Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1888-01-06
MORE CHRISTMAS JOLLITiES.
orestes Describes the Happy Festivities at
John Day Creek.

Ed. Pass: Friday eve. the 23d, we
we had Chrisimss tree and dance here
which passed off as jolly as most of the
John Day gatherings do. Abont sixty
six persons were present. AT o'clock
Jack the cook rung the bell for II Christ
mes dinner of roast duck and chicken,
boiled ham, mince pies. and cake of
different kinds, pickles and preserves,
and all those things which good cook
knows how to get up. Every one did
justice to themsel yes in the art of eat
| ing. After dinner we adjourned to the
store, where two trees were lighted and
filled with presents. The children were
highly pleased with the sight, and still
more pleased when Santa Claus came in,
jolly as ever, with white flowing hair
and beard. and his rosy cheeks and
nose. All the young folks were remem.
bered and many of the Older ones.
After distributing the presents. Santa
bid us goodbye. promising to come
again next year. Shortly after, a COM
motion was heard in the hall, and Henry
Elfers. in company with Ed. Walsh,
came IN leading what appeared to be an
old and decrepid woman with n big
rose and long plume in her hat, in sad
contrast to her apparent age and help
lessness. Uncle Phil Cleary asked her
TO open the ball with him, and she
bowed assent They made several turns
of the room, Uncle Phil in spirited
manner, and his partner listlessly, at
first AZ though .he wished she were
home, but finally firing of the perform
nnre, An ominous growl was heard, and
Phil allowed his partner to drop on all
fours, and IL big laugh was raised-it was
pet dog.
After that our courteous floor mana
ger, Harry Cone, was seen in consul,a-
ton with Prof. Crunk, aud directly the
liveliest and most inspriting strains
heard at John Days for n long time.
broke on the air, and feet were set in
motion and kept in motion from % IN
until 7 m, with only rest enough at
midnight to test the qualities of the
John Day table. The Salmon river
people think that the Grangevlleites
are fortunate in having such a fiddler as
Prof. within easy call. During the
night he was relieved by Mr.. Welch,
who is tirsi-class performer on the
harmonica, aud Harry Cone. who
played on the accordion, some good
stirring tunes. DIR. Carver, Geo. Alkire,
Nj. Walsh and Geo. Oterson were call
ers. There was no ellie Of the BALI"
and no jealousy al, the young ladies
were charmiuglv dressed and charming
in manner. Miss EIfers, the young
hostess. did all in her power 10 further
the enjoyment of her guests, in which
Uncle Phil and his wife assisted her
Any one who has visited John Dav
knows the hospitality of Uncle Phil end
his lady.
During the day of the oath those who
did not go home were recruited enough
to dance little in the evening and play
n few games. Then it WAS proposed TO
have wedding. Two marriages., G.
Benedict, J. p, officiating, These mar.
riages illustrated consistency of union
which is common in this country. The
school matm and J. Colemant rep
resented December with May. and Prot.
Crunk with the fascinating Miss Rhett,
represented January with June. The
frat couple stood mp. Miss l.. Benedict
acting rs bridesmaid, and J. Beckrot te
as groomsman. The Justice, noting the
youthful appearance of The bride, asked
her age. She blushed, hing her head.
and whispered softly, Fifteen" The
justice bad evidently forgotten the law,
or never knew it. for he seemed salts
fed, and proceeded with the ceremony.
The groom stood it bravelv, but the
bride was quite overcome with the nov
city Of the situation. twisting her hand
kerchef nervonsly between her snowy
teeth, and showing other evidences of
embarrassment The justice had no
mercy on her, however, but went
through with the ceremony with his
usual cut-switch style. When the time
came for the Prof to choose his bride,
without any hesitation he selected Miss
c. Rhett. And knowing she was at
that age when young ladies most feel
their power. and are consequently most
liable to change their minds, he would
not give her time to reconsider, or ey II
to choose a bridesmaid, but called JUS
b. to " Hurry up. and marry us quick,
now" And how he did hurrv-"I pro-
nounce you man, and wife," he said
"only this, and nothing more !"
OgEsTEs.