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The era of the Follies was born when members of the Junior Hospital League needed a fundraiser with the potential remuneration to support the Emergency Housekeeping Service. Jerome H. Cargill Productions of New York was retained for $250, and the Follies era was launched in 1951. Talent was unlimited—husbands, football players, fathers, everyone even remotely allied to Leaguers, were caught up in the hustle and bustle.

The real fun began with the arrival of the director, and a talent party was held in the Canadian Legion Hall just three weeks before the production. Rehearsals began immediately, and the cast, often of around 100 members, was prepared for performances that ran three or four nights each at Victoria Composite High School. The first all-League cast produced The Three Bears in 1955 and Little Red Riding Hood in 1956.

Annual reports speak fondly of gathering and making props, including 200 pounds of ice, a bathhouse and palm trees, and having them on stage in the right place at the right time. Costumes proved a big challenge. Trunks arrived from New York, and the rumpus room of one member became a 24-hour workroom as potential "dancing dollies" and "chorus girls" patiently tried on costumes. Tucks were taken in and let out, and the committee generally managed either to fold the costume to fit the body or the body to fit the costume.

Follies were held from 1951 to 1956, each raising $5,000 to $6,000. Mention the word Follies, and almost 50 years later, the eyes of our sustainers still light up.

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© 2005 Junior League of Edmonton
Page last modified July 5, 2005