The Sirens is the second-oldest active women’s mystic society in Mobile, coming just after The Spinsters were established. The Sirens is a non-parading organization and traces its roots back to the 1910s. The society’s name and emblem was inspired by the mythical sirens in Homer’s “Iliad.”
Records vary as to whether The Sirens held its first ball in 1914 or 1915. Regardless of the exact year, the first ball was held at the Battle House Hotel. Aptly, the first ball’s theme was “Sirens,” Mrs. Montague Whiting was the Leading Lady and the festivities lasted until midnight when “all Sirens slowly disappeared in the mist and returned to their Mystical Island.” Themed balls are an annual tradition of The Sirens.
The photo above was taken at The Sirens’ ball in 1962, and the theme for that year was “The Merry Widows.” The Leading Lady in 1962 was Mrs. J. R. Macpherson.Â
The Sirens ball themes of years past:
1924 – Mah Jongg Ball
1939 – Silver Ball (25th anniversary)
1942 – Americana Ball
1954 – Melodies That Refuse to Die
1973 – Isle of the Sirens
1989 – 75th Anniversary
1997 – Midnight at the Oasis
2000 – These Are A Few of My Favorite Things
2024 – Everything’s Coming Up Roses
By the Numbers
65: The number of members that The Sirens capped membership to during their first year in 1914.
2014: The year that The Sirens celebrated their 100th anniversary. The occasion was celebrated with a Golden Jubilee Ball.Â
6 years: The number of years The Sirens have not had a ball in their 112-year history. From 1918-1919, the organization didn’t have a ball due to World War I. From 1943-1945, it didn’t hold a ball due to World War II. In 2021, the group canceled its ball due to COVID.
25: The number of original charter members that first started The Sirens in the 1910s.
