The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1884-02-13
A GRAND AFFAIR.
Such was the Leap Year Party at the
Harper House Lass Evening.
Youth and Beauty Make n Scene De-
Lightful to BehOld--.Elegant
Costumes and Pretty
Faces.
The Ladies' Score a Great Success, and
Win Universal Praise as En-.
tertainers.

i Win Universal Praise as En-.
tertainers.
THE LEAP YEAR rARTY.
Last evening occurred the much talked
| of leap year party, which, in the social
world, has been the chief topic of CONVEX
sation for the pas: few weeks. 1t is now
over, but the pleasures and joys attending
the magnificent affair, will not soon be
effaced from memory's wall. Miss Bessie
Harper assisted by the ladies of the tri
cities-was the originator of the party land
her indulgent father was only too glad of
the opportunity to aid her by placing his
palatial hotel at her service. 1t was the
intention that the affair should have taken
place last Friday evening, but owing to
the sudden illness of Miss Harper, it was
necessary to postpone it. And a more
| suitable time could not have been selected
than last evening, And why?. Because
it was Mr.. Harper's birthday, and although
the party was not given in his honor, he
could not but feel joyful as the sweet strains
of music floated through the parlors and
corridors, and the graceful dancers fitted
by in the charming maZes of the waltz. 1t
was enough for him to see other people
happy, and to know that his guests appre-
ciated his great liberality in again throw
ing the doors of his hotel open and enter
tanning SO large an assembly of people
The party last evening was an exception
to the general run of social events, from
the fact that the ladies exercised their
leap year privileges throughout the entire
time. And they did everything In style,
too. They escorted the gentlemen to the
hotel in carriages and assiduously looked
after there welfare in every respect They
also saw them safely home, and it is right
to say that the gentlemen were never more
agreeably entertained, and without
doubt wish for repetition of last nights
performance
AT THE SHRINE OF TERPsIcHoRE.
Shortly after nine o'clock, the Great
Western band took their position, and the
dancing commenced, Hardly had the
melody assumed definite form, when
couples came trooping from all sides, and
the elegant parlors. were turned into one
scene of mirth and gayety We doubt
whether the creator of Ivanhoe, with all
his wealth of fancy, could imagine more
brilliant spectacle than was there pre-
sented. A notable feature was the ele-
gance of the ladies costumes, some of
which were gorgeous in the extreme The
gentlemen were also nicely dressed. and
looked their best, Each were presented
by their lady escort with fans handsomely
with ribbon, and their coat
lapels were decorated with bouquet of
rose buds. The scene brought to mind !
the poets words:
Flashing of jewels and autter of laces
Tropical odors sweeter than musk;
Men and women with beautiful faces
And eyes OF tropical dusk
About eleven O'Clock the musicians
were given short respite, and the COM
pany repaired to the dining room, where
the genial steward. Mr.. Michael O'Connor,
and his accommodating assistants, were
N readiness to see that all should fully
partake of the sumptuous spread that had
been prepared. The banquet board
reached across the dining room, and fairly |
groaned with the weight of the good |
things there displayed. On leaving the |
banquet hall, dancing was again
resumed and continued until the lateness
Of the hour told that the dawn of another
lay would soon be visible. The lights
we're turned of, good byes exchanged, and |
soon all was silent and calm The en-
ployes at the hotel strolled around the |
rooms, picking up a wilted and crushed |
bouquet here, a broken bangle there. and |
small pieces of ribbon and broken fans in |
other places, which was all that remained
Of the ball outside of a happy remem-
flashing colors,. laughing eyes
and lively music, and maybe headache
This morning.
An ARGUS representative noticed the
following among the gay party:
ROCK ISLAND.
Mrs. Ben Gable, Mr.. Ben Gable.
Miss Bessie Harper, Mr.. Bert Rodman.
Miss May Weber. Mr.. Adair Peasants.
Miss May Howard, Mr.. A. Chapman, Moline
Miss Mabel Connolly, hr. Alvin Connolly.
Miss Allie Weber, DR.. C. C. Carter.
Mrs. 8. B. Edson.
Mrs. Thos. J. Howard. ~
:, Miss P B. Braut, st. Louis, Mr. Lungreen New
T.J RodmAn, Chicago nl i'7h
MOLINE.
Miss Emma Chapman, Mr. Coau Clinton
Miss Ainsworth, Mr.. 8. Velie.
Mrs, Chapman.
DAVENPORT.
Miss sudie Bryant, Mr.. II. wadswertb
Miss Mamie Bryant, Mr.. T. Murphy
Miss Richardson, Mr. W, Van Deryeer
Miss Allie Van Patten, Mr.. Williams
Miss Bessie Van Patten, Mr.. AJ. f. Cook Rock
STAND.
: Miss Maggie Thoringtea, Mr. X. Webb
Miss Annie Thorfngton, Mr. NJ Martin
Miss Alice Kimbail Mr. Il. Guyer. Rock Island
Miss Weston, Mr.. nj. Keiner
Mr. j. Graham
Mr. Dwight ts asE
ffs aaa
THE COSTUMES
The richness and style CT the costumes