October 1929 was an exciting time at the Chambers home. Miss Florence Chambers was turning 17, just the occasion for her family to host a Halloween costume ball in her honor. One can imagine the flurry of preparation – invitations to send out, choosing the menu to prepare and the music to play, decorating the first floor of the family home, and of course, selecting and making the costumes!
That evening, the rooms were hung with black and orange and gold streamers. Tall ivory floor baskets of sunflowers and goldenrod added to the festive atmosphere. The house overflowed with music and laughter as guests danced in the living room or enjoyed cake and punch in the dining room. We have no more details on Florence’s party, but perhaps they indulged in popular Halloween party games like bobbing for apples and telling fortunes. There may have been bowls of orange and black gumdrops, jelly beans, and hard candies, as was typical at the time. It’s possible that the costume and jack-o-lanterns in the Chambers Collection (pictured) date to this ball. It’s easy to imagine the lovely young Florence dancing the night away, with her friends and family surrounding her in her beloved family home on Calder Avenue!