First Ward Ball

The Independent Precinct Organization (IPO) called its annual fund-raising event in 1974 “The First Ward Ball,” copying the name of an annual event held in 1896 by a corrupt Machine ward organization.

The “Grand Parade,” which included an assortment of unsavory attendees, was held at the conclusion of the original Ball.

Instead of being led by the Ward Committeeman, which had been the practice in that long-ago event, the IPO re-incarnation was led by the two highest-ranking elected officials supported by the group. Participants included a slew of IPO campaign volunteers.

Leading the parade were Democratic U.S. Senator Adlai Stevenson III and Republican U.S. Senator Charles Percy.