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Simmons College Archives

Simmons College Traditions . . .
Then and Now

VALENTINE'S DAY BALL / WINTER WEEKEND

The Valentine's Day Ball tradition began with an on-campus weeknight Valentine's Day Dance on Thursday, February 14, 1974 in Alumnae Hall, sponsored by the Social Activities Committee. The following year, the concept of a Valentine's Day dance was expanded and included an off-campus location: a Valentine's Day Formal was held at the Somerset Hotel in Boston.

In 1977 and 1978, the event, now sponsored by the Simmons Chorale and publicized as a "Valentine's Day Semiformal," returned to campus, with Bartol Hall turned into a beautiful ballroom setting for students and their escorts.

However well-attended these events were in the 1970s, Valentine's Day dances were not on the calendar again until 1983, when the first Winter Weekend program of events was established with Friday afternoon tea, Saturday evening's Valentine's Ball at one of Boston's hotels, and Sunday brunch at Bartol Hall. From this time on, the Valentine's Day Ball was the star of Winter Weekend, a three-day event designed as a remedy for the winter blues.

 

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Page updated: June 27, 2006