The Garde Domremy announced an “Apple Blossom dansant,” to be held the evening of May 18,1938, at Knights of Columbus Hall on Dutton St. in Lowell. A “Queen of May” would be chosen at the dance by a panel of judges.

Massachusetts National Guard Annual Ball, Friday, December 2, 1938 On the night of Friday, December 2, 1938, the 182nd Infantry Division of the Massachusetts National Guard gave its 2nd annual ball at Lowell Memorial Auditorium. Governor Charles F. Hurley and Mayor Dewey G. Archambault were to be guests of honor. Guests from Lawrence, Haverhill, Waltham, Woburn, Concord, Stoneham, Malden, Everett, Melrose, Charlestown and Wakefield were also expected to attend. Also invited to attend were the Garde Frontenac, Garde Sacre Coeur, Garde St. Louis, and Garde Domremy, presumably in their full uniforms. Girl Officers from Lowell High School were to serve as ushers.

Martha Washington Dance, 1940-41, Lowell, Mass

On a Saturday night some time in 1940 or 1941, the Garde Domremy sponsored a Martha Washington Dance at the Rex Ballroom in downtown Lowell. The Rex was a very popular spot in those days for large events such as dances and wedding receptions. My uncle Leo Lamarche and his wife Rita Baker had their wedding reception there in 1947. Anyhow, at the dance, a Gerard Droll was chosen Mr. Military and a Lorraine Landry of Nashua, New Hampshire was chosen Miss Military. Two attendees, Juliette Poirier, of the Garde Domremy and Earl Taylor portrayed George and Martha Washington and received trophies for the honor from State Rep. George T. Walsh.

Dance at Fort Devens, Ayer, Mass. Wednesday, February 4, 1942

The Lowell Sun ran a story in the Wednesday, January 28, 1942, edition about a Garde Domremy drill exhibition to be given at Fort Devens the following Wednesday, February 4th. Mrs. Pepin, their advisor, stated that following the drill, she would have 50 girls with her for a general dance that evening. The story emphasized that only the senior drill team would attend. There was a junior section composed of young girls with batons. The story went on to say that the Garde Domremy was well known throughout New England, New York State and Quebec for its excellent formations and had many beautiful trophies garnered against strong competition.

Thursday, February 5, 1942, carried a story in the Lowell Sun about the dance the evening before held at Fort Devens for the benefit of the soldiers there. More than 200 soldiers are said to have attended along with the Garde members and their chaperones, Mrs. Anna Hoyle, Mrs. Joseph Morrison and Mrs. Nelson Pepin. There were two vocalists accompanied by piano and a luncheon was also served. The event was held at a private home on Robbins Pond and according to Mrs. Pepin, “everyone was a perfect gentleman.” Said Mrs. Pepin, “the army was composed of gentlemen whose courtesy was tops”. State Rep. Albert Bergeron, who was the Garde Domremy drill master also attended. Given his many years of experience it is easy to see why the Garde Domremy began to make a name for themselves in New England.

Dance at the Rex, Saturday, April 11, 1942, Lowell, Mass

The Lowell Sun announced another Garde Domremy dance to be held at the Rex rooftop garden on the above date. One hundred men from Fort Devens had been invited as well as the general public. Members of the Garde Domremy were all expected to sell tickets and their affairs were always well attended. Mrs. Nelson Pepin was still the Garde’s advisor.