In old New Orleans, the city that care forgot, there is at least one matter of serious business, the carrying out of the Carnival season. Such serious sentiments seemed to prevail during the Carnival season of 1926, when dissension arose within the Illinois Social Club. The result was the formation of the Young Men Illinois Club which had as its first President, Mr. Gilbert W. Smith, and as its first Social Director, Mr. Ernest M. Thomas. In a previous post, we shared a photograph of the Young Mens’ first ball in 1927. Since Her Majesty Queen Mable Saulsby, reigned over that first grand affair, scores of other young maidens of New Orleans have had the same privilege. Listed below are the past reigning monarchs of the Young Men’s Illinois Club.
1927 – Mabel Saulsby 1946 – Arthemise Ankrum Washington
1928 – Thelma Housman Harris 1947 – Marion Watts Harris
1929 – Jessie Mosley Wells 1948 – Lorraine Hutchinson
1930 – Verlie Bright Starks 1949 – Jean Haydel
1931 – Elyria Henderson Honore 1950 – Lean Hernandez Flint
1932 – Clyde Angle Randolph 1951 – No Ball due to National Emergency
1933 – Bernice Saulny Dominique 1952 – Joan Margaret Ann Bennett
1934 – Zerline Bright Prater 1953 – Selma Ida Grant Nicholl
1935 – Galeta Douglas Euband 1954 – Yvette Marsalis Washington
1936 – Ella Thomas Reddick 1955 – Ina Claire Watts Gex
1937 – Louise Jarreau Johnson 1956 – Lorraine Onie Brown James
1938 – Rita Adams 1957 – No Ball due to Civil Rights Activity
1939 – Mildred Smith Butler 1958 – Jewel Almaire Cook Foy
1940 – Lorraine Williams Browne 1959 – Weenonie Cecile Mosley LaMothe
1941 – Mary Jamison Brooks 1960 – Carole Ann Cordier Robinson
1942 – 1945 No Balls due to War 1961 – No Ball due to Civil Rights Activity
J.C.L.H.
Would like to see archives from the year I made my debute, 1989
Hi Hara,
So glad to know that you visit our site. As researchers, our main focus is to tell the history of our people that took place more than 50 years ago.This is our forgotten past which is generally unknown to so many. For the 1980s I would suggest looking through the LA Weekly during that period. If you live here you can find issues at the main library, UNO, Tulane University (Amistad)
Thanks for sharing and continue to keep coming back.
Lolita
Hi:
Anyone who may be related to some of these past queens; I am currently doing research for a writing project on black carnival queens. I’m sure many stories have been told through the generations.
If interested, please contact me at kparkernola@yahoo.com
Thanks in advance-
Kelly Parker
Hello Ms. Parker,
Mable Saulsby is my maternal Great-great-great aunt. My contact information is below: Jourdain504@gmail.com
Verlie Starks and Zerline Prater are my Mother’s first cousins
Selma Ida Grant Nicholl is my grandmother.
If anyone is a relative of Ms. Saulsby, and would have photos of her reign or have stories they wish to share, please forward your contact info to kparkernola@yahoo.com.
My name is Kelly Parker, a local writer currently working on a book project sharing the stories of black carnival queens.
I am related to Verlie Bright Starks and Zerline Bright Prater. They were my Mother’s 1st cousin, Bobbie Roligan Prevost
Awesome! would your relatives have any photos of her reign-or recalls stories of the experience? I’d love to talk more! Shoot me an email (kparkernola@yahoo.com)
Thanks!
I am looking for past copies of 2 publications on Black Carnival:
Tan Mardi Gras and Sepia Mardi Gras, both to be pretty rare by sources. Any leads on where copies may be would be greatly appreciated!
So glad I found this site and history of New Orleans. I am related to Arthemise Ankrum Washington. She is my maternal 2nd cousin. The reigning Queen of 1946. Would appreciate any information. Thank you.
Jewel Cook was our next door neighbor on Willow St.