| 2011 George Washington Ball |
The 2011 George Washington Birthday Ball was held on Friday, February 25th, at the Coral Ridge Yacht Club. |
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| Ball chairman, Boyce Ann Bryant, Robert Reich and Mary Carroll as George and Martha Washington, Bankie Benton and Chase Adams. |
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| Carol Harrison and Robert Wilson receive a drum and fife greeting as they arrive at the ball. |
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| George and Martha Washington Miss Freedom, the Colonial Dolls and the Ladies of the Colonies |
| (Standing L to R) June Cox, Lisa Keefe, Ina Smith, Bankie Benton, Lynne McGrath, Robert Reich as George Washington, Mary Carroll as Martha Washington, Jane Conte, Jane Wikberg, Gladys Goodmonson as Miss Freedom, Lesleen Bolt, Judy Anderson, Malyn Baruch, and Maureen Woodman |
| (Seated L to R) Mary Kay Follin, Thelma Archer-Jotcham, Margery Ferraro, Lorraine Fletcher and Vickie Jackson-Kuznetkoff |
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| The Freedoms Foundation Spirit of '76, American Patriot of the Year, was presented to Elizabeth "Bankie" Benton at the George Washington Birthday Ball. |
| The recognition honors individual chapter members for their exemplary unselfish service to their chapter. These members work tirelessly to ensure that the chapter's mission, purposes and goals meet the standards of our national organization. |
| (L to R) Boyce Ann Bryant, Chase Adams, Bankie Benton and Jane Wikberg |
Reminiscing to the big band sounds, music for dancing and listening was provided by the Joe Kules Band. |
As evidenced by the following pictures, the Mummers String Band got ball attendees up and moving, strutting all around the dance floor. |
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What is a Mummer? The dictionary definition is that of a performer in a pantomime or one who goes merrymaking in disguise during festivals. |
Who brought Mummery to America? Immigrants and travelers brought these customs, celebrations and festivities when they came to America. Continued throughout the centuries of American history, this traditional gala pageant of Philidelphia symbolizes the ushering in of the new year. |
George Washington, following his inauguration, began the official custom of New Year's Day calls and continued it during the seven years he occupied the presidential mansion in Philidelphia, then the capitol. |
| All pictures by Kevin Lane. Click here to see more. |
| Click here to return to pictures list. |