Biographical / Historical Notes
The Juniors of the Social Service Auxiliary was a women’s group in San Diego, founded to assist the Sisters of Social Service. Members regularly volunteered at the Bayside Social Center, a settlement house in San Diego, and organized the annual Mardi Gras Ball, raising funds for Camp Oliver in Descanso. According to a 1966 brochure, Camp Oliver offered an environment where girls could grow “spiritually, physically, socially in the Christian atmosphere of the camp.” Camp Oliver was run by the Sisters of Social Service, and all proceeds from the annual Mardi Gras Balls went to the Camp Oliver Fund.
The Mardi Gras Ball was a major annual event. The Juniors of the Social Service Auxiliary began planning for the ball every spring. Each member was responsible for finding advertisers for the program, attending work meetings and giving talks to the community about Camp Oliver. The Ball had a different theme each year, with sponsors incorporating the theme into their advertisements in the annual program. All decorations at the Ball were created by the members. An appropriately-dressed court presided over each Ball. Men served as court escorts, ushers, jesters and “masquers.” The Juniors of the Social Service Auxiliary held this annual event until 1983.
From the guide to the Juniors of the Social Service Auxiliary Mardi Gras Programs Collection, 1956-1983, (San Diego History Center Document Collection)
