Post-War Celebrations and Clothing

“Following World War II, students took neither good times nor each other for granted. They savored occasions like [their] junior prom.”
Hank Nuwer, At the Crest: A History of Cedar Crest College

Dior’s “New Look” 1947 from 20th Century Fashion
Red Formal Dress 1950s Donated by Joanne Olmstead
Red Formal Dress (close-up detail) 1950s Donated by Joanne Olmstead
Strapless Full-skirt Dress, worn to Cedar Crest College Dance 1949 Donated by Holly Booth Love ’52
Strapless Full-skirt Dress, worn to Cedar Crest College Dance (close-up detail) 1949 Donated by Holly Booth Love ’52
Cocktail Dress 1954 Donated by Lois Wetherhold Woodruff

Dior’s “New Look”

Despite the name, Dior’s “New Look” was not, in fact, an entirely new look (the beginning of the 20th century had seen similar feminine designs in fashion). The “New Look” was, however, a departure from the boxier, more masculine clothing styles which had dominated the first half of the 1940’s. This style was defined by an exaggerated feminine frame, a tiny waist, and padded shoulders and hips which worked to create a softer look. World War II had extended women’s role in America to one more public like that of men. This style of clothing could also be seen as a reaction to that change with the intent to reinforce women’s femininity.

After World War II, Cedar Crest College students gained a new global perspective, and they also experienced a renewed desire for special occasions on campus. In the late 1940’s and 1950’s, the campus saw a plethora of fun events for students like Christmas parties, spirited pranks, an annual Coronation ball with the crowning of Miss Cedar Crest, and President Moore hosted dinner parties for senior students. After the four years of somber patriotism and a total war which required all Americans (including all Cedar Crest College students) to aid the war efforts, the students were ready to celebrate.

Christmas Dance 1950s
Couple Dancing 1940s-1950s
Coronation Ball 1951
Coronation Ball Crowning 1951
Coronation Ball 1951
Christmas Dance 1940s
Couples in Receiving Line 1940s
Cupid’s Corner 1949
Dance at Allentown Women’s Club 1940s
Dance at Grand Stand 1940s
Couples Dancing Mid 1940s
Dancers at Allentown Women’s Club 1940s
Dr. & Mrs. Moore Greet Students 1940s
Dr. Moore at the Receiving Line 1940s
Smoke Drift Dance 1947
Fall Dance 1951
Fixing Makeup 1940s
Formal Dance 1953
Couples Arriving to Junior Prom 1949
Junior Prom 1952
Four Couples Dancing 1948
Freshman Dance 1948
Junior Prom 1949
Couples Dancing at Junior Prom 1952
Arriving at Junior Prom 1952
Junior Prom 1948
Sitting It Out 1949
Senior Dance 1949
Receiving Line 1940s
Receiving Line at Junior Prom 1949
Sleigh Bell Ball 1951
Soph Hop 1943
Sophomore Mardi Gras Dance 1949
Sophomore Mardi Gras Queen 1949
Sophomore Mardi Gras 1949
Sophomore Mardi Gras 1949

Dance Cards

Dance cards have a long history going back to the eighteenth century. During that time and into the nineteenth century, dances and balls were formal events used for matching-making purposes. These dances became popular first with the wealthy, upper class in Europe and, later, the middle class who sought to imitate them.

In the early twentieth century, dance cards were also used as souvenirs for college dances. While they did not carry the same importance for match making, they were an important way for young women to keep track of the men they danced with throughout the night, and they could be kept as a beautiful memento.

These cards typically featured an elaborate cover design which reflected the dance theme and a list of people who helped to plan the dance. Inside there was the name, date, and location of the dance. The contents also featured the order of songs and dances and a list of blank spots for each partner a woman danced with to sign.

At Cedar Crest College, dance cards continued to be used into the middle of the twentieth century, and saw a resurgence in popularity at the school and nearby colleges. After World War II, students were looking for ways to commemorate the good times, and so dance cards served as a meaningful symbol of a return to normalcy.