Prom In The Early 1900's

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As "prom time" approaches, colour and style are just as important as they were a century ago. The word "prom" is a shortened version of the word "promenade." A hundred years ago, a promenade was the formal march of couples into a ballroom after they had been publicly announced to the guests. For wealthy Americans, debutante balls were grand occasions specifically designed for their daughters' "coming out" into society. This meant that they were now ready to entertain and be courted by approved suitors. It seems as if these grand balls were envied by middle-class parents who also wanted the best for their own children, including good manners and fine tastes. While there had been formal dances for young people in the late 1800s, the early 1900s