In the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s social clubs were the in thing in Tucson as they were across the nation.
It was a time for youth and young couples to gather and socialize at dances, picnics, barbecues and parties. Members would play sports, put on plays and host charitable fundraisers.
The clubs came and went over the years.
But Club Duette has survived and members are celebrating the 60th anniversary of the organization Sunday at El Casino Ballroom, 437 E. 26th St.
About 300 people are expected at a dinner and will dance to the music of the Miguelito Diaz Orchestra. The event is from 1 to 6 p.m. and Los Changuitos Feos also will perform in the early afternoon. Tickets at the door are $20 per person.
What has kept Club Duette going strong is the friendship among the 23 members that has developed and strengthened over the decades, explained Betty Lara Carrillo, 84.
“We began in Club Mavis when we were young school girls. But, when we started getting married, we formed Club Duette,” she said. In addition to Carrillo, the other founding members were Alva Bustamante Torres and Aída Wilkins Méndez.
The husbands of the members supported and helped their wives with the dances and fundraisers. The money collected was used to help widows and included organizations that helped feed, clothe and assist struggling families with their medical needs, Carrillo said.
“These women have been a constant source of strength and comfort in my life,” said Esther Torres, Alva’s daughter. She recalled at age 14 the death of her father and how the women “came immediately to our house. They brought food and made phone calls to let others know. They brought my mother money that they collected, and offered so much support.”
The elder Torres said the women gave of themselves to all members who were in need. They hugged and cried with their friends who lost loved ones, and celebrated their joyous moments, including weddings, anniversaries and baby showers. The caring extended to significant events in the lives of each others’ children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“I love these women, and I know they love me too,” said Esther Torres, 53. “They are inspirational. They have stayed together through good times and hard times.”
“We want to thank everyone who patronized us all these years, and helped us raise money so that we could help others,” said Alva Torres, 83.
The women — including community leaders, neighborhood activists, an administrative assistant, a teacher, an artist and a bank president — have donated nearly $21,000 to charitable organizations over the years.
The majority of the members, who are now in their 70s and 80s, remain active in the community and with their families. “We chose El Casino for our anniversary celebration because of its history and for sentimental reasons,” said Alva Torres. “We met boyfriends there, married our sweethearts and celebrated our weddings there.”
Come Sunday, Carrillo said she is excited that members of Club Duette and their families and friends “will be all together having a good time. We will be dressed up and dancing to a variety of music from the 1950s to the present day.”
