Butte semi-weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1886-1890, 1888-02-18
THE GUARDS BALL.
The Washington Guards do Themselves
F~roud-Grand Success of Their Ball
Last Nisht-A Brilliant Social Event.

Pr~Oud-Grand Success of Their Ball
Last Nisht-A Brilliant Social Event.
The decorations OF Miners Union Hall,
for the first annual ball OF the Washington
Guards, were by far the most elaborate
and artistic OF the season. At the entrance,
the stairway was found to be lined on both
sides with a multitude OF small flags, inter
mingled with evergreeDs, and at the head OF
the stairway the old eagle bird flourished
his streamer, with the legend "E Pluribus
Unum," in a manner that made every breast
swell with patriotic emotion as the ascent
was accomplished. The entrances were
ing with festoons of starry banners, and
bordered with groves OF evergreens ar
ranged with a very pleasing effect. Within
the hall the decorations evinced great artis-
tic taste, and while all was in perfect har-
mony, the first impression was that of
passing suddenly from comparative gloom,
into a perfect blaze OF color and light. The
star spansled banner prevailed here.
1t was arranged as an awning over the
orchestra, n ~surmounted there with
Our Valentine" in evergreens. It huns in
couples and groups from the center and
ends OF the ceiling; and wherever else good
taste emand its presence; and that Was
almost everywhere. 1t shone up brilliantly
through the evergreens that were profusely
bestowed, and made it's presence felt so as
to confirm the belief that it is the most
beautiful OF all flags. as well as the emblem
oil the greatest OF all nations, and particu-
larry OF its gallant defenders whose hand
some uniforms contributed largely to the
general brilliance OF the effect. The
Father OF the Country looked down
serenely for the large banner presented to
the Guards by Capt. Shepherd. On the
east wal there was Il medallion of swords
and bayonets. surrounding the letters
NV. Ct done in cvergrecns. The shields of |
the companies, A.. B. and f.. Butte: c. !
Helena; D, Virginia City; E., Dillon; and
Billings, ccuDied conspicuous positions
on the walls, and above them the thirteen
original states were represented in wreaths
OF evcrgreens. The lines OF beauty were
filed out by graceful, festoons OF red, white
and blue in all directions from the great
fiaspiece, and hung with myriads
large Chinese lanterns. In the matter
OF decorations the Guards did themselves
proud.
The windows were tasteIully draped in
red, white and blue. On the wall at the
head OF the stairs was stacked the com.
pany S guns and bayonets. On the north
side a large picture OF Washington beneath
which hung a picture of Valley Forge.
tents, canopied covered orchestra.
shina lanterns, togetberiwith the picture of
The setting sun reflected from Monta-
coat OF arms, completed the
very beautiful decorations and
made an enhancing scene.
For weeks pasthad preparations been made
or this grand event which last night
such successful fruition. The elite {
he culture, the wealth, the intelligence and l
he beauty OF Butte and n%eighboring towns
lad assembled to do honorto the OCCASION !
he gentlemen, some in full evening dress. I
'thers in handsome uniforms with their {
pauiets and bright apparel added a pleas-
variety to the many exquisite toilets
gorn by the ladies. Long before the town
lock sounded out it's solemn ten chimes
he house was packed with a mass of
.umanlty. The ball opened with the grand Il
aarch followed by a waltz to the insnirino
1usic OF Orton's band, then came the In.
by General Warren assisted bv
uartermaster F. Loeber and Colonel G.. +. ~
lloyd. This brilliant sight which was wit =
essed with pleasure by all beholders was y
,liowed by IS dances. 1t was estimated e
hat there were at least q couple Of hun q
red persons present in the bali room when II
grand march began. The party was
ne ldealization of all that was elegant and g
raceiul. The poses, the bowling. the II
ourtes:es, the gazing into each Others ewes y,
I'D the elegant ease Of it all was most ~
aptiyatlng. Everything was so disni6ed
na the movements all so artistically per- %
rmed that the average spectator felt that ,
vas at q bali OF more than usnaI tt
The invitation and ]reception lii
consisting OF Private 3, d.
'iklns, Sergeant q. E. Mauie, Corporal J..
:. Monteath, Corporal G. f. Marsh.
rlvats P. W. Irvine. Captain c. s. Shoe,
aker, Lieutenant 3. Fl. Andrews and W
v. Collins, left nothing undone that sa
- aou 60 the enjoyment OF their guests vi
10 are to be congratulated upon the on. 7,
'e success that attended their efforts ~