Our 1964 Junior-Senior Banquet

In the 1960s, East Texas was a strict fundamentalist stronghold where we Methodists were considered debauched liberals. (It may still be that way today for all I know.) Dancing was prohibited to everybody — no matter what one’s own personal beliefs might be — so instead of a “Junior-Senior Prom” we (and our teachers too) enjoyed a “Junior-Senior Banquet” in the cafeteria.

Because, of course, nothing says “exciting event” like eating dinner with the very same kids you eat lunch with evey school day all year long… and in the exact same place… and with your teachers present no less. Still, we dressed up — some even wore corsages and boutonnieres — and made the best of it.

The photo above shows me in our school cafeteria, where I had spent the day as part of the decorating crew but was now back for the big evening “do.” And yes, in case you noticed… that is the same dress that I wore for my piano-violin recital, which also took place that spring. (See My Personal Saga elsewhere in this section.)