1967 - Mama Bernice’s Sweetheart Ball no photos or information are available at this time. This function was not part of the Imperial Sovereign Rose Court but is placed here for historical purposes.
Date: February 1967
Place: unknown
1967 - Spring Ball produced by the Pruitts
Where: Neighbors of Woodcraft Hall Originally scheduled for Gracie Hansen’s Roaring 20s Room. The first ball to have been held at the Hoyt Hotels Gracie Hansen’s Roaring 20s Room was to be the spring ball entitled “April in Portland”. Through Doug Baker’s Column in The Oregon Journal, March 23, 1967, page 3 – was there pressure by the mayor not to have the ball held at the Hoyt? It appears to be so.
Date:
Theme:
Crowned: Kissi Diki [Dickie Myron] [photo below from The College of Monarchs - The Imperial Sovereign Rose Court of Oregon]
In the article published in The City Open Press page 14 October 25-November 21, 1985: The Imperial Sovereign Rose Court of Oregon, it states, “In the Spring of 1967, The Pruitts staged another show at the Neighbors of Woodcraft Hall. The show, “April in Portland” gave Kissi Diki the title of Queen, which somehow fit appropriately.” PLEASE SEE Imperial Sovereign Rose Court 1968 - there are some confusing facts that need to be straightened out.
Above article from The Oregon Journal March 23, 1967, page 3
Date: April 1?
Theme: April in Portland
Crowned: Ginger Bob who was Rose Empress V per Monarch’s history page. [photo below from The College of Monarchs - The Imperial Sovereign Rose Court of Oregon]
Below, the only known photo, though deteriorated, photo dated April 1967.
1967 Fall Ball produced by the Pruitts
Where: Gracie Hansen’s Roaring 20s Room – Hoyt Hotel
Date: Halloween, October 31, 1967
Theme: Pot Pourri
Crowned: Mame, David Hamilton was crowned Rose Queen VI. Confirmed per Monarch's History (rosecourt.org)
Above blurb from Doug Baker’s Column “Baker’s Dozen” in The Oregon Journal November 2, 1967, Page 2.
Per Radio Interview in April 2010, Walter W Cole/Darcelle XV explains how he first got into ‘official drag’ and his first outing was to go to this ball.
Norcross: Tell me about that moment when you first put on a dress and decided it was comfortable.
Cole: Well, I don't think it was a moment. What it was about the four-hour ordeal. Because I didn't do anything for myself, I didn't paint my own face, I didn't have my own costume.
I was 37 years old [1967] when I put on my first dress. And I was invited to a masquerade party at the Hoyt Hotel. And my friend at the time, Roxy Neuhardt, who we're still together after 40 some years, invited me in said he would paint my face. And he did and it took two hours. I do it in 20 minutes now. [Roc Neuhardt arrived at the Hoyt Hotel in 1966 when Rene DeHaven was hired as the choreographer for Gracie Hansen’s Roaring 20s Room. Roc would be one of his featured dancers – both coming from Las Vegas, Nevada].
He borrowed a costume from Gracie Hansen, who was working in the Roaring 20’s room. He worked with her, but he didn't tell her he borrowed it. So, when I walked in her costume, she was not amused.
Photos below are believed to be from that event more photos posted at Venue: Hoyt Hotel
