By JOHN TAYLOR OAM, Myrtleford and District Historical Society Inc.

ENERGISED by the success of the ‘Centenary Week’ conducted from April 17-25, 1954 a variety of events followed in late autumn and into the winter months.

During May, a CWA Drama Festival was held, followed by the Barwidgee Creek Annual Ball and RSL Empire Ball.

In June and July the ball season continued, with a Fireman’s Ball, the Anglican Mid-Winter Ball and a Grand Ball at the Gapsted Hall.

It was during July that the Entertainment columns of the ‘Myrtleford Times’ alerted readers to a Special Catholic Debutante Ball to be held on August 4, 1954.

That night, before 400 patrons, 10 debutantes were announced by Mrs M Crowe and presented to His Lordship, the Most Rev Dr B Stewart, Bishop of Sandhurst.

Descending from the stage, the debutantes (and partners), in order of appearance, were: Lynette Crowe (Eddie Walkear), Margaret Murtagh (Bernie Murtagh), Betty Monshing (Ron Monshing), Valerie Trahair (Harry Hardie), Anne Carroll (Ian Trahair), Audrey Cox (John McCormack), Bruna Matassoni (Harold Black), Anne Goonan (Joe Bianco), Mary Matassoni (Kevin Dinneen) and Anna Matassoni (Jim Cobbe).

After the presentation dance, the ‘Philletta’, Mr E McCormack, Ball Committee Chair, thanked Dr Stewart and congratulated Mrs J Creighton (trainer), Miss Mary Morrison (pianiste) and Mr and Mrs A Miller (dance teachers).

At the first sitting of supper, a Debs Cake made by Miss O’Connell was cut by Mary and Anna Matassoni amidst loud applause.

At this time, the trainers presented a small gift as a souvenir for the most improved couple—Mary Matassoni and Kevin Dinneen.

Like every ball in the centenary year, the ‘Myrtleford Times reported: “on a splendid floor …… patrons spent a particularly happy night dancing”.

Mr W Shanahan “ensured patrons had a maximum of enjoyment under his supervision of the popular dance program.”

As August came along, a Talent Quest at Memorial Hall involved Radio 3NE broadcasting the second half of the program live and a Monster Boxing Tournament was held at the same venue on August 27.

September 14 saw the Show Ball, 40 days before the seventh show at the Recreation Reserve and a Children’s Fancy Dress Ball and a Football Club Grand Wind-Up Ball were held before the month was out.

An All-In Fair at the Masonic Hall on October 6 preceded the Agricultural Show on October 23, where the Centennial Year Exhibitions attracted 1500 entries in all classes.

The ‘Myrtleford Times’ described the show as the “best ever…adding further success to the Centennial Year.”

November commenced with the RSL Melbourne Cup Eve Party Night Ball, then a Guy Fawkes Night Bonfire at the Recreation Reserve on November 5, concluding with motorcycle races and a hill climb again at Merriang and a Monster Massed Bands Festival on November 28.

At the end of it all, Myrtleford’s Centennial Year seemed to end ‘quietly’.

From December 18 –24 a 7-day Monster Xmas Fair was held in Queen Street, followed by the first Rodeo (at the Sportsground) and night attractions in Smith Street on December 27.

The Centennial Year was over, but plans were already underway for a New Year’s Day 1955 Mixed Sports Event at the Recreation Reserve!

Residents would wait until 2004 to celebrate the 150th anniversary.