Proms in the '60's - Photo Essay Memories

Proms haven't changed a lot since my high school days.  Well, in the '60s, no one was chauffered to Prom in a limosine.  We were lucky to be able to drive a nice, clean family car instead of our own old cars.

The decorations and dancing are pretty similar, but the dresses have changed a little.  No girl wore a strapless gown in the 60's.  Even spaghetti straps were too daring.  No low cut dresses and be sure to leave plenty of room between you and your partner while dancing or a chaperon would tap your shoulder. 

Our music was some of the best in history! In the metro Detroit area, favorite local bands in the late 60's included Bob Seger and the Last Heard, the MC5, Amboy Dukes, Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels and the Rationals. Those bands weren't playing school dances, but Glenn Frey's Just the Three of Us was a very popular choice among high schools.

This is me, getting decked out for a formal dance, Christmas 1968.  The dress cost $50!  My mom saved $5 by hemming it herself:

In the photo below, I'm wearing a chic velvet dress made by my mother, for Homecoming, 1969.

Senior Prom 1970.  My swan song for formal dances.

After prom activities usually consisted of parties in the homes of friends.  After Senior Prom, staying out all night was finally allowed.  We had breakfast at a 24 hour restaurant, then went to early morning Mass. 

When a girl was going to a dance at another school, she would often borrow or swap formals with a friend.  It was less expensive and neither the date nor anyone at the other school had seen the dress.  Accessories such as purses, gloves and shoes were also made the rounds, being loaned before each dance.

Eventually, these formal dresses went to charity, were handed down to a sister or cousin or were cut off to be worn street length.  Ebay was still 30 years away and most resale shops didn't sell this sort of formal dress.  I wouldn't be at all surprised to see some of these vintage dresses offered on Ebay.  With the resurgence of the retro look, everything old is new again.