Preserving Our History: The Follies

THE FOLLIES

by Tammy Stanard

Throughout Junior League history, and especially here in Charlotte, many remember ‘The Follies’ with a loving fondness. Many Actives have heard stories about The Follies, but never participated in one since the last performance was during the 1997-1998 League year. So, what exactly was ‘The Follies’? And why doesn’t the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) continue with The Follies today?

Those who may have been unfamiliar with The Follies may have defined it as a variety show for the public that the JLC members and often their spouses starred in. Actives have come to learn that when referring to ‘The Follies’ there are two aspects to consider. Sustainers say the first aspect is the 5-year League cycle including research and development, project identification, the programs and initiatives that resulted from the League’s work, and fundraising. The second aspect is the actual performance itself. The Follies performance, a celebratory event in the form of a variety show including Actives, Sustainers, and their spouses, was the culmination of the 5-year cycle and took place in year five. During that 5th year, otherwise known as a ‘Follies year’ it was all hands-on deck throughout the JLC to execute what was often a multi-night performance and included spectators and participants that were highranking business and political leaders, such as the Mayor of Charlotte.

So how did the 5-year cycle work? In years 1 and 2, the JLC would mobilize committees, such as the Research and Development Committee and the Community Council, to engage Charlotte community leaders and non-profits. The JLC would bring together roundtables of these leaders for the purpose of identifying challenges in the community and determining which needs in the community were greatest. The JLC would also determine how it could play

a role in helping fill these gaps. In year 3, background work would be done and a project or several projects to benefit the community, much like our current community partnerships, would be decided on. The League would then vote on which projects to approve and advance. Years 4 and 5 were focused on fundraising for the approved projects. In year 5, ‘The Follies Year’ the performance would take place, usually at the end of February. During these years, in parallel with the fundraising efforts, the League was also 100% invested in supporting their current projects and the funds raised were allocated to current and new projects.

The Follies was no small, meager show. As with any big production, it needed a producer, a script, music, and more to draw a crowd. A well-known producer was usually flown in from New York or Philadelphia. The producer, along with great costumes, music, lighting and a large venue all contributed to steep production costs. As production costs for The Follies increased and venues became more expensive to rent, Charlotte grew as an entertainment and cultural center and offered more activities for residents.

The Follies is mentioned as early as the 1927-28 League year in Charlotte with the show “High Lights” raising $1,784.69.

Back in the 1940’s, the Follies was very prevalent in the JLC and even a highlight of the Greater Charlotte community calendar. Local Charlotte newspapers printed hundreds of Follies patrons (donors) throughout its pages. During a time when the City of Charlotte was comprised of just over 100,000 residents compared with the over 800,000 residents today, the small town of Charlotte seemed to celebrate the fundraising activity and the production.

“The Follies was such a huge fundraiser,” according to Past President Lisa Tomlinson, adding “corporations such as The Charlotte Observer, Duke Power (now Duke Energy), the large banks and even the United Way” contributed to the JLC fundraising, because these corporations “trusted the JLC to give to the right organizations.” This helped provide the JLC a “seat at the table” within the business community.

Jane Grosse, The Follies Committee Chair of the final Follies performance in the 1997-1998 League year, said The Follies was “comradery building for everyone in the League.” Grosse said the committee’s approach to fundraising in 1996-1998 was unique. For the first time known to the League, the committee invited community members, including men, to become part of the first of its kind, Honorary Campaign

Cabinet for the sole purpose of actively participating in fundraising. The League needed the help, as their goal was to raise a whopping $1,000,000. One of those Honorary Cabinet members was Bill Grigg, Head of Duke Power. He, along with 27 other influential people from the community donated time and resources. Along with the JLC, they were successful in raising between 1.2 and 1.3 million in 1998.

As Charlotte was changing, so was a woman’s role in society and family. Many more Active members of the League worked

full-time compared to the 1980’s and even the early 1990’s. While members still wanted to contribute to the community it was difficult to justify a hectic rehearsal schedule for the performance, while managing family and job-related commitments. Because of this, the final Follies performance was held in 1998. However, the Follies 71 year legacy is an important part of JLC history that continues to be told through the stories of the Follies performances through JLC Sustainers and seeing the old photos and videos to reminisce of times gone by.