A well-oiled Cotillion organization holds well kept secrets privy only to insiders

Maggie Martin, Shreveport Times
·3 min read

Long before Mardi Gras grandeur kicked off in the Ark-La-Tex, there was the Cotillion.

Presented by the Cotillion Club, it trumps every other glitzy gala held in Shreveport. (Though SRAC's every-other -year public "Christmas in the Sky" does give it somewhat a run for its money.)

Founded 75 years ago, the black-tie, glamorous soiree swings at Municipal Auditorium, with a tableau that follows the ball-chairwoman's theme. This year, Lara Yerger's choice: "L'Esprit Rococo."

Anne Jenkins, Ellen White and 2024 Cotillion Ball chairperson Lara Yerger at the Cotillion Royal Reception at the Petroleum Club April 14, 2024. The reception celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Cotillion.
Anne Jenkins, Ellen White and 2024 Cotillion Ball chairperson Lara Yerger at the Cotillion Royal Reception at the Petroleum Club April 14, 2024. The reception celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Cotillion.

Even after 75 years, and with a lot of copycats in the wings, the Cotillion remains the most glittery and splashy of social events in Shreveport.

As you might expect, like any 75-year-old, the Cotillion holds secrets, which include identification of the masked jesters, who selects the king and how is his name is made public, how will the king's lavaliere evoke the theme.

"Who selects this top royal?" (Although we suspect he is chosen by former kings, this is one mystery we can't solve. And you can bet he is an area "who's who.")

Marjorie Querbes Briley by the photo of the Cotillion Royal Court of 1988 in which she was Queen XXXIX.
Marjorie Querbes Briley by the photo of the Cotillion Royal Court of 1988 in which she was Queen XXXIX.

Although names of possibilities make the social rounds, the king's identity is revealed publicly at a swanky January gathering hosted this year by Cotillion Governing Board Prez Lloyd Andrew Brown and his wife. By-invitation-only guests trooped to the posh Shreveport Club for royal court answers. King LXXV Chris Frierson with wife, artist Paula Frierson, made a royal debut, showered with hugs, clinking of glass for toasts, thundering with words of congratulation.

Royal Reception

The evening after the April Cotillion, the Royal Reception at the Petroleum Club toasted the anniversary and honored King Chris.

Partygoers made rounds of exhibits that included royal costumes, photographs of past royal courts, crowns and Maura Querbes Pugh's collection of lavalieres.

In the Cotillion Court of 1975, Claudia Fritze Oliver was princess XXVI and Steven and Robert Shavin were pages.
In the Cotillion Court of 1975, Claudia Fritze Oliver was princess XXVI and Steven and Robert Shavin were pages.

Pugh, a Lady of the Court in 1977, collects the pins. She pointed out that lavalieres are a new Cotillion tradition - and have become a Cotillion symbol of sorts - introduced around the 1970s.

"The earliest I have is from 1972," Pugh said. "It has silver balloons and the theme that year was 'Wizard of Oz, The Emerald City.'"

Taking a cue from the theme, each king designs his own, making it an original, and selects a jeweler to create it for him. (They are small enough for man's lapel. Women wear one on a cord around her neck, or on a bracelet.

The ornaments are ready for spring distribution by hand or mail.

The late King John Doles' offering is among the most unique. He commissioned it hand-painted on porcelain by a Plain Dealing artist, remembered Pugh. (When I rummaged through a drawer where I stow a few given to me, I found a swan encircled by a silver ring from 1969 King Bill Broyles. Another, from King Dr. David Clemons, features an Art Deco theme.

Mark Pollard Sealy, who was Rex LXXIII, and Lila Knicely, who was co-chair during Sealy's reign, pose with the train that Rex LXIII wore during the ball that year.
Mark Pollard Sealy, who was Rex LXXIII, and Lila Knicely, who was co-chair during Sealy's reign, pose with the train that Rex LXIII wore during the ball that year.

Although some fans covet the gift, because, really, they indicate you are a Cotillion "insider," the traditional recipients are: Mothers of court members... Cotillion board members... Wives and widows of the kings.

Pugh points out that kings can favor anyone they want by presenting them a lavaliere, but once they are given out, no more are available.

Among those ending the Cotilion weekend with the Royal Reception: George and Clare Nelson, Bobby Pugh, Paula Frierson, Ball Chief Lara Yerger, Alison Barrett, Harrison and Cissie Smith, Former King Mark Pollard Sealy, Susan and Mike Adams, Kevin and Marjorie Briley, Dr. Charles and Katherine Sale, Holly Henderson, Betty Henderson, Caroline Guy, Stratton Erwin, Frances Smitherman, Lila Knicely.

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This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: A well-oiled Cotillion organization holds well kept secrets privy only to insiders