1969– Spring Ball produced by the Pruitts
When:
Where: possibly at the Roaring 20s Room
Theme: "Pot Pourri"
Crowned: Ginger as Rose Queen IX
Confusing with what is stated in the press relating to Ginger and the period of time.
Per the Alternative Connection, page 19, October 1991 – A BIT OF COURT HISTORY by Philip Staley: In the fall of that year, (1967) at Gracie Hoyt Hotel, Ginger Bob became another victim of the scepter.
In the article published in The City Open Press page 14 October 25-November 21, 1985: The Imperial Sovereign Rose Court of Oregon, states, “In the fall of that same year (1967), at the Roaring 20s, entitled “Pot Pourri”, Ginger Bob was awarded the crown as Queen – a well-deserved reward.”
Photo above are believed to be from that event more photos posted at Venue: Hoyt Hotel
Introduction Ball [to the candidates Fall Ball]
Where: unknown
When: Sunday, November 2, 1969
Theme: Broadway ‘69
Crowned: It appears that this was the “introduction” to the candidates and then, two weeks later there would be the Fall Ball
1969 – Fall Ball produced by the Pruitts
[Per the 1977 by W Holman for the Northwest Gay Review in A Gay History, lest it be forgotten. Cited on page 7 of the Special Issue it states “The Pruitts boiled another batch of frothy mirth in the sunken ballroom of the Masonic Temple. “Wine and Roses” brought a problem. Derek, who had acquired the Tel & Tel and affectionally named it “Derek’s”, failed to produce the promised wine. Reasons were shady, but the aged grape squeezing’s did not materialize. Without them juice, Rochelle was crowned Queen X. [The numbering system was adapted a year later.”]
Per the Alternative Connection, page 19, October 1991 – A BIT OF COURT HISTORY by Philip Staley: A The Pruitts boiled another batch of frothy mirth in the sunken ballroom of the Masonic Temple; “The Days of Wine and Roses.” Rochelle was crowned X, the numbering system a year later.
Where: Masonic Temple - sunken ballroom [now the Portland Art Museum north building]
Date:
Theme: The Days of Wine and Roses
Crowned: Rochelle crowned Rose Queen X. – confirmed per Monarch's History (rosecourt.org)
*[January 16, 1970 actually] The year 1969 also ushered in the Portland Forum, which became the oldest chartered gay organization in the State of Oregon. The organization then began staging the balls.
photo credit from Kimberlee Van Patten Facebook post of Empress Roschelle in gown and cape.
Per Facebook post by Kimberlee Van Patten on February 3, 2023 “Crowned Queen for a Day and elevated to Rose Empress X by The Vanessa XIII, prior to 1971, Rochelle is our first black Rose Empress. She was allegedly crowned at the fall ball of 1969 at the "Days of Wine and Roses". However, the photo of her crowning is dated June 1968 and the inscription on the back says "Rochelle's crowning at "Moonlight and Roses".”
In the article published in The City Open Press page 14 October 25-November 21, 1985: The Imperial Sovereign Rose Court of Oregon, states, “In 1968, The Pruitts boiled another batch of frothy mirth in the sunken ballroom of the Masonic Temple. Entitled “The Days of Wine and Roses” problems arose when the promised aged squeezin’s of grapes failed to arrive. Without theme juice, Rochelle was crowned Queen X. The numerical system would be adopted a year later.”
Once again, it landed in Doug Baker’s column, November 5, 1969, page 3 in The Oregon Journal under the heading, “Belated Halloween Party at Hoyt”. Doug stated, “biggest such party in Portland history, a gathering of 600 homosexuals in the Roaring 20s Room…” [See below Left] Why was Doug Baker so surprised? Maybe for him it was but being in drag and holding drag shows were nothing new in Portland. In fact, nearly every burlesque and vaudeville program had a female impersonator in them, normally as the master of ceremonies. Since the early 1900’s the Harbor Club at SW First Ave and Yamhill Street offered drag shows and became the only bar in Oregon declared off-limits to members of the US Navy. In the ‘30s drag shows were held at the Variety Hall in the Oregon Hotel and then later the Music Hall (413 SW Tenth) which became Café Rumba in the 40s. By 1950 the Jewel Box Revue came into town and played at Rossini’s Clover Room. Photo below Right not a great photo, but there’s Gracie on a stage sitting on a motorcycle.
