The History of Le Cercle de Bacchus
After enjoying the 1955 debutante season in New Orleans with several young ladies and their families, it occurred to a young bachelor that Baton Rouge had no organization to honor young ladies coming of social age. And so Thompson M. Wallace, with the encouragement of his mother, Mrs. George M. “Peach” Wallace, conceived a plan to start such an organization. Le Cercle de Bacchus – (The Club of Bacchus) – was the intriguing name, selected by Tommy Wallace on the 4th day of June, 1956, which was to guide the most outstanding young bachelors of the Baton Rouge community in the organization of a group formed for the purpose of promoting and providing a medium for the social and cultural activities of its members.
A name was needed for the organization and Tommy called on a close friend from Amite, living in New Orleans, to create such a name and to flesh out the total concept for Baton Rouge. This young man was a student of Greek mythology and provided the name and history of Bacchus (Dionysius), the god of wine, and suggested the name “Le Cercle de Bacchus” for the organization. Bacchus was the son of Jupiter, supreme ruler of the universe, and of Semele, who was descended from the gods Mars and Venus. Being the god of wine, he had the powers of intoxication, which not only represented those of the wine, but of the social and beneficial influence which it gave. He was looked upon as a promoter of civilization, a lawgiver, and a lover of peace, and was normally depicted as a young man crowned with vine leaves or ivy, and he was sometimes seen riding a panther.
Tommy wholeheartedly accepted his friend’s idea as one that would also appeal to his other bachelor friends. With the concept and name in place, ground rules were laid concerning the function of the organization, and Tommy called on his father, Mr. George M. Wallace, an attorney, to write the Articles of Incorporation. Tommy outlined what he had in mind and his father did the rest.
Since the Articles of Incorporation were set up for five individuals to sign, Tommy then solicited some of his friends to meet and discuss his plans. They were Mr. J. Burgin Barousse, Mr. Buckner Harris, Mr. Steven Huber, and Mr. O. Miles Pollard, Jr. They met several times at the Baton Rouge Country Club and at the Wallace home. The Articles of Incorporation were then signed and the selling of the idea began. Coincidentally, Tommy’s sister, Mrs. Tom “Pretty” Jones, being a Notary, signed the Articles of Incorporation, and assisted Tommy in a letter campaign to invite the young men of Baton Rouge to join him in forming the organization. Among the activities planned by the group was an Annual Ball held the weekend before Mardi Gras at which time ten of the most outstanding young ladies of Baton Rouge would be presented. This presentation was conceived with the idea of preserving the traditional and cultural aspects of our city. This desire being our constant goal – for someday the members of Bacchus will be the backbone of these aspects.
This idea was totally new and the thought of wearing white tie and tails was completely foreign to the young men of Baton Rouge. Not only was white-tie dress out of the ordinary, where would you rent them in sufficient quantity to have such an affair as a “White Tie” ball? New Orleans, of course. The idea sparked the interest of the area’s young men, and the first Bacchus Ball was held on January 28, 1958. Ten young women of Baton Rouge were presented and honored that first evening at the Bellemont Hotel. In spite of the fact that funds were sparse and some bills outstanding, the Bellemont gave the fledgling organization another opportunity to present ten more young ladies the following year, February 7, 1959. Following that ball, it became apparent that Le Cercle de Bacchus would indeed survive.
Le Cercle de Bacchus
Through the years, the dignity, pageantry and enjoyment of the Annual Presentation Ball has paid tribute to many young ladies as originally planned. Being very selective with the invitations to active membership in the organization, it was decided that the young men must be completed with their formal education when invited to join, and it was from the membership that the officers would be selected to run the organization. From its inception and through the years, without fail, the officers and many single gentlemen who have been members of Le Cercle de Bacchus have carried on this genteel social tradition.
About the Organization
Founded in 1956, Le Cercle de Bacchus is an organization composed of Baton Rouge’s most eligible young bachelors and professionals. The primary focus of the organization is to host an annual Presentation Ball to honor a select group of Baton Rouge’s most outstanding young women, selected by the membership.
Le Cercle de Bacchus is recognized as Baton Rouge’s oldest Debutante Society, hosting the inaugural presentation ball on January 23, 1958. Debutantes – referred to as Honorees, are selected based on criteria that exemplifies the most well rounded of outstanding young leaders, academics, athletes, and philanthropist. Each year, before the conclusion of Mardi Gras season, a select group of Baton Rouge’s most eligible young women are chosen from hundreds of highly competitive nominees. In a continued tradition, Le Cercle de Bacchus hosts a presentation ball, highlighting these outstanding new Honoree Members.
From its inception, the ball was intended to emulate that fine blend of Latin gaiety, southern graciousness, and a bit of the elegance of the times past, which are the essence of Louisiana culture. The first ball so well reflected this cultural ambiance that its format has become traditional and is observed faithfully today, over six decades later.
For our bachelor members, Le Cercle de Bacchus is more than an annual Ball. Le Cercle de Bacchus offers young men whom are about to, or have already graduated college a chance to belong to something bigger. Benefits of membership include social events throughout the year, networking opportunities with our vast Baron (alumni) network, and leadership opportunities that can help a young individual grow personally and professionally.