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The History of the Debutante Season...

(please see the bottom of this page for the current Debutante Ball application form)

The word, "debutante" comes from the French word, "debuter," which means "to lead off." The debutante tradition, as we know it in the United States, has its roots, as many of our customs do, in England. The idea that a girl should be presented to society stems from the time when a daughter of marriageable age needed to find a husband of suitable and similar social standing. The daughters of the landed aristocracy, the lords and ladies of England married within a very small circle and often had a very large dowry that went with them.

The court of the kings and queens of England is known as the court of St. James. It was the center of all power. Because of the weather and the requirements of the hunt, the court was in London from April until the end of July. During this time, the aristocracy came in from their country homes and opened their city houses and the social season commenced.

Alter the Industrial Revolution, as the middle class began to make large sums of money, the aristocrats were anxious to make alliances with wealthy entrepreneurs. The middle class daughters could be presented if they could find a sponsor from among the aristocracy. The Season started with the presentation to the Court during which the young lady bowed to the Queen-thus the name the St. James Bow. Parties followed this, each family giving their share. It was hoped that at the end of the season, a girl would have found a husband.

The idea of the presentation of young women to society started in this country in 1748 when 59 colonial Philadelphia families held "Dancing Assemblies," the forerunner to the Debutante Ball. The tradition continues today throughout the United Stales with the majority of balls being held from November through January.

Pictured above: Emily Huber, Chair and Katryna Reilly, Co-chair of the 2008 Debutante Ball