The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1843-01-17

Correspondence Of the Herld]
SPRINGFIELD, (Mass. } Jan. 18th, lS43.
Fashionable Movements in Springfield Grand Ball
ladies and Dresses-Leaders of the Fashion-
Breaking up of the Riuer-A Pulpit Filled
Mr. JAMES G. BENNETT
DEAR SIR:-
The rich and racy correspondence with which the
pages of your excellent journal is daily filed and
the eagerness with which it is sought after is the
strongest evidence of its popularity and cannot fail
to convince the most skeptical of its widespread
circulation-and while it finds its way into every
parlor and is the inmate of every boudoir is not the
less useful companion to the man of business 1t
has now been long time since any of your cores
pondents from this section of the land of steady
habits has fourished Quill for your edifcaton.
Perhaps brief history OF the Sayings and doings in
this flourshing little village would not be uninter.
estlng TO you and the numerous readers of the
"Herald."
The "New Year. here, was ushered in with
rather more noise and busle than is usual on such
occasions, it being the day preceding the annual
ball given by the fire department of Springtield-and
as 1t Is probably the most recherche affair of the
season, is not extraordinary that the note of pre-
paration, tor weeks previous, should be distinctly
perceptibe. The committee of arrangements, con-
ssting of six of the most popular and gentlemanly
members OF the department, having fixed upon
'Masonc HalP' as dancing room, decorated it for
crowned with more complete success-numeroSs
and beautiful transparenGies, representing ex-
raordnary exploits achieved by some of their in
trepid members, were among the most conspicuous
Observation-Disclosures engines, of exquisite work
manship, and other implements indicative of the
der to which they belong, were interspersed through
the room, rendering the whole most sublime and
gorgeous scene.
The eventuI evening at length arrived, gladdening
the heart of many beauteous ''belle )" and render
ing the I'd of January, 1913 famous in the annals of
fashion ,be lite in Springfield The threatening as
pect OF the skies during the morning. caused many
fair bosom to beat high with fear, that the evening
would prove inauspclous, and mar their brightest
anticlpations of happiness. The night was indeed
sormy, yet the ladies' donned their sweetest smiles
and gayest attire, and seighs filled with their fair
freight continued to arrive until the spacious hall was
filled to overf1owlng AT eight O'Clock the ball was
opened by g. D-t, Esq, and his amiable lady; the
countenances lighted ny with the glow Of excite
ment. as they were whrled through the may circles
uf the dance.
1t would seem almost invidious to pariicularise,
where there was such multitude of beautiful and
Intelligent ladies'. but trust that you will allow me
TO trespass upon your time sufficient to notice few
OF the reigning bellies OF the evening The "bright
particular starr was Mrs NJ, of Boston, her elegant
form was displayed to the best advantage beneath
black velvet bodice and skfrt of pink, her raven
tresses and sparkling black eyes contrasting admra
bly, with SKIN OF snowy whiteness. The two
Misses E. attracted unusual attention by their sylph
theme of praise, for the simplicity of her costume
and modest demeanor. Miss w. looked truly love-
ly; her tall and beautiful form arrayed in white her
pure and classic features lighted up by the excite
ment of the dance, rendered her All object of uni
versal admiration. Mrs. NJ also attracted much at
tention. Mrs c., the accomplished lady of men,
Der OF Congress- was constantly surrounded by a
crowd of admirers Miss ID. was neatly attire am
drew forth many commentators, particularly from
Mr.. T.; but time and space will not allow of a more
lengthy notice of tins mighty array of beauty, and
will necessarily preclude all notice of the gentle
men.
At ii o'clock, the band struck up march from
"Norma," and the whole company descended to
the room below to supper. Here scene presented
itself that my humble pen instnctivey shrnks from
any attempt at description The managers deserve
great credit for their unweareid exerton to promote
the comfort and happiness of all who partcpatedGn
the amusements OF the evening; and the occaso
will long be remembered as the gala day of lS43
Our river, the noble Connecticut, has this day dis
robed itself Of its winter habiliments, and donned
its summer apparel. The water is extremely high,
and the ice is rapidly carried of by the current
The seventh Congregational Church in this place
is this day dedicated, and the Rev. Mr. Porter in.
stalled pastor ever it. HAMPDEN.