Alma Cummings started the dance marathon craze after outlasting six partners in 1923. Spectators were charged admission and the winners would receive a cash prize.
The marathons would become grueling tests of endurance for the participants trying to outlast the other couples. Attendants at the scene would try to keep the contestants awake by dabbing wet towels on their faces.
This post from September, 2009 examined the dance marathon craze during the depression.
