The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1873-03-08
HOME MATTERS.
The Willis Masquerade.

ih' fhaSputi"u''
BY all odds, the finest masked party that has
lately been had in Ottawa was that of Thursday
night last at Willis Dancing Academy. While
the number in masks was fewer than cx-
pectcd the variety and elegance of the costumes
more than supplied the deficiency in this respect.
There were large number of spectators, com
prising many of the leading citizens OF Ottawa,
who enjoyed the gay scene until the "wce sma'
hours before they could tear themselves away
The lady characters were numerous and many
Of them extremely beautiful. We mention few
that attracted our notice, not in any order with
reference to the excellence of each respectfully,
but as we happened to discover them.
As Il fun blown Dolly Warden, or gushing girl
of the period, Henry Cotton, as beached blonde,
in lowery dress with an immense trail, with long
faXcn curls and stunning head rig, was sue
cess He managed his trail with his left foot in
surprisingly graceful manner.
Mrs Willis, as the Queen of Clubs, made a de-
cidcd hit of it.
Miss Lindley was charming as the Daughter of
the Regiment She wore black velvet skirt
with gilt bands, scarlet Jacket, white vest, and
carried drum, knapsack, &c, and was exceed
ngly graceful and pretty.
Miss Jessie Thompson was general iayortc,
in the character of the skater, dressed in black
velvet suit trimmed with crminc. Skates were
suspended at her side, and she wore long flowing
golden curs. This costume, on Il pretty, grace
full figure, produced Il fine effect.
Miss Greer, as "Folly," was becomingly attired
for the character. 1t was original and unique,
F,1l, alto,
describe it.
Mrs. F. c. Prescott, as an italian Peasant was
stunning. She informed us that she had got
ten herself up for this occasion with degree of
recklcssncss that bcspoaks disordered intellect.
Behold all my good clothcsm
Mrs. Van Doren, as Spanish girl, was richly
and deliberately dressed Her costume was one
of the best Of the evening.
Miss Ellie Waterman was dashing and pi-
quaint brgand and was dressed in Il costume
that became tdat sprightly young miss.
Mrs. Z. Hathaway was very happy in her pre-
scntation of house maid
Mr.. F. c. Prescott, an altitudinous girl, was
drcsscdlin black, with white domino and fan
which she (hc) used coquettishly. A girl six
feet high, and even worse, is Objectionable.
Mrs Lote Perkins was very successful as
Queen Elizabeth.
While the ladies were gaily draped, the gentle
men were equally splendid.
Mr. Linton, a nondcscript woman's rights, SUI
san B.-part your hair in the middle, pantaloons
Teller.
Henry Holmes was a wandering polish jew,
with a numerous prohoscis, which came near
knocking of other real noses and putting out
genuine cyescs as he flung it about in his wild
gyrations
Arthur Bartcl and Mr.. Patterson were two jol-
| ~ clog dancers; and George Fisher, as the Long
Branch horse jockey Niger, took down the
house.
Sam Porter was inserted In a check suit, a
world too wide, which, as he danced ever and
anon, would swell out into fearful proportions
and make him look like Dutch feather bolster.
Lotc Perkins, DR.. Hathaway Mr., Phillips, Mr.
Van Dcman, Mr.. Ed. Thompson, Mr.. Petit anc
Geo Waterman, were very handsomely dressed
The Mitchell boys, and Gray with his "musi
cal snoot," did well,
One Of the finest dressed gents WAS Mr.. Tobin
Of the Clifton, and while in the promenade Will
The pretty skater girl, the couple were the oh
served of all Observers
Among the others not named here, NJ. Gee
! Beatty, as q pcneiyc fairy, was touching,