Azalea Trail Queen's Dress

Mar 16th, 2004

No event in Mobile is complete without Azalea Trail Maids. You see the young women everywhere—wearing their bright pastel dresses with the huge skirts, carrying matching parasols and waving to the crowds. Now, thanks to the family of one of the very first Azalea Trail Queens, her dress will be on display at the Museum of Mobile.

The public is invited, as John Marshall presents Mayor Mike Dow and George Ewert, Director of The Museum of Mobile, the dress at 11:30 a.m., Friday, March 19, 2004. Mr. Marshall is the son of Marion Bancroft who served as one of the first queens in 1939.

The Azalea Trail Queen’s reign began with a ceremony when the 1939 Mardi Gras Queen, Ida Polk LeBlanc, relinquished her crown to Bancroft. This dress is reminiscent of 1930’s glamour-- an airy profusion of coral lace shot with gold thread--very unique in comparison to the Trail Court dress of today.

The dress will be on display at Bellingrath Gardens during the March 20th Azalea Trail Maid Reunion before it is placed in the permanent collection of the Museum.

For additional information about this or other upcoming events call 251-208-7569 or visit www.museumofmobile.com