History
This page contains recommended reading on the historical events or periods, our parties are themed after and inspired by, and acknowledgements to the people who came before.
Our first event is the Reading 2026 queer ball, inspired by the Hamilton Lodge 'pansy ball', which was the greatest social event of the year, for many years, beginning in 1869, reaching their peak in the 1920s, the fascinating history of the Hamilton Lodge ball is one of many beautiful flowerings of queer culture during the Harlem renaissance. We are taking this idea, the music, the excitement and the community of these balls and bringing that feeling to the modern day, with respect and thanks for the history and those who paved the way.
​
Please see the links below for more information on the queer Harlem renaissance and the Hamilton Lodge balls.
​
See our gallery for related images, including period newspaper coverage.
​​
Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Hamilton_Lodge_Ball
​​
https://glreview.org/article/rise-and-fall-of-the-pansy-craze/
​
​
https://syncopatedtimes.com/the-pansy-craze-pioneered-lgbt-acceptance-in-america/
​
https://peabodyballroom.library.jhu.edu/home/ballroom-history/1930s-pansy-craze/
​