The Camellia Ball dates to 1953, when the late Jack Stallworth decided Mobile was ready for a single ball to present the city's debutantes. Up until that time, Mobile's debs were presented at numerous individual teas, receptions and dances throughout the winter months. Some parties were given by individuals, while others were sponsored by clubs to which the debutantes' parents belonged. The word debutante is French for beginner, or novice. The idea to present young ladies as debutantes was an English one, perfected at the court of St. James. In those days, families presented their daughters when they reached marriage age, and parties were held in London during its season - April through July - when eligible bachelors were in town. Americans followed the British lead. As early as 1748, dancing assemblies were held in Philadelphia. Over the centuries, the tradition expanded across the country. While debutante balls remain popular in major northeastern cities, the galas seem to be even more appealing to Southerners from Virginia to Texas. One difference between the Camellia Ball and other such events is debutante age. While many cities have debutantes as young as 19, the ladies presented in Mobile traditionally have been at least 21. Local newspaper columnist Betty Bienville described Mobile's 1940 debutantes as "well fitted to enter society, full of poise and grace, and having had a college education, coupled with travel." Another distinction is that while debutantes in other cities wear white, Mobile's debs wear an icy pink color to match the name of the ball. This was the idea of the late Cornelia McDuffie Turner, former editor of the Mobile Press-Register's society pages. The ball's location has changed over the years. Past years' balls have been held in the ballrooms of the Admiral Semmes and Battle House hotels, the Athelstan Club, the Country Club of Mobile, the Civic Center and the Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Center. In 2009, the event, held at Fort Whiting, was dressed up with all the trimmings for a memorable evening. After the ball is over, the young ladies (and their beaus) will continue being feted at parties throughout Mardi Gras and their debut season. While many a Mobile debutante over the years has completed her season with a diamond on her left hand, these days it is far more common to emerge with useful skills and social graces that aid in starting a career, such as how to survive a job interview or handle meeting a great number of people. Image information: Main: Miss Chaddie Burton was in the 1947 Mardi Gras Court, which was under the reign of Jean Smith and Jack Stallworth. Stallworth would later come up with the idea of one major debutante event, the Camellia Ball. S. Blake McNeely Collection, USA Archives Left: This season's debutantes are welcomed into society at the 2009 Camellia Ball at Fort Whiting. Betty Bienville would be so proud. Center: During the years before the Camellia Ball, the Country Club of Mobile held an annual dinner dance for members' debutante daughters. Here, in November 1940, Miss Tallulah Dunlap poses with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. D. R. Dunlap. Mr. Dunlap was the first president of Alabama Dry Dock and Shipbuilding Co. His daughter would reign over carnival the next year. Erik Overbey Collection, USA Archives Right: Tom McGehee dances with his daughter, Megan, at this year's ball. Photo by Jeff Tesney.