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Photo of The Month – Apr 2012

May Day Pageantry

Picture contributor: Virginia Padgett Biggerstaff

The royal couple pause on the porch after exiting Cliffside School's main entrance, as their court of 13 formally dressed couples forming a large "V" on the steps.
May Day
Buddy Hall and Gigi Padgett
The King and Queen this particular year (1951?) were Buddy Hall and Gigi Padgett, shown departing the ceremonial field, wearing their golden-like crowns.

It happened every spring at Cliffside School, and still does, as far as we know. A King and Queen are chosen, the attendants are selected, then for weeks all of Cliffside is turned upside down, everyone searching for matching outfits for the boys—white shoes, if you got ’em (most didn’t), and formal gowns for the girls.

The flagpole was festooned with long strips of crepe paper and other adornments were added to the front lawn, all in preparation for the May Pole Dance.

The colorful rituals were held late on a pleasant afternoon. It warmed the hearts of everyone to watch these beautiful children assume the solemn demeanor of adults, in spite of their normal inclinations to run around and squeal.