By ShirleyJurmann
Back in 1937 the Moruya Parish of the Catholic Church had quite a large debt and a method was sought to assist in liquidating this debt. Balls, with people dressed in evening wear, were a popular social activity, as was making their debut for the young ladies of the town. Someone had the bright idea to have a debutante ball, but with the participants all being children. Some of these children fronted up to make their real debut some ten years later!
A committee was formed to organise the juvenile ball. Mrs H. Flynn was the earnest, capable, hard-working secretary. Fathers McKenna and Casey attended meetings to give encouragement and support. A number of ladies undertook the task of providing and serving supper and the decorating of the Liberty Theatre where the ball was held. The Sisters from the Convent spent weeks training the debs, their partners and the “dignitaries”.
On the night of the ball, the “Mayor” (Basil Heffernan) and “Mayoress” (Cecily Heffernan) stood at the door to officially welcome the “Vice-regal” party, the “Governor” (W. McIntosh) and “Lady Wakefield” (June Buckley), and escort them to the tastefully adorned stage.
Miss Edna Mehl on the piano and Mr R. Snow on the cornet played the Grand March for the procession of the miniature debs. Three little flowergirls, Winifred Pocket, Patty Strahan and Margaret Turner, daintily attired in pastel coloured frocks, came first, followed by the debs and their partners. The “Matron of Honour” Minnie Flynn, partnered by John Flanagan presented the debs to the “Vice Regal” pair.
The debutantes were Mary Chesher, Caroline Bishop, Joan Knight, Sheila Heffernan, Joan Fuller, Fay Turnbull, Josie Irwin, Beryl Towers, Audrey Ryan, Joyce Innes, Nellie Mehl, Pattie Buckley, Doreen Heffernan, Margaret Flynn, Monica Mehl, Marie Keating, Coral Connell, Sylvia Flynn, Nellie Knight, Helen Nader, Marie Towers, Amy McDiarmid and Pauline Irwin.
All were attired in pretty white frocks with silver head-dresses and carried dainty posies, with their partners in evening dress.
Following the presentation of the debs, the dancing began. The debs and partners danced first then parents and friends joined in. A delicious supper was enjoyed by all. Mr S. Rootsey had charge of the ball and was most attentive to all the details.
It was voted a splendid success in both the night’s entertainment and the funds raised. Catholic Juvenile Balls became an annual event.
A report in the Catholic Weekly of 25th September 1947 says that the annual juvenile ball was an outstanding success. Many new ideas were introduced and the children and their parents thoroughly enjoyed the evening’s entertainment.
Row 1 (back row): Nellie Mehl, Pauline Irwin, Jennie Louttit, Pat O’Grady
Row 2 (middle row): Amy Mc Diarmid, Geraldine McHugh, Pat Keyte, Helen Nader, Nella Knight, Melva Mordaunt.
Row 3: C. Daley, Dolly Veitch, Patty Martin, Mrs McHugh (Matron of Honour), Rita Turner, Monica Mehl, Elva White.
Page boy: Frank Louttit. Flowergirl: Helen Preddy
In 1947 World War II was not long ended and the young ladies of the town looked forward to something nice in their lives. A proper deb ball was arranged to celebrate the St Mary’s Convent Jubilee. It was held in the Amusu Hall (later Emmotts Furniture Department and then Silly Willy). Mrs Hugh McHugh was the Matron of Honour and trained and presented the sixteen debs to Bishop McGuire. Their names were announced by the Rev. Father F. Bouchier. They all wore pretty demure white dresses as befitted young ladies being presented to society. Some made their own or had them specially made or bought. They had a white flower in their hair and carried dainty posies. Flowergirl Helen Preddy and page boy Frank Louttit led the procession.
MORUYA and District Historical Society Blog 
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