Name/Title
Lady of the Hall GownEntry/Object ID
2022.559Description
A formal dress worn by thirteen Ladies of the Hall. "The dress was first worn by Judy Kinnard Cabot, Class of 1962, and donated to Harpeth Hall by her mother, Judge Ruth Claiborne Kinnard. Thirteen Ladies of the Hall wore this dress until 1983 when Sarah Winn Nichols '83 was chosen Lady of the Hall. Polly Jordan Nicholas '53, her mother, had the dress, by this time practically in shreds, refurbished in the same style by dress designer Jeanne Dudley Smith. The original lace was removed from the old dress and appliquéd on the new one. Following Sarah, fifteen Ladies of the Hall continued to wear this dress until girls decided to wear either one of their own white dresses or their graduation dress." (Account written by Polly Jordan Nicholas' 53, May 2008).Context
The origin of the Lady of the Hall ceremony comes from a Ward Belmont tradition. Every spring, classes chose an outstanding young woman to represent them in the May Day Celebration. Traditionally, the youngest participants were crownbearers and heralds, while the older students were class representatives. Harpeth Hall has embraced this ceremony, and each spring recognizes one outstanding member of each class who is chosen by her peers. This ceremony also honors the Lady of the Hall, Harpeth Hall's highest honor, chosen by upper school students and faculty.Collection
Harpeth Hall School ArchivesLexicon
Search Terms
Harpeth Hall, Lady of the Hall, Dress
