At the time her father became President of the United States, Susan Ford was beginning her senior year at Holton-Arms School, an independent academy for girls in Bethesda, Maryland. When her class started planning their prom they turned to her for a venue. Susan Ford hosted the dance at the White House on May 31, 1975, the first – and to date only – prom to be held there.
The class of 1975 covered the cost of the evening with funds they had been raising since seventh grade. Prom committee members made tablecloths and put together their own flower arrangements for the dance.
After going through a receiving line in the Grand Hall the 74 seniors and their dates headed to the State Floor. Punch and hors d'oeuvres, including miniature quiche lorraine and pigs-in-a-blanket, were served in the State Dining Room. Dancing took place in the East Room from 8:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Two rock groups, the Outerspace Band and Sandcastle, provided music for the dance.
President and Mrs. Ford did not attend Susan's prom as they were away on a week-long trip to Europe. Susan's aunt Janet Ford, who was staying at the White House while her parents were traveling, served as one of the chaperones for the evening.
More information about the Holton-Arms School Senior Prom at the White House is available in the Sheila Weidenfeld Files:
Ford, Susan - Events - 5/31/75 - Holton Arms Senior Prom (1)
Ford, Susan - Events - 5/31/75 - Holton Arms Senior Prom (2)
