Hidden Benefits of a Calico Ball

Hidden Benefits of a Calico Ball

Beyond the obvious beneficiaries of the Calico Ball craze (mid- to late-nineteenth century United States)– the needy who received the once-worn dresses (or suits of clothes), who else benefited?

I suggest a short list of Hidden Beneficiaries. Who else can you identify?

What is a Calico Ball?

What is a Calico Ball?

A “Calico Ball”? Whoever heard of such a thing? Is it different than a debutante ball? A sock hop? A Leap-Year Ball? A Christmas Day Ball?

I’m impressed with the purpose behind a “calico ball”… especially because of where the fad began, and why.