Long Island proms of the past

Students smile together as they pose for a photo at the Islip High School junior prom in 1975.

Students sit together at the Mattituck High School junior prom in 1978.

Prom dates sits at their table at the Mattituck High School junior prom in 1978.

Mattituck High School prom queen Maria Taylor, center, stands with, from left, Ginna Haas, Teresa Lessard, Anne Cottrell and Lynn Gildersleeve at the prom in 1982.

Phil Lanino and Thomas Mistler sing along to the playing music at the Hampton Bays High School prom in 2004.

A group of friends smile for the camera at the Islip High School junior prom in 1974.

A group of students pose for photos at the Islip High School junior prom in 1974.

Students eat and chat at the Islip High School junior prom in 1974.

Prom King and Queen at Sachem High School junior prom in 1960.

Students attend the Hampton Bays High School prom in 1962.

Friends share a moment at the Hampton Bays High School prom in 2004.

Islip High School students enjoy their junior prom in 1999.

Sachem High School students pose for a group photo at their junior prom in 1977.

A Central Islip Senior High School couple at their junior prom on May 22, 1981.

This Sachem High School student danced her heart out at her junior prom in 1983.

These Islip High School students take a break during their junior prom in 1981.

Jane Dumas and Jill Castaldo enjoyed the Sacred Heart Academy senior prom cocktail hour on May 20, 2004.

Bay Shore High School's class of 1962 celebrated its "Island Paradise"-themed prom.

Jennifer Chan was crowned junior prom queen of North Babylon High School on April 18, 1980.

David Weiss dressed his best for the Elmont Memorial High School prom, held in June 1975.

Sacred Heart Academy student Megan Smith taught her friends the Electric Slide at her senior prom on May 25, 1995. The celebration took place at Woodbury Country Club.

Bay Shore High School students danced the night away at its "Island Paradise" prom in 1962.

Sacred Heart Academy student Krystle Douglas shared a special moment with her date at her school's senior prom, held on May 5, 2000 at Woodbury Country Club. The yearbook caption reads: "Times like these will never be forgotten by either one of them."

The East Islip High School royal court of 1991 smiled for the camera at the junior prom celebration.

The theme of North Babylon High School's junior prom in 1980 was "We've Got Tonight," according to the yearbook.

These Mattituck High School students struck a pose for the yearbook at the 2000 junior prom.

These friends took a break from the dance floor at Mattituck High School's junior prom in 2002.

David Weiss and his mother in their Valley Stream home before he attended the Elmont Memorial High School prom in 1975.

Patchogue-Medford High School juniors Jen Donato and Jeanine Graviano were all smiles during the junior prom on May 30, 1998.

Edna de Jesus shows some moves during the Patchogue-Medford High School's junior prom in 1999.

Patchogue-Medford High School students Matt Trapasso and Rochelle Alarcon struck a daring pose for this 2002 yearbook photo.

Rob Nasta showed off his "version of a smile" at the Patchogue-Medford High School junior prom on May 30, 1998.

Islip High School juniors took some pre-prom photos before the celebration began in 1992.

These cute couples got together for a photo shoot at the Islip High School junior prom in 1992.

Lisa Herling, who was crowned Islip High School junior prom queen in 1976, is pictured here dancing the night away with her date.

Lisa Herling was crowned Islip High School's junior prom queen in 1976.

Islip High School students served themselves dinner at the junior prom in 1976.

These Holy Trinity High School students hung out before the senior prom festivities kicked off in 2002.

Connetquot High School students Kyle Wightman and Rachel Weiss got ready together before their senior prom in 2012.

Eric Wolf's prom date, Jenn LoRusso, arrived just in time to watch him snack on a sweet treat from an ice cream truck driving through the neighborhood. They attended the North Babylon High School junior prom together on May 13, 1989.

Eric Wolf and Jenn LoRusso changed clothes after the North Babylon High School junior prom on May 13, 1989. When asked if they were really having fun, they answered simultaneously, "No."

Tanya Fuchs danced the night away with her date among many cute couples at the 2000 Bay Shore High School prom.

In 1992, North Babylon High School students rocked off-the-shoulder looks at their junior prom. These ladies also matched their shoes perfectly to the colors of their gowns.

Lauren Fischetti and Brian Ehlers were crowned as Bay Shore High School's prom queen and king in 1996. They are pictured here at the bottom of the stairs with the rest of the royal court.

North Babylon High School students hit the dance floor at the junior prom of 1987. Ladies showed off all kinds of gown styles, from flowing ruffles to lacy layers.

In 1979, the theme of the North Babylon High School junior prom was "Always and Forever." This couple got cozy in the cafeteria during the festivities.

This couple posed together before stepping out of their limousine at the North Babylon High School junior prom in 1992.

David Weiss and his date get ready to attend the Elmont Memorial High School prom in 1975.

Matching poses and smiles all around at the 1992 North Babylon High School junior prom.

These ladies show off before the North Babylon High School 1997 junior prom.

The caption of this fun photo in the 1996 Bay Shore High School yearbook: "Prom dancers joined in the latest dance craze, The Macarena."

R. Marcus Harris appeared animated at the 1996 Bay Shore High School senior prom, sporting a Mickey Mouse vest and matching bowtie for the occasion.

Kelly Burke and Jacquie Hyland were members of the junior prom court at Islip High School in 2004.

All smiles at the East Islip High School junior prom of 1995.

This couple shared a sweet moment during festivities of the 1975 Patchogue-Medford High School junior prom.

This Islip High School student fashioned her gown out of duct tape for the 2004 junior prom.

These East Islip High School students selected similar styles (and poses) for the junior prom in 1994.

Stepping away from the festivities for a moment, these Islip High School students posed while making a phone call at the 1995 junior prom.

These Patchogue-Medford High School sweethearts fed each other cake at the 1992 junior prom.

Seniors at Islip High School take the slow train to Montauk on the Long Island Rail Road for their prom on June 23 and 24, 1961. The kids danced all night long to a rock 'n roll band in a baggage car and to an electric organ in the bar car. The rock 'n rollers where doing what they called the "Railroad Rock."

Seniors at Islip High School take the slow train to Montauk on the LIRR for their prom on June 23-24, 1961. When the train pulled into Montauk, the kids made use of the pool at the Montauk Surf and Cabana for a dawn dip.

Seniors at Islip High School take the slow train to Montauk on the LIRR for their prom on June 23-24, 1961. As the All Night Party on Wheels made its way back to Islip, many of the kids slept as best they could in the seats.

Seniors at Islip High School take the slow train to Montauk on the Long Island Rail Road for their prom on June 23 and 24, 1961. Here, kids sing to the music as they wait in line at the bar for hot dogs, hamburgers and sodas.

Seniors at Islip High School take the slow train to Montauk on the LIRR for their prom on June 23-24, 1961. Here, Seniors Gayle Cherveny, Ellen School and Eddie Surbeck look out from the rear of the train as it leaves Montauk on its way back to Islip.

Seniors at Islip High School take the slow train to Montauk on the LIRR for their prom on June 23-24, 1961. Here, two members of the party (Gerry Slavik and Larry Yaeger) take time out for a stroll along the beach in Montauk.

Tired seniors from Islip High School disboard the train after partying all night on the slow train to Montauk on the LIRR for their prom on June 23-24, 1961.

Kids from Islip High School dance to rock and roll music on the baggage car of an LIRR train as part of their "Rolling Prom" on June 24, 1961. A local businessman came up with the idea to hold the prom aboard a train bound from Islip to Montauk, and a donor paid the $3,700 Lloyds of London insurance for the 12 mph trip.

Students line in a double row to pose for the camera during the 1983 Sanford H. Calhoun High School senior prom.

A pair of students pose for a snapshot at the beach following the 1984 Freeport High School senior prom.

Michael D'Ambrosio dances with his high school sweetheart Marcy at the Island Trees High School 1988 senior prom. Michael and Marcy married in January of 1994, and today have three children.

An overview of couples dancing at the 1957 Long Beach High School junior prom.

The students attending the 1981 East Hampton High School junior prom seemed to be having a fantastic time on the dance floor.

Nancy Friedman and her date, David Seidner, strike a formal pose at the Bay Shore High School prom on June 8, 1974.

Darren Collins wears sneakers and tails at the Huntington High School prom on June 13, 1986.

Couples dance in formal fashion while attending the 1960 Freeport High School senior prom.

Karen Ruffini, left, and Kathryn Roche can't hold back their excitement for the 2007 Wantagh High School prom.

Student couples stop to record the moment before boarding a limousine and heading to the East Meadow High School 1997 Junior Prom.

Up-dos with cornrows and butterfly clips were all the rage at the 1999 junior prom for East Meadow's W.T. Clarke High School.

Wayne Nathan, Jenive Sangster, Anthony Evans and Leslie Pieters toast to friendship at the Uniondale High School senior prom held at Terrace on the Park in Flushing, Queens, on June 2, 1990.

A couple focuses on their dance moves at the Hampton Bays High School 1978 Junior Prom.

Richard D'Arrigo and Candy Ellman sparkle at the Sachem High School senior prom held at the Colonie Hill Golf Club in Hauppauge on June 8, 1985.

Guy Bebedetto and Sharon Aguam dance at Sachem High School's senior prom on June 8, 1985, at the Colonie Golf Club in Hauppauge.

Ray Huggin dances with Dawn Eyester at the Sachem High School senior prom held June 8, 1985, at the Colonie Hill Golf Club in Hauppauge.

Sachem High School seniors pose for pictures at their prom on June 8, 1985, at the Colonie Hill Golf Club in Hauppauge.

Students join the festivities at the Huntington High School prom on June 13, 1986.

A group of couples attending the 1994 East Hampton High School junior prom calmly and properly pose for the camera.

Members of the graduating class of Sachem High School celebrate at their senior prom on June 8, 1985, at the Colonie Hill Golf Club in Hauppauge.

Michelle Aranow and Robert Keenan attend the Sachem High School senior prom at the Colonie Hill Golf Club in Hauppauge on June 8, 1985. The couple were named king and queen of the prom.

Joe Feliciano tries on his prom tuxedo with help from his friend Joe Mirador at Mr. Tux in Patchogue on June 22, 1992. Both were seniors at Sachem High School.

Andrea Caravelli of Malverne and Angelo Assante of Elmont were refused liquor at the bar of the Narragansett Inn in Lindenhurst, where the prom for Valley Stream North was held on June 8, 1973.

Roosevelt High School student Franchetta Starks gets ready for her senior prom as her mother Nicoletta helps her get dressed on June 6, 1991.

Reader Ann McPhill sent in this picture from the 1959 Long Island City High School prom.

Couples grabbing drinks at a fountain smile for the camera while attending the 1964 Seaford High School Junior Prom.

A line of students pose before attending the 2004 St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School Senior Prom.

Guests entering the 1961 Massapequa High School Junior Prom were greeting by hostesses dressed in nautically-inspired outfits, as the evening's theme was "Ebb Tide."

A couple gets "carried away" while having fun at the Kings Park High School 1982 Junior Prom.

A quartet of students smile for the camera while taking in the Plainedge High School 1985 Junior Prom.

Eric Wolf and Jenn Lorusso dance at the North Babylon High School prom on May 13, 1989.

White tuxedos were the choice of garb for these gentlemen, sitting with fellow students at the 1962 Valley Stream Central High School Senior Prom.

Monique Anthony, whose boyfriend was in the Army, decided not to wear a gown to the Huntington High School prom on June 13, 1986.

Joanna Tobin and Eric Koenig arrive at Sayville High School's senior prom held the Radisson Hotel in Islandia on May 21, 1993.

A candid photo captured couples slow-dancing during the Levittown Memorial High School Class of 1960's junior prom.

Hair was big all around on these students' big night, the evening of the Division Avenue High School Class of 1990's junior prom.

Styles and fashion of the times are apparent in this shot from the General Douglas MacArthur High School junior prom in 1971.

Susan Amrhein and Russ Mulroy get ready to leave for the Levittown Memorial High School senior prom at the Huntington Townhouse in May 1961.

A group of seniors from the Longwood High School Class of 1981 form a kickline while posing for a snapshot.

Islip High School students dance to rock and roll music on the baggage car of a Long Island Rail Road train during their "Rolling Prom" on June 24, 1961. A local businessman came up with the idea to hold the prom aboard a train bound from Islip to Montauk, and a donor paid the $3,700 Lloyds of London insurance for the 12 mph trip.

A couple enjoying a slow dance at the 1994 Sayville High School Junior Banquet take a moment to smile for the camera.

A couple of members of the Centereach High School Class of 1987 get caught by the camera while dancing at their junior prom.

Big smiles are flashing all around at the Patchogue-Medford High School Class of 1963's senior prom.

A couple dancing at the North Shore High School Class of 1988's junior prom pauses for the camera.

With his taupe colored tuxedo and ruffled shirt, this East Rockaway High School student nailed the 1970's fashion trend at the school's 1978 prom.

A student accessorizes her bright pink cocktail dress with a matching hair clip at the 1995 junior prom for Hicksville High School.

An East Rockaway High School student shows off her dance moves while grasping her taffeta gown at the 1987 junior prom.

A couple shares a romantic moment on the dance floor during Farmingdale High School's prom for the Class of 1986.

A trio of guys sport top hats and bow ties at the prom for Holy Trinity Diocesan High School's Class of 1996.

Big hair, bright colors, sequins and puffy sleeves -- these North Babylon High School students rocked many of the popular trends of the time when they attended their prom in 1993.

A student sparkles in a glittery pink halter-neck dress for Hicksville High School's 1995 junior prom.

About 20 years before "photo-bombing" actually became a thing, a young man at the 1995 Seaford High School junior prom sneaks into this photo of a group of female students.

Ladies from Long Beach High School's Class of 1996 dressed up in prom gowns to model in a fashion show to raise money for their school's post-prom party.

The royal court is crowned at the 1978 East Rockaway High School junior-senior prom, where the theme of the night was "I Need You."

Ladies weren't afraid to pump up the volume when it came to their hairstyles at the 1993 North Babylon High School prom.

Students attending the 1997 East Rockway High School junior-senior prom wore a variety of gowns with different necklines, some featuring sequins and bows, but nearly all favored the half-curled updo hairstyle.

The royal couple at the 1956 Valley Stream Central High School junior prom enjoys their moment in the spotlight.

A Holy Trinity Diocesan High School student dons a plaid beret with matching vest and bow tie to the Class of 1996 prom.

A young woman attending Seaford High School's Class of 1984 prom rocks the popular, feathered Farrah Fawcett-like hairstyle while her date, clad in a white tuxedo, resembles Kevin Bacon in the hit 1984 film "Footloose."

Sequins were clearly a popular prom fashion trend when North Babylon High School's Class of 1993 attended their prom.

The queen, joined by her royal court, reigns over the 1985 Hicksville High School junior prom, rocking a ruffled tiered dress and voluminous hair.

Plain tuxedo vests were out and prints like this were definitely in for guys attending proms in the mid-90s. A Long Beach High School senior walked a runway in this tuxedo during the school's Morning Madness Fashion Show to raise funds for the Class of 1996's after-prom party.

Long, sleek gowns were popular among senior girls attending Connetquot High School's prom in 1996.

Long gowns with modest necklines and white gloves were the attire of choice for the ladies in the royal court at Seaford High School's junior prom for the Class of 1966.

Members of Long Beach High School's Class of 1996 dressed up for the prom a few months early to model in the Morning Madness Fashion Show, a fundraiser for the school's after-prom party.

A couple at the 1956 Valley Stream Central High School junior prom, where the theme of the night was "Wishing on a Star."

Seaford High School's Class of 1984 attends their prom sporting a variety of '80s styles including ribbon chokers and dresses with belts, lace and off-the-shoulder necklines.

Sporting a robin's egg blue suit, Ernie Fikar attended the 1982 Bethpage High School senior prom with the future Mrs. Karen Fikar. The Bethpage alums have been married for 27 years and their two children now attend their alma mater.

A couple dances cheek-to-cheek at the 1997 East Rockaway High School junior-senior prom.

This couple stares into each other's eyes during a slow dance at Bethpage High School's prom in 1988. That year, the prom's theme song was the hit "I'll Melt With You" by Modern English.

The queen of the junior prom for Valley Stream Central High School's Class of 1951 is crowned with a pretty impressive tiara.

Partying "like it's 1995," because it was, Seaford High School students hit the dance at the junior prom, held at The Manor East in Massapequa.

Boys heading to Bethpage High School's prom in 1994 sported fresh fades and high-top haircuts, while girls showed off their shoulders with low cut dresses and black lace.

Off the shoulder dresses accented with pink frills, and suits with long overcoats were the fashion for this group of students heading to the Bethpage High School prom in 1989.

This Huntington High School student brought some top-hat class to his prom in 2001, adding gloves and a single rose to complete his outfit.

Dana Friend and Robin Scheirenbeck were crowned king and queen of their junior prom at Huntington High School in 1979.

Mary Ellen Sullivan was crowned queen of Huntington High School's 1967 Christmas prom.

In 1967, Huntington High School had a very jolly prom tradition -- Christmas prom, held during the holiday season. Santa even made an appearance and took a picture with some of the prom royalty.

At Northport High School, students were prompted to fill their yearbooks with their own prom photos, with a special page towards the back of the book dedicated to their personal collections. Seen here is a corsage from a student featured on the promo page.

This smiling, dapper duo helps put up a balloon arch during the 1973 prom at Commack High School.

Beards, bangs and oversized bow ties were the style at Commack High School's 1974 Junior Prom. One student on the left even complemented his oversized tie with a ruffled button-down shirt -- perfect for the disco scene, popular during the decade.

Rock on! It's tongues out and hands up for this Bethpage High School student, giving the camera a killer pose in his white suit and multi-pattern tie at his prom in 1994.

Students who attended Half Hollow Hills High School East's more laid-back senior banquet of '03 danced the night a way wearing a variety of different styles, from printed pants and flats, to a dressier halter crop and long slit skirt, perfect for spins on the floor.

Bold patterns and round-framed glasses dominated the boy's fashion at Half Hollow Hills High School East's prom of '93. Some of the boys kept in more reserved, with a splash of eccentricity in their multi-colored ties. One boy in this group photo was more bold, with spots, stripes and circles dominating his entire button-down.

The black wrap-around choker necklace was a quintessential 90's fashion accessory, and one student at Half Hollow Hills High School West's senior banquet of '93 was certainly up with the trends. Another fun 90's fashion treat, zebra printed shirts, can also be spotted in this photo, belonging to the arm of a gentleman peeking his head out from the back of the group.

A dapper-looking Oceanside High School student waits at the bottom of a staircase with a corsage in tow as he picks up his date for the Class of 1954's prom.

East Islip High School's 1967 senior ball was "for most couples ... just the beginning of a very wonderful and memorable evening," according to the class yearbook.

A musical group called "The Genies" provided the entertainment at the junior prom for Oceanside High School's Class of 1961.

Puffy sleeves, white gloves and big hair -- this student wearing a "pretty in pink" dress at the 1989 junior prom for W. Tresper Clarke High School in East Meadow sported nearly all of the hot '80s trends.

We can only imagine how many cans of Aqua Net hair spray were used to create these beehives at East Islip High School's 1966 senior ball.

The men sported more ruffles than the ladies at the 1974 prom for Massapequa's Alfred G. Berner High School, and their hair was nearly as long as their female dates'.

Farmingdale High School's Class of 1963 celebrated its junior prom in the "deep South" on the "pre-Civil War plantation of Tara," according to their yearbook. Undoubtedly the theme was borrowed from the classic book and movie, "Gone with the Wind," and Lynn Gilmore (center), dressed like a Southern belle, was crowned prom queen.

Does the cute redhead on the right look familiar? That's actor Kevin Connolly, best known for his roles in HBO's "Entourage" and the film, "The Notebook," where he played best bud to Ryan Gosling's Noah. Here he is, nearly 15 years before he was hanging out with Hollywood celebs, celebrating his junior prom (1991) with his Patchogue-Medford High School classmates.

The entertainment for Hampton Bays High School's 1963 junior prom consisted of a drummer, a singer/guitarist and a woman playing an upright piano.

Amal Clooney, George Clooney's fashionista wife, would approve of these long white gloves. The junior prom queen of Hampton Bays High School's Class of 1970 wore them while channeling Audrey Hepburn a la "Breakfast at Tiffany's."

Bow ties, even in plaid, for the boys, and long-sleeved floral print and prairie-style dresses for the ladies, were the predominant looks at the prom for Hampton Bays High School's Class of 1974.

Big curly hair, corsages and cocktail dresses, both halter-style and off-the-shoulder numbers, were the trend to follow for ladies attending East Islip High School's junior prom in 1994. The theme was an "Evening in Paris."

Big hair with teased bangs and elaborate accessories were very on-trend in 1989 when students at East Meadow's Clarke High School celebrated their junior prom. The gymnasium was "transformed into a dazzling tropical paradise" for the occasion, according to the Class of 1990's yearbook.

Clad in a robin egg blue suit, a Farmingdale High School student dances the night away at his senior prom in 1986. According to the yearbook, "after the prom, couples flocked to discos in New York City and Long Island, diners and the quiet settings of the beaches."

Sporting almost matching A-line dresses with voluminous skirts, the queen and the rest of her royal court enjoy their moment in the spotlight at the 1956 Levittown Memorial High School prom.

Farmingdale High School's Class of 1974 celebrated their junior prom at Terrace on the Park in Corona with the theme "In My Life."

The big hair and cocktail dresses that came to define the '80s were still in fashion at the 1990 East Meadow Memorial High School prom.

Chivalry was not dead in 1961, as two Oceanside High School students tend to their dates at the senior ball.

Dresses with floral prints, high necklines and long sleeves - far more modest than today's fashions - were popular among the female students at the 1971 junior prom for MacArthur High School in Levittown.

With the theme, "Let the Good Times Roll," the Class of 1982 for Levittown's Division Avenue High School celebrated their junior prom.

Oceanside High School students entered their junior prom in 1960, held inside the school's gymnasium, through giant cutouts of snow people.

Rocking frocks and pumps that were very trendy at the time, Farmingdale High School seniors danced along to a live band, one of two that performed during the Class of 1985's junior prom.

Couples danced under a "glowing autumn sunset, as shadows of a nocturnal landscape were projected over rolling fields" inside Paul D. Schreiber High School's gymnasium in Port Washington for the Class of 1964's senior ball, according to the class yearbook. The theme was "Golden Harvest."

The queen and king of the 1950 senior ball at Port Washington's Paul D. Schreiber High School sit pretty on their thrones.

Long satin dresses, some accented with lace, bows and very puffy sleeves, were popular among Patchogue-Medford High School's Class of 1992 at their junior prom. Oh, and of course, matching satin pumps and a neck choker completed the look.

The big "snowman" stood in the center of Manhasset High School's gymnasium, which was transformed into a "Christmas Fantasy" for the Class of 1954's senior prom.

Manhasset High School's Class of 1954 crowned its senior prom queen and king, Barbara Greig and Jim Wagner, who danced to the sounds of an orchestra.

Farmingdale's Class of 1975 definitely channeled the fashion styles of the era at its junior prom, where the theme was "Beautiful People." The ladies sported feathered hair and flowing dresses, and the guys showed off long manes and ruffled tuxedo shirts.

Puffy cocktail dresses in almost every color of the rainbow and hair that defied gravity were the look for the ladies at Patchogue-Medford High School's 1991 junior prom.

Oh, and how did students go about raising funds for their prom? Well, Farmingdale High School's Class of 1965 sponsored the annual donkey basketball game. Yes, those are students inside the school's gymnasium playing basketball while riding donkeys. And they weren't the only ones. This was also a popular tradition at Port Washington's Paul D. Schreiber High School as evidenced by photos and a brief recap in the school's 1971 yearbook. (That year, the teachers won.)