The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1889-01-04
THIS is $50.
How New Years Day Was Observed
In the City.

1t has seldom happened in this state
that the New Year has been ushered in
with such weather and such q perfect
day as was the case yesterday. The
warm southern breeze that famed the
leafless branches was spring-like in it's
balminess. The rays Of the sun, pour
ing down from clear sky, made the
sidewalks almost steam. The mercury
crept higher and higher and finally rest
ed at nearly fifty. 1t seemed more like
ST. Patrick's day, or some other spring
holiday. than the first day of January.
The jingling of sleigh bells that seems
almost necessary accompaniment of the
day was unheared, as was the voice of
the merry coaster. 1t is season long to
be remembered, of which 1t can be said
that no snow has fallen by Jan. LIST and
the thermometer has vet failed to reach
zero.
The day passed very quietly. There
was no trade and many Of the stores re-
NAMED closed, at least part of the day.
Not one was open in the evening. The
Presbyterians turned out TO sunrise
prayer meeting at eight o'clock, and
services were held later in several OF
the churches, all of which were well at
tended.
In its social aspect the day was little
different from the other three hundred
and sixty-four days of the year, as far az
formality was concerned. Two or three
houses were known as "open houses
but the majority of the ladies preferred
to remain at their own homes and there
receive anyone who might be disposed
to call infoiui.-.,. :. number of the
young gentlemen made informal calls.
But there was probably less formal call.
ing done than for several years. Those
houses which kept open were very hand.
somely decorated, and no one called but
was delightfully."- entertained.
IN THE EVENING.
The party given by Misses Hattie Sib.
ley, Alice Farr, Carrie Robbins, Belle
Beatty, Margaret Reid, Hattie Axtell
and Eta Frisbie at the residence of Mr.
Jno. A. Willard last evening was very
pleasant and successful event. About
one hundred of Mankato's young soci.
ETY. people were present and passed the
evening in various kinds of social enjoy.
ment. Elaborate refreshments were
served. The principal part of the even.
ing was devoted to the game of "conver.
sation;" which was for the first time
introduced IN this city. Dancing was
also INDUCED in, as we'll as music.
Those who were present were delighted
with the fair hostesses and were sorry
when the time for departure arrived.
1t was very pleasant party that gath.
cred at Mrs. w. r. B. Smyth's residence
last evening, IN honor of Miss Annie
Villas, whose departure this morning ID
noted elsewhere. The party numbered
scarcely more than a dozen, but the
evening passed as joyfully as If there
had been more.
A surprise party, numbering about
thirty, swooped down on Miss Emma
| Durkee during the evening. They
| brought refresbm ents and with what
Miss Durkee spread before them had q
fine repast. The evening sped rapidly
in various amusements and was enjoyed
by all.
Miss Minorah Zimmerman entertain.
ed about a score of her young friends
Monday evening and all present report
fine time.
There were several small gatherings
at various houses last evening and the
whole city seemed taken up in the en-.
joyment of the various festivities. The
young.people especially found no lack
of sport. Altogether, yesterday will be
remembered as most enjoyable New
Years day.