Gaston County -- Sandy and Gary Taylor's new house near the Gaston/Lincoln County line was transformed Saturday night into a cotillion featuring more than 45 young ladies that, by the end of evening, would become debutantes. And in doing so, all would begin an adventure into young womanhood.
Sandy Taylor said her and her husband weren't expecting to buy the house.
"We found this house quiet by accident," said Taylor. "When I saw it, I thought it was a great place to have a party."
The party was billed as a Kentucky Derby party in the invitation-only affair where the young girls celebrated a "coming out" party. Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia, said the origin of debutante is French for "debut." Originally, it meant the young woman was eligible for marriage, and part of the purpose was to display her to eligible bachelors and their families with a view to marriage within a select upper class circle.
Young ladies from the surrounding Lincoln County area were invited. The party, complete with a DJ, food, dance floor and pictures, was sponsored by 17 Lincoln County debutantes.
Guests and their escorts were brought in mostly by horse-drawn carriage; however, rain started falling as the guests started arriving and the top was put on the carriage. An SUV was also used to transport guests to the Taylor's residence, where the couples were given a mint julep before being officially announced.
Traditionally made with alcohol, the mint juleps that were served didn't contain alcohol. One chaperone said the drink is common in the south and is the traditional drink of the Kentucky Derby.
Taylor's older granddaughter, Holland Bradley, 21, became a debutante when she was 19. The party Saturday night brought back fond memories from the recent Appalachian State University graduate.
"It's an official coming out in society and is an old tradition," said Bradley, who is the first generation in her family to become a debutante. "You have to be asked to join."
Bradley said that a lot of young girls that become debutantes participate in the junior cotillion in middle school.
"It's were girls start learning manners and grace," said Bradley.
Her younger sister, Kendal Bradley, 17, was touched her grandparents offered their new home for the party.
"We all feel honored because everyone took time to do this for us. It's something special," said Kendal. A senior at Lincolnton High School, Bradley plans to attend East Carolina University and study merchandising.
LHS senior Katie Lail, meantime, said she liked the social aspect of the event.
"It's good because people from different schools get together and get to know each other," said Lail. She said she's planning to go to ECU, like Bradley, but she will study psychology.
Cody Blanton, 18, said being a debutante is exclusive.
"Not every one is chosen," said Blanton. She will attend Gardner-Webb University and study elementary education after graduating.
Jessie Cline, 18, said the party is just another great memory of an incredible Senior high school year. Cline wants to be a physical education teacher when she attends Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., in the fall.
"We're always going to remember every party we went to and the people we met," said Cline.
Joy and Freddie Barrett came to the party to support their 18-year-old daugher, Kendall, at the party.
Freddie Barrett said it was his second daughter to become a debutante.
"I thought it was only for rich people," he said.
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Cotillion well-attended despite badly needed rain
Young ladies from the surrounding Lincoln County area were invited. The party, complete with a DJ, food, dance floor and pictures, was sponsored by 17 Lincoln County debutantes.
