As various University of Michigan historians have noted, dances and formals have long been an important tradition at the University of Michigan. One of the most well-known dances at UM was the Junior Hop (or J-Hop). Modeled after the Senior Hop (which ran from 1868 to 1870), the first J-Hop was held in 1872 and became one of the most popular social events on campus (Wahr, The University of Michigan an encylopedic survey ). The J-Hop ended in 1960 "after which it was given up for lack of interest by a generation that preferred to sit and listen to folk music" (Peckham, The Making of the University of Michigan , 1967, p.76).
Students attended other dances as well at the University of Michigan, according to Peckham: "Big class dances, besides the venerable J Hop, were the Freshman Frolic, the Sophomore Prom, the Senior Reception, the Military Ball, and the Architects' Ball--all part of the rites of spring" (Peckham, p.151).
Dance cards were an integral part of the dance tradition in the United States as well as at the University of Michigan during the time of the J-Hop and other dance events. Dance cards were small cards or booklets distributed to women attending dances for the purpose of tracking their prospective dance partners; the dance cards also served as souvenirs of the event as well. Typically, a dance card would include a list of the evening's songs with an associated line on which a dance partner's name could be written for that dance. Dance cards ranged from the very simple to the elaborate and often included a cord with a tiny pencil attached. (dance card information from: http://www.mixedpickles.org/dancecards.html)
From the guide to the [University of Michigan dance card collection], 1888-1957, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)
