Prom One 1938

Ethel Mitchel @2012

My one and only prom took place in Baker, Oregon in my junior year at Baker High, the exact date I can't recall. The excitement started building as soon as I told my Mother and we knew we had to start looking for an evening gown with accessories to match.

The gown had to be blue and decorous! I wanted some sex appeal added but that was not allowed. I settled for accenting the positive. Money was also a contributing factor so had to utilize Montgomery Ward but my thrill was so great I would have taken a hand me down if there was one to be had! We found a blue dress that satisfied both me and my Mother. We added a small silver clutch purse for my lipstick and key with silver heels. The outfit sent out signals loud and clear first date. Who cares I was going to a prom.

Neil (a friend) was driving as we had thirty miles to go to meet our dates in Baker at the High school. The trio consisted of Neil, Neva and myself in Neil's Dad's car. Hey we were lucky the Dad stayed home.

Orville, my dates name met us at the door of the gym and pinned my corsage which was romantic in my thoughts then I got the giggles and told him be careful, I would have to chastise him if he stuck me with that pin, that broke the strain and the night proceeded!

I awoke the morning of the big day with a sore throat! I did not mention this to anyone but went about my day as if all was well. Staying away from Mother, fixing my hair as we did our own styling at this time period. Did I do my nails? I don't think so that was not in my agenda. I think I was ready to go an hour before we were to leave.

The dance in retrospect was anticlimactic! My date danced each dance with me and was attentive but the ambiance just wasn't there when I felt sick. Going home I had to sit in front between Neil nd Neva to keep them warm as by now my fever was raging. The good thing about my sore throat was it kept my mind from dwelling on the fiasco of my one and only prom dance!