No doubt this old photograph caused quite a few double-takes and shocked expressions when it emerged in the sedate 1950s.

The young 'ladies' are presented at the Manhattan Club's Reverse Debutante Ball in 1950. (State Library of SA:Arthur Studios)

In the heady days after World War II, there was a local place where it was quite OK for men to don a dress and for ladies to slick back their locks.

Raucous and entertaining, the Manhattan Club was a place for the who's who of the Blue Lake City to enjoy a rollicking night out.

The city's Old Town Hall would be packed to capacity when the club held its popular cabaret nights, featuring bands and musical numbers sung by stars of the local theatre group.

But most popular of all was the nights when the lads turned into ladies and vice versa.

In 1950 there were plenty of laughs as eight young 'ladies' made their official debut at a Reverse Debutante Ball, escorted by young women in suits.

In the photo snapped by Mount Gambier photographer Eric Arthur, it appears the men took to their feminine role quite well, in full makeup and some even sporting elaborate hair styles.

Behind them, the be-suited and bow-tied young women are struggling to contain their smiles as the lads pose.

It wasn't the first time cross-dressing was a feature of the club events and it certainly wasn't the last.

Among the photos that remain from the Manhattan Club's files are plenty of shots of the audience laughing as men squeezed themselves into tiny corsets and prams for various performances.

But as to who looked best in their debutante dress that night in 1950, the answer lies with those who attended.

Many have passed on, but there are those in their 80s and 90s who still remember the days of the Manhattan Club.

ABC South East is featuring a great history picture each week in our Friday Rewind segment. You can contribute by emailing hill.kate@abc.net.au