Debutante Cotillion and Christmas Ball of Durham

In 1955 the first Debutante Cotillion and Christmas Ball of Durham was established by Mrs. Thomas Davenport Wright. The Debutante Ball Society of Durham, which now hosts the ball, was established in 1961 by Davenport, Mrs. Edward McCullogh Cameron, Mrs. Charles Harris Livengood Jr, Mrs. Edward Stewart Orgain, and Mrs. William Edwards Cranford.[1] Debutantes are selected from prominent families of Durham, Chapel Hill, and other areas in Orange County.[2][3] The ball was originally given as a benefit for the maintenance of Kenmore Plantation in Fredericksburg, Virginia.[1] The Durham Arts Council later became the beneficiary of the ball.[1]

In the 1950s, the ball consisted of a receiving line, a garland waltz, a formal cotillion, singing of Christmas carols, and addresses by local clergymen. In later years, a sleigh ride and minuet were added, as well as the lighting of a Christmas tree.[1]

The ball, originally held at the National Guard Armory, takes place at the Durham Convention Center in the Downtown Durham Historic District.[4][5]

Debutantes are announced every year in May during a Mother's Day luncheon at Hope Valley Country Club.[6][2] For the remainder of the year until the cotillion and ball, parties and other social events take place for the debutantes, including a father & daughter luncheon at Chapel Hill Country Club.[2][6]