Menges Party, Folk Dancing, Della Menges 2nd from Right, 9-3-77 in Livingston Manor, New York

by John Margolies

Travel back into the cultural history of the Catskills through this colorful 1977 photograph taken by the acclaimed American photographer, John Margolies. The photograph is titled “Menges Party,” which captures the lively folk dances performed in the rural regions of Upstate New York on September 3, 1977, including the dancer Della Menges who is dressed in an elaborate floral print dress and wearing white heel pumps and can be seen second from the right.

This piece beautifully captures small-town social traditions, community celebrations, and mid-century Americana style.