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We begin with an email from Peter.
Marnie, I presume you may already know that the grocery store you queried last Tuesday was Thompson’s — a great family; I think, only boys. A couple of the boys started ‘Archer St Wreckers’ (cars) around the mid-’50s, and the grocery store later disappeared.
My father, Hugh Naughton, acquired ‘Ashton’s 5/- (Bob)’ store in October 1948 and ran a drapery store there until October 1960. This was on the north-west corner of Maude and High Sts.
I really enjoyed your article on Canberra House. I’ve been talking to Kristy Budd about tracking some of the history of the CBD; you may be interested.
Keep up the good work.
Peter Naughton.
My reply to Peter included my interest — and assistance if required — in any local research.
The rise and fall of the debutante ball
Sincere apologies to my male readers — better luck next week.
I have been reading about the history of debutantes; however, there is little consensus. One writer suggests that deb balls were introduced by Elizabeth I. (This from an American journalist.) Now, this was an insecure woman. The idea of her introducing a number of attractive, beautifully gowned, aristocratic young girls — taking attention away from herself — seems, to me, highly unlikely.
Another author suggests that debutante balls began 200 years after Elizabeth, with George III on the throne. And this seems far more probable. Queen Charlotte, not at all insecure, had many years to fill in while her husband dealt with the demons in his head. However, Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz did manage to have 15 children, so it appears they were able to catch up from time to time. This ‘writer’ opts for Charlotte — anyway, I watched Bridgerton!
The purpose of the annual balls was to introduce appropriate young ladies to society — and they had a whole season to find a husband. It largely solved a problem for aristocrats, as women were not permitted to inherit property. Remember Pride and Prejudice when Mr Bennet said — looking at his five daughters — “What’s to be done with all these girls?” The answer: marry them off, Mr Bennet.
Over the next 350 years — until World War I — London became the most fashionable capital of the world. Its culture spread far and wide. The first mention of a deb ball in Australia that I can find is March 29, 1890 — in the Australian Town and Country Journal. However, it is obviously not the first occasion where debutantes were introduced.
“The presentation of debutantes is an important feature of the first ball of the season...” It goes on to say that this is a serious matter. Read the next two paragraphs if you have a strong stomach.
“Ten years hence, they will be giving the move to the swim and ruling among the elite. It is, therefore, a rather serious matter to see if they have the necessary capacity, the air, and the balance for the great future awaiting them.
“At present, they are nothing but formless embryos in which the experienced eye detects their slumbering capabilities. Great men can form pretty accurate estimates of how the buds are going to ‘pan out’. They study the sweet little creatures through their glasses, talk to them gently but firmly for 10 minutes, look them over carefully and critically pronounce the verdict.“
I promise you, this rubbish was actually published — in this country. Ladies, see how far we’ve come? If some ‘great man’ were to study the ‘formless embryo’ who is my 17-year-old granddaughter, he would very quickly hear about it!
In the United States, the first deb ball was held in Savannah in 1817. The balls are frequently called ‘cotillions’, and, from what I read, they still appear to be popular in the south, where traditions are upheld.
Local girls make their debut
I can’t find any reference to Shepparton’s first deb ball. However, please, if you know when it all started for our local ladies, share it with us. For example, in Ipswich, debs were presented as early as 1913. Surely, Shepp couldn’t be far behind Ipswich!
My own debut was made in the late ’50s — 58 or 59, I’m not sure. I was not an enthusiastic debutante (from the French, meaning ‘first performance’). However, my association with deb balls began much earlier. I was three years old.
There was a lady who organised these things, and I’ve been told by a friend that it was Mrs Hawker. Anyway, this lady asked my mother if I could be a cupid for the ball. I was to wear a loose, pink, very short dress, sprout wings and carry a golden bow and arrows. I was to stand like a statue. I did this, and I know because there is a photo.
Years later, my mother told me that there had been talk all over town that I was going to appear on stage naked. Seriously, would any parents agree to that? Would any deb organiser ask that? In those days, Shepparton was a much smaller town, and gossip was popular. They started on me early!
I made two further appearances, ‘leading the debs’ when I was five and six. There was a year when Mrs Hawker must have messed with someone else’s life! Thankfully, after that, I was considered ‘too old’.
Anyway, in the late ’50s, Mrs Hawker appeared again. She asked my mother if I could make my debut. My mum asked me with great enthusiasm, and it seemed easier to agree. I had a ready-made partner and was definitely not looking for an alternative husband. During rehearsals, Mrs H. asked me to be the first deb to make an appearance.
I’m sure this was only because I was a dancer and unlikely to forget the steps. However, apparently, several mothers objected to my first place, and Mrs H. went to my mother and explained. My mother, who hadn’t known whether I was first or last, explained to me that I was now second.
I could not have cared less; I didn’t care if I was second or 22nd. Let’s get this thing over and done. I do hope that other debutantes enjoyed their special evening. I did not.
Did you have fun?
If you have happy memories or good photos, please share them with us. I will happily share my three-year-old one, but not my deb pic because it looks like me. And anyway, at the time of writing, I can’t find either of them. Of late, things have been moved around in this house. We are preparing for some changes. So, I’ve got no idea where to look next, but I’ll keep trying.
Why are deb balls less popular today?
In my day, and I suppose for decades before that, Australian balls were good fundraisers; they were primarily run by service clubs, sports clubs, churches or secondary schools.
They made money because they were popular and people enjoyed them. Debs would have helped sell tickets because family members were hot prospects. But then came dinner dances, and people preferred them; it was better than trooping out to the supper room to finally get something to eat.
You could sit comfortably if you wanted a break from the dancing — and you didn’t need a ball dress.
Society was levelling out here and worldwide, and women were changing. The original purpose of finding a husband was long forgotten. In 1958, Buckingham Palace announced that debutantes would no longer be invited to curtsy to the Queen.
I have attended two deb balls this century. One in 2011 — I remember the year because Prince William’s wedding was on a large screen in the foyer — and one the following year.
Our first grandson was partnering with girls on both occasions. And on the second occasion, my elder granddaughter was ‘coming out’. I enjoyed myself because I was proud of them both — neither one fell over — and I cried a bit because they were growing up. It was fun!
Notre Dame College staged both of these events. I believe it is continuing the tradition; another grandson was asked to participate just this year. There was also a joint event with the Special School and Greater Shepparton Secondary College.
Today’s photos are supplied by Lost Shepparton (Geoff Allemand) — and I’d love to see yours!
Enjoy life, my friends and may it be easy.
Marnie
Email: towntalk@sheppnews.com.au
Letter: Town Talk. Shepparton News. P.O. Box 204. Shepparton, 3631.
Phone: Send a text to 0418 962 507. (Note: text only. I will call you back if you wish.)
Town Talk