31 may 1968 & presentation of 1968 debutantes, turner memorial ame
#OTD 31 May 1968 The Turner Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church (6th & I Sts, NW) held its 5th annual presentation of debutantes at the Marriott Motor Hotel. There were 46 inductees..
The programme included:
Introduction of the Post-Debutantes
Introduction of the Sub-Debutantes
Introduction of the 1968 Debutantes
Grand March
Waltz of the Debutantes
Presentation of the Incentive Award
Dancing with music provided by the Soul Sextettes
The Debutante program was founded in 1964 by Ms. Dewanna Horton, with the support of Ms. Alice Y. Butler and Ms. Odessa A. Price as co-chairs, committee members, consultants and more. Ms. Horton approached Rev. Everette S. Guiles with her "dream" of an "annual debutante cotillion" with "young ladies from our church as well as our community in long flowing gowns, being introduced to society--the hope of our future--feeling young, vibrant and beautiful, proud to be the center of attention on their night of nights." Rev. Guiles gave his support and she moved quickly toward her vision.
One of the aspects of the debutante programs that I'm most fascinated by is the professional consultants who were enlisted:
Arti Bell, Fashion Show Producer; DCPS Home Economics Instructor
Ann C. Bryant, DCPS Speech Therapist
Bertha Bolden, DCPS Supervising Director of Nurses
Hattie Dorman, Teen-age Consultant, T.V. and Radio Consultant
Luvenia Young, Graduate of DaVore Finishing School
Beryle Byrd, Graduate of Barre Finishing School
Thomasine Macon, Graduate of Cinderella Finishing School
Additionally, the Steve Taylor International Dance Studio created the choreography.
Your comments are welcome below. Were you, a family member or neighbor a debutante in 1968 or other years? Did you help to organize the debutante program? Did you know Ms. Horton? Was the event held at the Twin Bridges or Key Bridge Motor Hotel? You may comment privately here.
Photo source: Courtesy of DC Public Library Special Collections. I thank Derek Gray, Archivist, DCPL Special Collections, for sharing the program with me. Mr. E. L. Robertson was the official photographer. The Murray Brothers Printing Co., Inc., produced the program.
