Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1883-12-15
A MORMON BALL.

A few evenings ago had the pleasure OF
attending genuine dancing party OF the
Latter Day Saints (they don't like to be
called Mormons). This was at small
town nestled away in the Wasatch noun
tsins. about $50 miles south OF the metz op-
oils of Utah. The dance was held 10 what
| is called the Ward Meeting house, plain
stone building used for general public pur-
poses.
The hour for opening was 7 P. NJ. j.! was
there on time. What first attracted my
attention on entering was that the ladies
and gentlemen sat separstely-the men Oh
the right and the ladies on the left. A.
the end of the hall was raised platform,
upon which sat the orchestra, which con-
sisted of first and second violin and or.
gan. The nationality of those present was
very distinct and easily detected. The
Scandinavian element predomlnated, but
there was a sprinkling OF English, Scotch,
Irish, Welsh and Swiss, while the Ohio
twang and the Missourian idee also could
be heard. All had happy and contented
look, there being no attempt at formallty !;
but each appeared to feel as If ne or she
was at home with members of their own
family.
When 1 arrived the dancing had not
commenced, and there was quite buzz of
conversation. Presently the floor monager
called out. "Please to come to order
Brother Brown, will you open?' Immedi.
ately all was silence and every head was
bowed in reverence. Brother Brown re-
sponded by walking to the platform, and
offering brief but earnest extemporaneous
PRAYER. in which he asked the Lord to be
with them during the time of their amuse.
ment, and to keep all harm and wrong do
ing from those present.
The floor manager then gave number to
each man who wished to dance, and when
all had numbers given them he called out,
Numbers one to eight, take your part
ners for a cotillion - There was only
space for two sets. Up started the eight
numbers, and rushed across the room and
secured partners. There was no waiting
for introductions, and now they stood in
readiness on the floor, falling into CONVEX.
sstion with their ladies. The music struck
up, the caller shouted the figure, and the
dancers started off as if their very life was
at stake.
The danes were remarkably graceful in
their movements, and of course there were
the usual quantum of verdant youths who
did not know what to do with their legs.
There were many pretty, yes, handsome,
faces among the fair sex. All were neat
and clean, but no attempt was made at
show in dress, plain cotton and wooden
fabrics being the rule. Some few of the
girls made faint attempt with simple rib
bons and laces. Many of the men did not
appear to have made any special evening
toilet, with the exception of liberal use
of soap and water. Others, again, were
dressed in well.made, serviceable broad
cloth Of home manufacture.
l could not help but notice many of the
young men, born and raised in this mount.
ain region. They are perfect giants-hale,
hardy and vigorous. Don't ever impute to
polygamy the cause of muscular decline in
man, for here l had ocular proof to the
contrary.
When the first dance was concluded, the
gentlemen escorted their partners to their
seats, and then retired to their OVID. Then
another batch of eight was Immediately
called for, and the fun was repeated. The
polka or waltz, round dancing, as it is
called, is not, by strict rules allowed, al
though few on this occasion were per-
mitted during the evening.
After several dances had been gone
through, some young Scandinavian sisters
sang charming song. This was followed
by an Englishman singing comic song and
an American reciting from Shakespeare.
Then more dancing, with occasional sing
ing till - o'clock, when Come to order"
was called, and the assembly was dismissed
with prayer. All seemed happy and con-
tented with the evenings entertainment,
and hied at once home, every lady having
an escort of father, husband, brother or
beau.
During the whole of the evening the only
refreshments that l saw or heard of was
pure water, although | was told that upon
special occasions light beer with cake is
handed around. Intoxicating drinks are
strictly prohibited. There is no saloon
within thirty miles of the town, and even
if man smells of liquor he is reprimanded
salt Lake Letter in Albany Journal.