Photo courtesy Mardi Gras Collection, Historic Mobile Preservation Society
Three former Mardi Gras Queens are gathered together to mark various decades of Mardi Gras royalty: they represent three generations of family. From left to right, they are Venetia Danner Barney, Mary Bacon Barney and Venetia Danner Bacon McClure. The three queens reigned as queen in 1959, 1936 and 1903 respectively. When Barney became queen of the Mobile Carnival Association Court in the 50s, it marked the first time a third-generation queen of the same family had served in Mobile Carnival history. The former queens are all standing next to coronation regalia, and McClure is holding a sterling silver crown, which was worn by each during their season.
All Hail the Queens of Mardi Gras
- According to Venetia Danner Barney, the debutantes of 1959 were the first to wear pink to the Camellia Ball.
- According to Mary Bacon Barney, her year as queen marked the first time that anyone had worn blue on their train; before then, queen’s trains had always been silver and gold.
- Venetia Danner Bacon McClure was queen on the 200-year anniversary of the first Carnival celebration in Mobile.
By the Numbers
1890
The year that the first women’s Mardi Gras society, the MWM, was founded. The first female parading society, the Polka Dots, was founded in 1949.
2005
The year that, sadly, Hurricane Katrina destroyed the regalia of Queen Venetia Danner Barney.
60 pounds
The weight of Mary Bacon Barney’s train in 1936. In 1959, her daughter, Venetia Danner Barney, wore the same train, reworked by Kathryn and Edmond deCelle, who added more stones.
FIVE
The number of generations who have worn the crown that Venetia Danner Barney, Mary Bacon Barney and Venetia Danner Bacon McClure wore.
Do you know any further details about this photo? Let us know! Email [email protected].
