The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1885-10-08
The Firenen's Ball.

The large and spacious hall, known as
Moore's Rink, on last Friday evening;
was the scene of ono of the largest and
most brilliant assemblages ever gathered
together in Anderson on any similar oc-
casion within our recollection, the occa-
sion being the Ball of the Pioneer Fire
men of this city. The preparations and
arrangements for the Ball had been quiet
ly going on for several weeks prior, and
few people realized the magnitude of the
occasion. Several hundred very hand
some invitations had been printed, and
these were mailed on the Monday pre-
vious. Friday morning was ushered in
as the preceding days of the week had
been, by dense clouds and frequent show
ers of rain. The Pioneers and large
number of their friends wore a look of
disappointment. Their pleasant antici-
pations seemed to be blasted. However,
they were not altogether. feint-hearted,
and as the day passed on the clouds were
watched with wishful eyes. This did not
change the weather, though, and at night
fall all the public carriages in the city
were engaged and they were running in
every direction.
About o'clock we entered the bright
ly illuminated hall, and at first glance
detected the work of fair hands in the
flower and evergreen decorations. The
crowd already present was large, but the
gallant beaux and fascinating bellies con-
tinued to pour in. It was plain then that
despite the weather the Ball was grand
success, the crowd in attendance being va
rieusly estimated at from $50 to 500 per-
sons. While listening to the enlivening
strains of music from the Young Ameri-
| ca Cornet Band, which was present, We
looked around and saw the old and the
young, every one wearing happy coun-
tenance. A number of these were visit
ors from a distance, both ladies and gen.
tlemen. The goddess Terpsichore SEEM
ed to have the majority under her sway,
and the engagement cards were being
rapidly filled up for the various dances
on the programme.
The soft, sweet music Of the Italian
band struck up, and in few minutes the
opening quadrille, under the direction Of
Mr.. Joel G. Keys. Chairman of the Floor
Managers, was formed, and the youth and
beauty, lovely maids and gallant swain,
whirl amid the mazes of the dance.
There were twenty-one dances down on
the programme, but the small hours of
the morning approached rapidly, and it
had to be shortened. The dancing con-
tinued until about II o'clock, when the
gay assemblage dispersed, every one pro-
nouncing the occasion a most pleasant
event.
From the ball room the Pioneers and a
large number of the male portion of their
friends repaired to their hall, whore a
most delightful hour was spent in partak-
ing of bountiful supply of refreshments,
amid toasts and impromptu speeches.
The occasion will long be remembered
by all who participated, and the Pioneers
are to be congratulated for the admirable
manner in which everything was carried
out. Too much praise cannot be bestow-
ed on the. committee of arrangements,
which consisted of Messrs. g. NJ. Tolly,
A.. H. Osborne, jr., 81. McGrath, j. M.
Cathcart, D. Seligman and A. G. Pinkind,
to whom largely the success of-the occa-
sion may be attributed.