Since 1878, the Veiled Prophet has hosted an annual Ball to honor young women for their commitment to community service.  

The event has its roots in the Agricultural and Mechanical Fair held in St. Louis begining in 1856.  The Fairs languished in the years following the U. S. Civil War and the original Veiled Prophet celebration was, in part, an attempt to reclaim pre-emminence for the City as a manufacturing center and agricultural shipping point competing with rapidly growing Chicago.  

On the evening of October 8, 1878, the inaugural Ball was held at the Merchant's Exchange Building. One of the highlights of the evening was when the Veiled Prophet proclaimed the Belle of the Ball, by selecting a young lady for the first dance. Susie Slayback was the first VP Belle of the Ball.  

Moving into the twentieth century, the Veiled Prophet celebration underwent numerous changes.  In 1894, a new tradition began with the crowning of the Queen of Love and Beauty.  The first crown was modeled after Queen Victoria's crown.  Early Queens carried bouquets of American Beauty roses, but begining in 1924 rare orchids were provided by the Missouri Botanical Gardens.  Newspapers did not publicly announce the names of Queens until 1885.   

The premiere event on the St. Louis social calendar, the Ball has been held each fall with the exception of several years which were cancelled due to World War I and World War II.  In 2009, the Veiled Prophet organization will host its125th Ball.  

While much has changed since the first Parade and Ball in 1878, the original premise for the Veiled Prophet organization remains the same - "to serve and promote the St. Louis community." 

Click here for more information on the VP Maids of Honor Community Service Initiative.