This past Saturday, we attended our grandson Zane’s prom at Foley High School. Zane and his date, Amelia, looked absolutely amazing—as did all the attendees! It was a busy night for celebrations, as Dawson-Boyd held their prom on Saturday as well. We aren’t done yet, though; next week we’ll be heading to Montevideo to attend our granddaughter Adelyn’s prom.
Social media was overflowing with pictures all weekend. Prom truly is a special milestone for the kids, parents, school staff, and especially us grandparents.

Sitting in the Foley gym and watching the students participate in the Grand March as we used to call it back then, it struck me that prom hasn’t actually changed all that much in 50 years. Curious as always, I decided to look up the history of this tradition.

The History of the “Promenade”

The word “prom” is short for promenade. It dates back to the late 19th century in the United States, originally modeled after the “debutante balls” of high society. Here is how it evolved:

• 19th Century Origins: Proms began as formal “promenade” walks where college students dressed in their best clothes and walked through a venue to demonstrate social etiquette and manners.
• Early 1900s: The tradition moved into high schools. These early events were modest, often held in school gyms or local community halls, where students wore their “Sunday best” for tea and light snacks.
• The Post-War Boom (1940s–1950s): As the economy grew after WWII, proms became much more elaborate. They moved from gyms to hotel ballrooms and introduced the tradition of “Prom King” and “Queen.”
• The Modern Era: By the 1980s and 90s, prom became the massive cultural phenomenon we know today, complete with limousines, tuxedos, and professional photography.

I found that history fascinating because 50 years ago, my wife, Roxie, and I attended our senior prom at Madison High School. She was my date for both my junior and senior years. She looked beautiful in her dresses—her mother even handmade the one she wore our senior year!
We created some wonderful memories. After dinner at the school and the Grand March in the gym, we drove to Montevideo with another couple to the Starlight Drive-In theater for an “all-nighter.”

I suppose some things have changed a bit. This year at Foley, there were six coach buses lined up to take the couples to Stillwater to board a boat for dinner and dancing down the river. That sounds like a lot of fun!
One thing that definitely hasn’t changed? The beautiful dresses, sharp suits, and awesome shoes… and they are still very expensive!
Prom season is here, so be sure to enjoy it.