LOUDONVILLE — While homecoming dances and proms are still a regular tradition at Loudonville High School, there used to be much more competition for the social highlight of the year.
For instance in addition to planning Homecoming, the Girl Reserves, a social-organizing club, hosted a Sadie Hawkins Dance as well as a Valentine Party.
In 1945 though, there was also the Gold Diggers Dance. A completely separate dance from prom, but still held in April, the Gold Diggers Dance was hosted by the Girls Athletic Association.
The GAA had formed in 1937 to promote girls athletics, but they also used their status as one of the most active clubs to host a dance of their own.
The Gold Diggers Dance was held on April 13, 1945 in the gymnasium of the High School (now the Budd School).
Despite the ongoing war effort, no expense was spared for the gala: the main event was the “Rip Snorter Floor Show” featuring Pappy Phalor, Coach Boyer and the Famous Chorus Girls as well as Gypsy Rose Lee’s Review in addition to a variety of dancing including round, square, and mixed. Finally, there would be a judging of all the ladies corsages.
Admission cost 40 cents for singles and 60 cents for doubles, with each attendee receiving a gold-foil covered program in addition to four drinks, four cookies, and four pretzels. The best part, though, was the rare opportunity to stay out until 11:30 p.m.
More information on the Cleo Redd Fisher Museum can be found at this link.
