The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1883-12-08
A MORMON DANCE.
The LatterD-ay Saints Tripping the
Light Fantastic One Phase Of
Utah Life.

LOT tutrp III Is ONtrSndubWtu Nv uUcl
to the outside world. No, if YOU wish
to see the pure inner life of Mormon
dom YOU must strike out into the coun-
try districts.
a few evenings ago had the pleas
urc of attending II genuine dancing
party of the Latier-Dav Saints Uhey
don't like to be called Mormons). This
was at II small town nestled away in
the Wasatch mountains, about $50
miles south of the metropolis of Utah.
The dance was held in what is called
the ward Westinghouse. plain stone
building used fol. general public pur-
poses.
The hoar for opening was p. NJ.
was there on time. What first attract
ed my attention on entering was that
the ladies and gentlemen sat separate
ly-thc men on the right and the ladies
on the left. At the end of the hall was
a raised Platform, upon which sat the
orchestra, which consisted of first and
second violin and organ. The nation
atty OF those present was very distinct
and easily detected. The Scandinavian
element predominated, but there was Il
sprinkliIg of English. Scotch. Irish,
Welsh, and Swiss, while the Ohio
Itwang, and the Mssourian's lice could
also be heard All had Il happy and
contentet look, there being no attempt
at formally, but each appeared to feel
as if he o. she was at home with men,
bcrS of their own family.
When arrived the dancing had not
commenced. and there was quite 4 buzz
of conversation. Presently the door
manage, called out: Please come to
order! Brother Brown, will you open?"
Immediately al! were silent and every
head bowed in reverence. Brother
Brown responded by walking to the
platform and offering Il brief but earn
est eXtenporaneous prayer, in which
he askedtho Lord to be with them dur
ing the tine OF their amusement, and
to keep i'll harm and wrong-don@ from
those present.
The flor manager then gave Il num-
Der TO eadl man who wished TO dance.
and whcnali had numbers given them,
he called 'ui, Numbers one to eight
take your partners for Il cotillion!'
There wasonly space for two sets. Up
started theeight numbers, and rushed
across the Dom, and secured partners.
There was 10 waiting for introductions,
and now they stood in readiness on the
Itloor, falling into conversation with
their ladies. The music struck up, the
caller shouted the figure and the dane
ers started OF rs il their very life was
at stake.
The Danes we're remarkably graceful
in their movements, and, of course,
there was the Usual quantum of verdant
youths who didnot know what to do
with their legs. There were many
pretty, yes, handsome, faces among
the fair SEX. All was neat and clean,
but no attempt was made to show in
dress, plain cotton and wooden fabrics
being the rule. Some few of the girls
made a faint attempt with simple rib
bons and laces. Many or the men did
not appear to have made any special
evening toilet, with the exception of
the liberal use of soap and water.
Others, again, were dressed in we'll
made, seryiccablc broadcloth of home
could not help but notice many of
the young men born and raised in this
mountain region. They arc perfect
giants hale, hearty, AMI vigorous.
Don't ever imputc to p"lyGamy the
cause of muscular decline in man, for
here had ocular proof to the contrary.
Wien the first dance was concluded
the Gentlemen escorted their partners
to tlcir seats, and then retired to their
own Then another batch OF eight was
Immediately called for, and the fun was
repeated. The polka or waltz, round
daHIg "a, it i called. j. not, nv strict
rule, allowed, although u few on this
decision were permitted during the
ev1ing.
, Alter several dances had been gone
Ithr'ugh, some young Scandinavian sis
er. sung a charming song. This was
Dlbwcd by an Englishman singing Il
tortc song and an American rcciting
f'on Shakespeare. Then more dancing
witt occasional singing, till II O'Clock.
wbtl .come to order was called, and
tie assembly was dismissed with prayer.
All ccmed happy and contcnted with
! tie Vening's entertainment, and hltd
q oIcc home, every lady having an
econ of father, brother. husband, or
bau.
Duiinc the whole Of the evening the
o.lv refreshments that ! saw or heard
o was pure water, although was told
tlat Oh special occasions Il light beer
With cake is handed around. lntoNlca-
tng drinks are strictly prohibited
here j. no saloon within thirty mile
Il the town, and even liza man smells
d liquor he is reprimandcd.
These dances are not open Tor any
vino may choose to attend, but all who
yish to partakc give their names IN 10
be bishop o. the ward. He has power
o blackbali and he uses that power
specially with outsiders and aposiajcs'
BY O'Clock all lights were oui IN the
town. and the euly sounds TO be heard
vas the occasional bayinE OF the
watch-dogs and the lullaby OF the can
yon breeze sat Laie tHV Cor. W"
yOTE san.
4 friend Of Mr.. HowGatr SAYS that
from once proud po li)n in Wash
inrtop .o.iriv She and Scr attractiv,
,,.aI..,,. how. l..u rp3urs.l iD tho