On the heels of gaining the right to vote, and deep into Prohibition, 16 women gathered in Greenville, intent on holding an “elegant” ball. This month, several hundred will gather at the Poinsett Club to ring in the 100th anniversary of The Assembly. “On one hand, we’re a women’s dance club,” says Assembly President Chelle Kelaher. “On the other hand, our members have grown to own their own businesses and lead the region. Many of our women are movers and shakers.”
Visionaries in a new millennium call upon the ideal presented by nearly 116 charter members in April of 1923. Many of today’s 253 members can trace their roots back five generations to the first ladies who formed The Assembly. “My great-grandmother was a charter member,” admits Publicity Chair Gwinn Kneeland. “I’m a very sentimental person. I love that history connects me to my ancestors and the tradition and elegance of a ball like this. Back then, Greenville was really, really small.”
One year in planning leads to a formal seated dinner, dancing, and the presentation of any daughters who are of age to make their debut. (Although Kelaher and Kneeland stress The Assembly is not a debutante club.) “I made my debut in 1987,” recalls Kelaher. “I remember thinking, what an incredible opportunity to be in this room with my parents, and grandparents, and their friends. Both of my girls recently made their debuts. It’s a far cry from the original intent to present a girl for marriage. Today, it’s a fantastic opportunity to learn how to communicate, act, and network in a formal environment.”
There were no debs at the first ball. Curtseying young ladies in white gowns didn’t come until decades later. Other changes have crept in across time as well. Full orchestras have made way for bands, dinner is now served much earlier than midnight, the dance has moved from the Poinsett Hotel to the Poinsett Club, and single women are now admitted for membership.
Kneeland’s daughter, who’s a senior at Clemson University, will be coming out at this November’s ball. “For her to be doing it this year is extra special,” the proud mom shares. “I keep thinking back to those original members and the fact this dance still takes place 100 years later, when so many others have come and gone. That’s amazing. Its uniqueness is amazing because the tradition is passed on through daughters and daughters-in-law.” Kelaher nods and says, “I think the founders would love it. The fact we’re all mingling and interacting and doing what they started. They would be like, ‘Oh, heck yeah!’ They would think that’s pretty cool.” Cool thoughts for a historic dance club, waltzing its way into Greenville’s legacy.
The Assembly Timeline
- March 1, 1923: 16 women gather to organize The Assembly.
- April 1923: 116 charter members hold the first Ball.
- 1927: The Ball is held at the Poinsett Hotel for the first time, costing $974.59.
- 1941: The Assembly donates money to the American Red Cross and Bundles for Britain.
- 1943: The Ball is not held in reverence to World War II.
- 1946: Debutantes start appearing at the Ball.
- 1975: The Ball moves to the Poinsett Club.
- 2008: Assembly members start to meet for a casual social gathering mid-year.
- 2012: The Ball moves from the Saturday after Thanksgiving to the Saturday before Thanksgiving to appease Clemson/USC football fans.
- Nov. 18, 2023: About 300 will gather to celebrate at the Poinsett Club, including four 21-year-olds, who will make their debut.
