Dodgeville chronicle. [volume] (Dodgeville, Wis.) 1862-current, 1869-02-12
Holidays in the Mountains.
HELENA. MONTANA Jan 9. 1856,


Eos. CHRONICLE: We have survived
the holidays. The weather has been ia
vorable for out door enjoyments. There
is sufficient snow for sleighing, and the
temperature mild for the winter season.
The inauguration Of the dancing season.
served as. part of the holiday festivities, and
everything went merry as marriage bell
On Christmas Eve we repaired to the M.
e. chapel, where Sabbath school festival
was held. Several very pretty tunes were
sung, the children taking their part in the
exercises. A variety of pieces had been
prepared by members of the school, but
the manner in which they were delivered
indicated a lack of training. As amuse-
ment was the object, and the pieces select
ed ola comic character, probably the lndi-
crous delivery added to the pleasure Of the
hearers. Each scholar was presented with
a book as an inducementt to closer atten-
ton to the teachings of the Sabbath school.
This performance was preceded by an on
slaught upon the good things, furnished
in manner similar to that in which re-
freshments are furnished to pic mic parties.
The young people seemed happy, and it
was to them, undoubtedly, very pleasant
occasion. i2s
Meanwhile, the fruit of a Christmas tree
was being distributed at the school house.
As we were not there we can not report
the pleasantries Of that affair, but light
hearts and full pockets were part Of the
things carried home. This was chiefly an
affair of young men and women, while the
elder portion of the respectable class en-
joyed themselves at home or at the fireside
of a neighbor. r
Elsewhere, fast females, accoutered in
brief garments performed various jigs and
hornpipes, in manner to call forth the
vulgar applause. Others joined in bawdy
songs for the attraction of the crowds who
had assembled in the city to spend the
holidays. Saloons were brilliantly lighted
and from some, enticing strains of music
invited passers by to enter, fork over two
bits, and take drink. E
Amongst the places of public resort, may
be noticed the hurdy dance house which
on this occasion, was in full blast. Hur-
dies are class of girls who dance for pay
A dance lasts about five minutes, and
costs one dollar. One half dollar is the
share which falls to the girl. The other
buys the gentleman (?) and lady (s) a
drink at the bar.
We had thus sought the sights and found
innocent and happy assemblies; also pro-
fame and boisterous ones. Midnight APP
preached, and we left the halls where
black eyes and bloody noses were procu-
rable, and repaired to the Roman Catholic
church. The exercises commenced at 10
o'clock, and during the succeeding two
hours the vast audience-which could
hardly find stapding room-witnessed a
very unique performance. Music is the
same in ali languages-that part of the per-
Torrance was good. The sermon was
short and sensible All else was Latin, and
was not very edifying to the greatest por-
ton of the audience, who were pleasure
seekers Doubtless the believers in the
Catholic faith had their souls refreshed.
Christmas day passed much as other
days. More men were on the streets, but
! business was conducted as usual Those
who felt inclined. and could afford the lux
ury, enjoyed a sleighride. Every available
horse, sleigh, and belle were called into
requisition, and during the entire week,
scarcely an hour-night or day-passed
without the jingle of bells being heard.
Five foxes, on Christmas, an J five on New
Years day, were turned loose within the
enclosed grounds of the Fashion race
course. The sports chased these to their
hearts content. Throughout the city the
evenings were passed about as was the
one preceding Christmas. Debauchery
reigned supreme.
New Years day was fair and pleasant,
and before another day dawned, a man
might have been seen on every corner cast
ing up accounts.
Allow US to hope that you all may have
spent merry Christmas and happy New
Year, and that we may spend the next
among you. G. B. w.