Formal Dances and Balls

Every Woodsdale girl's dream was to be invited to a formal dance of one kind or another. I remember getting so excited by being invited to the Linsly Ball that I jumped up and down after getting off the phone and my head was pierced by a diamond shaped dangler on the chandelier in the hall where the phone was. With blood streaming down my face (unnoticed) I ran upstairs to tell my sisters who were so shocked at my bloody face that they were incoherent.

After years of borrowing formal gowns and wearing hand-me-downs, I got my first brand new formal and was anxious to show it off....white with blue embroidered flowers around the skirt and of course, spagetti straps which meant I had to wear a merry widow...(like Scarlett O'Hara's lace up scene). Anyway, a guy from the neighborhood was visiting so I asked him if he wanted to see the dress I was going to wear to the dance and when he said yes, I went upstairs and put it on. Bouncing down the stairs, barefoot and tossled, I pranced into the living room expecting sighs of awe. Instead I got "You have shoulders like Charles Atlas!!! (the famous body builder)". I was so hurt I ran back upstairs humiliated.

Now, I'm not going to tell you who the guy was, but all these years later he is sincerely repentant. I blamed the big shoulders on being on the swim team at Oglebay and immediately took up diving instead. (Thank you Mr. Pugh). Looking back at it all now, it seems hilarious, but with teen angst and all it was not.

I can remember too, when much younger, sleeping out on the side porch as it was too hot in the house. Unseen from the front door, my sisters and I were witness to my oldest sister coming home from a formal dance and kissing her date goodnight to the sound of giggles and laughter! She was not a happy camper that we spoiled her big moment.

Most dances in those days were at the Pine Room and we were so lucky to have such a gorgeous setting for our activities. Whether it was a Triadelphia dance or Linsly, it was always fun. I'll bet you have some great memories to share of formal dances too!