Figure 1.--THis is the end of class festival at a French maternelle in 1964. It looks like aind of party with the children dancing while the mothers look on approvingly. The boys all wear white barboteuses and the girls white dresses. These are formal outfits. The barboteuse was often worn as play clothes, but the white ones here are for formal occassions.

We notice a range of events held at at maternelles, celebrating special events. There seem to be some events where the children put on little recitals or other performances. Many maernelles were attached to primary schools and each of the different classes gave a presentation for the assembled school and parents. We also note what looks to be formal parties with the children dancing. The children see very formally dressed for these events, much more formally than regular school days. At most maternelles there were no real uniform, but at some of these events the children wear identical outfits. While barbeoteuses (rompers) seem a popular choice for the biys and white dresses for the girls during the 1950s and 60s. Some of these events seem to be end of the year celebrations with the older children ready to begin primary schools. We believe there were also many special events celebrated less formlly during the school year. The photographs we have found show rather formal affairs. We are not sure yet if fun events wee also held. We suspect that they were less likeky to be photographed. Here hopefully our French readers will provide some details about their experiences.

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Created: 11:12 PM 10/1/2012
Last updated: 11:12 PM 10/1/2012