The Dillon tribune., 1882-03-11
.Misrena"rs.
Century Ago.

In the early part Of this century wea'
dines in New York were not the c'aoo'''e
affairs they are now. The festivities 0esa"
and ended with the marriage ceremony
There we're no ushers, no rehears'"s AZ
the church beforehand, no receptions a''e'
the bride and groom returned from TRIP
Of few days-seldom few weeks-'or
he could rarel.. leave his business. There
we're brides, a;ls and groomsmen' no oes'
men. Wed< .gs usually took place IN
the evening at the brides residence, ana
frequently ne happy pair went direct
" to the no.. that had been hired by the
groom and been furnished by the bride
family. The brides trousseau at.that time
was very simple. She never wore veil.
Thi, vas reduced some years later, ana
was only one yard square Of simple net
covered with thread enb' oidery, and was
mined up on the head behind. Since
then wells have increased In quality ana
quantity, Till they are now priceless heir
looms among the rich families of the
country. The brides diess was null or
embroidered muslin, short, as was tie
fashion both in the skirt and waist
Pearls, not diamonds, were the heigth OF
her ambition, though diamond rings were
beginning to be worn. The entertainment
or refreshm is was also much simpler.
There wa. :. \, Ading cake with ring In
it to be cut by the bride. Sherry was used
in muchg ',r quantities than any other
kind OF ~. :. Champagne was a luxury
only rsed on grand occasions while at
ordinary parties porter was frequently
seen. The caterers were two or three
colored men, who were found sufficient
for every emergency. French cooking
not having as yet come in. Dinner parties
Except the most elaborate) was all in the
daytime. As for parties, every one was
invited for S O'Clock and expected to leave
at twelve.
Entertainments fifty years ago had not
seen the waltz that was introduced few
years afterwards. Country dances, 1.-THE
Boulanger," very pretty wheel-hgured
dance not unlike the court quadri:le, were
the favorites. A cotillion, not the elabo.
ate German now danced, was also in vogue.
The dresses were short, showing the white
or black tied satin slipper. The waist and
sleeves were short, to correspond with the
skirt. Que Of the pretty dresses Of the
period was Of white satin with cerise.
colored crepe Hsse overelress, hanging
loose. Flowers were not used as now. If
gent ieman sent thu IN to lady It was
thought his intentions were very serious
a sort Of floral declaration. liza lady had
more than one bouquet they were tied to
her side, trophies Of her fascination by a
ribbon. A bouquet costing SIS was con-
sidered the height Of elegance III those
DAYS Of primitive simplicity. The satirist
in New York when the waltz was f, st
introduced, had as ample field for his
| observations as now. If some OF the
writer's Of the day compared it to the Ia.
rantula, what would they have called some
Of the dances of to-day?
About thirty years ago entertainment,
in the daytime were introduced. A well
known leader in society found luxurious
living had increased sufficiently TO warran
the acceptance other invitations by ladies
and gentlemen Of leisure, and morning
cotilllon was greatly enjoyed from its
novelty. Other families followed tn,
example, and the and 5 o'clock teas o
to-day are gatherings Of but slightly diff
erent nature. In those days Of old-fash
toned Knickerbocker hospitality sociabl'
evenings were really sociable. There wa
Il time fora pleasant evening with apple
nuts and cider, or fruit in warm weather, Il
regale the guests while discussing tn,
latest fashionable event. There were n,
clubs or teas, receptions or balls, to tax,
mp mans time out of business hours, NJ
straining every nerve to keep up with tn,
Tines, and then running down, as now. l
was the aye Of moderation.
This comfortable state of things contin
aed up to nearly twenty-five years age
Then the excitement Of the gold fever i,
California turned mems heads and won,
EMS hearts in more senses than one. New
York caught the fever, and favoring cir
sumstances rapidly developing mil:ionaire
and the city alike. almost all vestiges q
did New York disappeared.
!
Sir Walter Scott.