Junior League of Dallas in the 90s
Posted by Sexilexi254@reddit | Dallas | View on Reddit | 7 comments
My mother was in junior league of Dallas in the 90s, people usually act like that meant something when they tell me. I’m really just so curious for any anecdotes or stories about what this was like then, I never really knew her so always wanting to learn more. Thanks to anyone who comments!
the-BBC-news@reddit
It used to be much more difficult to get sponsored for membership - they still did amazing volunteer work like they do now, it was just more of an “old Dallas connections” club where you needed multiple current members to write letters of rec to put you up for membership.
Now it’s far more equitable, realizing many outstanding women who have talents to bring to JLD may not have been in the traditional HPHS/Hockaday/Ursuline-UT/SMU sorority-Dallas debutante pipeline and should be able to join and contribute regardless of background.
duchess_of_nothing@reddit
Back then it was rich housewives usually on the younger side with loads of socializing and galas. The paper would cover their teas and luncheons.
It's now more of a philanthropy organization of professional women.
Sexilexi254@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the responses! This is about what I was thinking. I may reach out to them to see if there are any records.
bballjones9241@reddit
My wife is in junior league right now and when I first told my parents they immediately said the OG JLD members were like a white glove society and were all the same tall, skinny, rich. I think JLD nowadays is trying to change that image. My wife and her family fit that mold but there is definitely more diversity. Seems like more of a volunteer, professional women network.
ericbobmyers@reddit
Honestly, I’d suggest calling the offices of the league here in Dallas. They do a generally awesome job keeping records and such and will likely have more to offer than a general offer; however, past that the library or back copies of the Dallas Morning News may offer pictures and such of events if you can narrow the timeline a bit further. Regardless, the historians at the Junior League offices are still your best bet.
vanshkamra@reddit
Back then Junior League, especially in places like Dallas, was definitely seen as more than just volunteering. It was kind of a mix of philanthropy, social network, status marker, and community involvement all rolled into one. A lot of women built major friendships, business connections, and social circles through it, especially in the 80s and 90s. If people react strongly when they hear your mom was involved, they probably associate it with someone who was active in the community, organized, socially connected, and from a certain Dallas culture that was pretty distinct at the time. You’d probably get some really interesting stories if you ask older Dallas locals specifically about charity events, debutante culture, fundraising galas, or community projects connected to Junior League back then.
JellyfishTop5709@reddit
Your mom was probably organizing charity galas while wearing power suits with shoulder pads that could take out a small aircraft.