Mrs. Sturgess and Mr. A. J. Brigden were certainly faced with a difficult task in making the awards. Prizes were donated by Dr. M. Tunley, Dr. L. Tunley. Messrs. J. A. Donnelly, G. Pargeter, S. Caldwell, M. Playford and A. J. Brigden. A dainty and tasty supper was served by the ladies.
PRIZE WINNERS
Prettiest costume, Kay Brigden (Old Fashioned Lady) and Elsie Wallis (Early Victorian). Cheapest costume, Peggy Glen ('Gazette'). Most original, Susan McLachlan (Gulgong Power Supply) and Peter Davis (Bernborough Jockey). Most humorous, Les Jackson (Clown). Best pair. Pam and Bob Woods (Britannia and the Herald). Consolation prizes, (donated by Mr. Stewart), Douglas Wall (Tennis player), Jennifer Murray (Fairy), Desina Jackson (Bo Peep). Other consolation prizes; Lois Jackson (Queen of Hearts), Beryl Hope (Easter Fashion), Pat Cross (Bridesmaid), Lesley Woods (Swiss Maid), Gleda Tattetsall (Hat Check Girl), Pam Tomlinson (Easter Fashion), Janice Lyons (Fairy), Jeanette Byfield (Butterfly), Margaret Moffitt (Bridesmaid), Fay Boyd (Bridesmaid), Narelle Davis (Queen of Hearts), Lorna Baldwin (Fairy), Jim Brigden (Red Indian), Ann Woods (Swiss Girl), Judith Bratby (Spring), Grantly Stahl (Clown), Max Mason (Jockey), Norman Malone (Newsprint), J. Brokeborough (Waitress), Y. Verschuer (Dutch Girl), Bob Murray (Pirate), Neville Lyons (Prince), Ken Jones (Goblin).

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 31 Oct 1946 Page 17

1950s_______________________________

Lois Jackson Lewis aged 16/17

Debutante Ball 1951

1951 - PRESENTATION OF DEBUTANTES AT HAPPY AND SPECTACULAR ANNUAL CHURCH OF ENGLAND BALL
One of the happiest, most spectacular and well attended functions ever held in Gulgong was the Annual Church of England Ball in the Town Hall on Tuesday evening of last week. The main attraction of the evening was the presentation of 15 debutantes to Mrs. L. H. Ford, the Mayoress of Dubbo, by the Matron of Honour, Mrs. J. J. Dowd.

The Debutantes, who presented a beautiful picture were attended by a Guard of Honor of 12 young girls and four flower girls, Beverly Napier, Fay Lane, Dierdre Dorman and Judy Gibbons. After the presentation, Mrs. Ford welcomed the Debutantes to their wider sphere of social life in a delightful, well worded speech, and wished them all every happiness.

At the official supper, the Rector (Rev. S. Carr) welcomed the visitors and conveyed the appreciation of all concerned, at the privilege and honour of entertaining two such distinguished guests as the Mayor and Mayoress of Dubbo. Ald. Ford, replying on behalf of his wife and self said they were both happy to be present on such a delightful occasion.

Those chiefly responsible for the the organisation of the highly successful event were: Mesdames E. C. Sykes (Hon. organising secretary), F. A. Jones (Hon. Treasurer), and M. A. Napier, who assisted in the training of the debs, members of the Women's Guild, Vestry, Y.A's and others who gave very valuable assistance. The hall was colorfully and tastefully decorated. Music was supplied by Melody Masters' orchestra under the leadership of Mr. F. A. Jones.

The debutantes and their dresses were: —

Lorna and Lola Loughrey, (white nylon over satin);
Jewel White (white lace with draped neckline);
Judith Hogan (white net with sequin trim);
Nola Brokenborough (white satin and lace);
Dawn Martin (white satin skirt with lace bodice);
Pauline Honeysett (white figured organdi with lace insets);
Doreen Hulme (white lace and satin);
Ella Loughrey (white sheer worn with a draped bertha neck line);
Gloria Shearman (white allover lace over taffeta);
Lois Jackson (white net with satin ribbon bands);
June Thompson (white spotted net over satin);
Shirley Hollow (white sprigged organdi);
Joy Scott (white satin and lace);
Rita Ryan (white taffeta with sweetheart neckline).

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 31 May 1951 Page 18

1950s ball (possibly Gulgong)

Source: Jo Sheridan
1) Barry Sheridan 2) Marie Pass 3) Lorna Campbell nee Baldwin 4) Barry Stuart 5) Pauline Mason 6) Jeanette Byfield 7) Alwyn (Frizz) Stuart 8) female unsure? 9) Ron Stewart