Editor's Note: NCA President Pam Markel is researching NCA history in preparation for our 100th Birthday Bash in August (click here to read about that), and she found this great article about the Roosevelt White House.
The most welcome piece of news that ever pierced the Costumers’ ears just came from Washington D.C., in the announcement that Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt is giving a Masquerade Ball in the WHITE HOUSE on December 8th, 1934.
This is the first time in history that The White House has been the scene of a masked party.
The influence which this unprecedented affair will have on social activities throughout the country is beyond our imagination. It is conservative to say that it will become a smart and fashionable manner of entertaining guests in our homes and at clubs everywhere. For society, Mrs. Roosevelt places the stamp of approval upon this forgotten pastime.
The White House affair will usher in a vogue that will no doubt be followed by Clubs, Hotels, Societies, Hosts and Hostesses in all parts of the country. A demand will be credited for types and designs of costumes similar to those worn on this occasion. New styles and fashions in costumes will be manifested in the immediate future as a result of this unusual costume event. Other new features pertaining to entertainment, giving of prizes etc. will spring into general use.
This event is not only National but International in importance and will receive extensive publication by the press in all parts of the country. Metropolitan newspapers, no doubt, will carry photographs of the guests in costume. News reels will flash pictures of this gala affair on the screen. It will be the subject of conversation and gossip in small circles everywhere. Even Ye Costumers Magazine, apropos of this event, and mail complimentary copies to select addresses throughout the United States.
This news from Washington comes like “Mana from Heaven” to the Costumers. Eyes will sparkle, headaches will become heart throbs of joys and wrinkles will vanish. In the Costume Shops taffetas will rustle again, bustles creak, rhinestones glitter and cash registers will ring. It is the golden opportunity for new fabrics and new designs and ideas in costumes.
Don’t you see it --- the dawn of a new era in our shops—Long Live the First Lady of the Land, who is permitting MASKS TO INVADE THE WHITE HOUSE!
Written by D.C. Sorenson, Editor of the National Costumers Magazine, 1934