Beaux Arts Ball History
The historic Beaux Arts Ball was a fundraiser supporting the Quincy Art Center from 1930 to 2020. It was an annual philanthropic event of the holiday season drawing up to 1,000 guests. It brought together generations of community members to celebrate and give support to the visual art programs serving Quincy and the surrounding area. The Quincy Art Center is eternally grateful to all the Beaux Arts participants and sponsors for their immense support.
Visionary Leadership
Numerous community leaders passionately championed Beaux Arts throughout its rich history. However, one extraordinary woman stood out as its creator and dedicated leader, steering the fundraiser and overseeing the Art Center for an impressive span of over 40 years. Elizabeth Sinnock, the volunteer board president of the Art Center, held this pivotal role until her passing in 1975. In commemoration of her indelible contributions, the Art Center proudly hosts the Elizabeth M. Sinnock Gallery, an enduring tribute to this remarkable woman. In the early years, Mrs. Sinnock was joined in her Beaux Arts leadership by Mrs. Frank Whitney, Mrs. Leaton Irwin, and Mrs. Russel Wells, Mrs. L. E. Emmons, Mrs. F. W. Crane, Mrs. Alfred Castle, Mrs. James Carot, and Mrs. Ridgely Pierson. Also of note is Mrs. Henry B. Weis who was Beaux Arts chairman for almost 20 years. These women were catalysts in creating an annual event that financially supported the visual arts in our community. That tradition continued with women serving on the Beaux Arts Committee, composed primarily of past Beaux Arts participants.
Pictured: 1938 Queen Katharine Gardner Stevenson
Pictured: 1960 Crown Bearer Anne Carrott, Queen Susan Grossarth, being crowned by 1959 Queen Wendy Wolf
Royalty and Traditions
In 1938, Katharine Gardner was the first to be crowned Queen of the Beaux Arts Ball and the Art Center’s premiere gallery is in her namesake, the Katharine Gardner Stevenson Gallery. Following Katharine’s reign, hundreds of young women over the years volunteered their time and raised funds to support the Art Center.
Many traditions were kept over the years. The high school senior young woman to raise the most funds was awarded the title of Queen. Other participants raising substantial funds were awarded the title of Special Maid.
In 2009, Beaux Arts participants began tracking volunteer hours assisting with Art Center programming. The senior participant to track the most hours was awarded the title of Young Woman of Achievement.
In 1995, high school senior young men began escorting Beaux Arts participants.
Young children were always involved and played roles as pages and crown bearers. Many of those children later become high school Beaux Arts participants themselves. Anne Carrot was the first young woman to serve in multiple positions in the ball – from crown bearer, basket and rope girl to first special maid in the 1968 court.
Venues
Over the years, the venue changed. The ball was held at the Quincy Country Club, the Lincoln-Douglas Hotel, the Casino Starlite Terrace, the Holiday Inn, Quincy College Student Center, the Ambiance, and the Oakley Lindsay Civic Center.
Masters of Ceremonies
Many masters of ceremonies presided over the event: W.A. Fifer, Alfred Wooleyhan, Roderick P. Miller, Jr., Henry Geise, Randy McFarland, Lanse Tomlinson, Tom Van Ness, and Ben Van Ness.
Entertainment
Music and dancing were always a central part of the Beaux Arts Ball festivities. In the 1950’s Junior Musolino and his orchestra entertained crowds for many years.
Pictured: 2011 Mia McNay being crowned
Generational Dedication
Many families demonstrated extraordinary philanthropic dedication with multiple generational members participating in Beaux Arts. Here are a few examples:
In 1938, Katharine Gardner Stevenson, was the first queen. Her granddaughters, Jennifer Stevenson and Laura Stevenson, were queen in 1988 and 1989, respectively.
In 1938, Betty Ann Davis Robinson was a queen candidate, a maid of honor in 1939, and a committee member 1995 – 1997. In 1964, her daughter Jan Davis was queen. Her daughter, Hetty Davis was queen in 1962. Her daughter Beth Davis was queen in 1974. Her granddaughter Elizabeth Musholt was queen in 2005.
In 1939, Connie Williams was queen. Her daughter, Susan Grossarth was queen in 1960.
In 1952, Cherry Emmons McReynolds was queen. Her daughter, Lucy McReynolds was queen in 1983.
In 1957, Jill Weis was queen. Her sister, Kathy Weis was queen in 1961.
In 1964, Gingie Holzgrafe was a queen candidate. Her daughters Heather Holzgrafe and Heidi Holzgrafe became queens in 1996 and 1999, respectively.
In 1973, Patti Clow McNay was queen. Her daughters Alexandra Brecht McNay, Mia McNay, and Anna McNay became queens in 2003, 2011, and 2013, respectively.
The 1979 queen, Catherine Ann DuPuy, crowned her aunt, Abby Lock Castle in 1980.
In 1994, Katie Happel was crowned queen. Her sister, Madelyn Happel was queen in 1997.
In 2008, Kaitlyn Phillips was crowned queen. Her sister Brenna Kathleen Phillips was queen in 2017.
In 2004, Allison Walker Oakley was crowned queen. Her sister Sullivan Oakley was queen in 2006. Their cousin Laura Oakley was queen in 2007. Another cousin, Abigail Oakley was the 2019 queen.
The Beaux Arts participants demonstrated dedication to their community. These young women made significant contributions of their time to ensure that the programs of the Art Center are thriving today.
Pictured: 2011 Queen Mia McNay and her father
Pictured: 1963 Queen Susie Irwin, Martha McCarthy
Pictured: 1955 Group Shot
Pictured: 1960 Page George Scholz, Crown Bearer Anne Carrott, Queen Susan Grossarth, and Page Mike Voorhees
