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.


If one wishes to see Mormon life in
all lis primitiycncss and simplicity, he
must not look for it in Salt Lake City,
for there il is overshadowed by much
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
ure of attending n genuine dancing
party of the Lattcr-DaN Saints (they
don't like to be called Mormons). This
was at n small town nestled away in
the Wasatch mountains, about 100
miles south of the metropolis of Utah.
The dance was held in what is called
the ward Westinghouse, plain stone
building used for. general public pur-
poses.
The hour for opening was Z =. NJ
| was there on time. What first attract
ed my attention on entering was that
the ladies and gentlemen sat separate
ly--the men on the right and the ladies
on the lef. At the end of the hall was
a raised Platform, upon which sat the
orchestra, which consisted of q 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 a
sprinkliIg of English, Scotch, Irish,
Welsh, and Swiss, while the Ohio
twane, and the Missourian's lice could
also be heard. All had q happy and
contente( look, there being no attempt
at formally, but each appeared to feel
as if he o. she was at home with men,
bcrs of thir own family.
When arrived the dancing had not
commenced, and there was quite buzz
of converSation. Presently the floor
manage. called out: please come to
order! Brother Brown, willyou open?'
Immediately all were silent and every
head bowed in reverence. Brother
Brown responded by walking to the
platform and Offering u brief but earn
est cXtenporaneous prayer, in which
he askedthc Lord to be with them dur
inc the tine OF their amusement, and
to keep Ill harm and wrong-doing from
those present..
iit HUI lluHdstl tllNh StNN al HulIi-
Der to eadi man who wished 20 dance,
and whcnali had numbers given them,
he called ,ut. Numbers one to eight
take your partners for Il cotillion."
There wasonly space for two sets. Up
started thecight numbers, and rushed
across the Dom, and secured partners.
There was 10 waiting for introductions,
and now they stood in readiness on the
floor, fallin: into conversation with
their ladies. The music struck up, the
caller shouted the figure and the dane
ers started of rs if 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 did mot know what TO do
with their legs. There were many
pretty, yes, handsome, faces among
the fair sex. All was neat and clean,
hut 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 laccs. 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, Serviccablc broadcloth of home
could not help but notice many Of
the young men born and raised in this
mountain region. They are perfect
giants halo, hearty, AMI vigorous.
Don't ever impute to polNGamy 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
dal,'ing -, ii is called, j. not, NV strict
rule, allowed, although Il few on this
occ.,ion were permitted during the
evaing,
Alter several dances had been gone
Ehrugh, some young Scandinavian sis
ersung n charming song. This was
blbwed by an Englishman singing a
ono song and an American rcciting
fon Shakespeare. Then more dancing
VT occasional singing, till y O'Clock.
n0 come to order was called, and
thtssembly was dismissed with prayer.
Al eemed happy and contcnted with
IL Vening's entertainment, and hicd
aorce home, every lady having an
e:on of father, brother, husband, or
b,u.
)uiing the whole of the evening the
DIV refreshments that ! saw or heard
Mwas pure water, although | was told
tt OF special occasions light beer
VII cake is handed around. IntoXica-
tg drinks are strictly prohibited.
,erc is no saloon within thirty miles
dhe town, and even if man smells
diquor he is reprimandcd.
These dances are not open for any
10 may choose to attend, but all who
sh to pattake give their names in to
e bishop OF the ward. He has power
blackball and he uses that power,
Ipecially with outsiders and apostatcs.
! BY ! O'Clock all lights were out in the
!wn, and the Only sounds TO be heard
aS the occasional haying OF the
atch-dogs and the lullaby OF the can
IN breeze. Sat LIKE rHg Cor. New
Ork SuR