Fancy Dress – Eight girls dressed in Japanese costumes
Fancy Dress Balls and school performances were a very popular events in the early goldfields. A great deal of time must have been spent making the costumes as many were very elaborate. They would usually be in groups of four, six, eight and sometimes more. Each would have a ‘theme’ and the groups were called ‘sets’. There were prizes awarded for the best costumes and dancers and often these events were held in aid of a charity or to help a family in need.
The height of popularity in the Goldfields and in Australia of Fancy Dress was in the 1920’s but continued for many years especially in schools. These photographs from the North Kalgoorlie School show costumes from 1911 to 1956.
Fancy Dress Ball North Kalgoorlie School 1911 – Jesters
North Kalgoorlie School Ball 1956 – Sailors. Montgomery Twins, Maxine Cruickshank, Judith Wills, Dennis Basset, John Emerson
Leave a Tip!
If you would like to support my work sharing stories of the Western Australian Goldfields, a small tip – starting at just $2 – would mean a great deal. You're welcome to give more if you feel inclined.
Every contribution, no matter the amount, helps me continue researching and preserving these important stories for future generations. Your generosity supports the ongoing costs of running the website. Thank you so much.
Visit our Why Donate page for more information and to make a donation.
Moya Sharp
Latest posts by Moya Sharp (see all)
- The Mirage of Gold – Paddy Whelan’s Livesey Range Saga - 19/04/2025
- The Beel Family’s Legacy: From Bendigo to Kalgoorlie - 19/04/2025
- Desert’s Deception – The Fatal Pact of Dyer and Raunio - 19/04/2025
The Asian costumes are Chinese actually, not Japanese. The hat and pigtail were very common in Chinese culture at the time.
Hi Violet
Thanks so much, yes you are quite correct, I thought Japanese as there were no Chinese on the Goldfields. Many thanks