Connecticut western news., 1889-09-04
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 4. 1889.
THE RAG TAG PARTY"
At Lakeyille, Aug. 12, 1889.

At Lakeyille, Aug. 12, 1889.
 An amusing and thoroughly grotesque entertainment was given at the residence of Mir Chauncey White, of Lakeville, on the evening of Aug 12th., called "Rag Tag party" The invitations, to the number of seventy, were written on common brown paper, in doggerel verse, requesting each bidden guest to come in clothes that were tattered and torn from head to foot, and that prize would be given to the wearer of the worst looking suit.
 The grounds were brilliantly illumi- mated with Chinese lanterns, and the interior of the house decorated with golden rod, hop vines and sun flowers. The doors and walls were draped with bunting and flags, the whole presenting a very gay and bright appearance, thoroughly in keeping with the merri- ment and fun going on all over the hospitable dwelling.
 The guests arrived early and were greeted with blowing of horns and a hearty welcome. Peal after peal of laughter was heard as each newcomer appeared on the scene, and certainly a more motley crew could scarcely be imagined.
 As they whirled around in the may dance, one felt completely "razzled dazzled" by the futtering of rags and the visions of patches more variegated than harmonious. -
 After marching by the judges 8 number of times, Mrs Cora Cole and Miss Marian Bissell, Mir NJ. Robbins and Mir Burt Landon were selected as being the most dilapidated objects, worthy of any benevolent persons charity.
 There were only two prizes to be awarded, so cards were cut and Mrs Cole and Mir Landon drew the winning ace. They were then presented with a shoe bag made of bright, new rag carpet, prettily bound with Turkey red, which Mrs Cole declared was just wha, she wanted. A whisk broom, built to represent Darkey rag-doll, rathe, paralysed our friend Bert" as it was put into his eager out-stretched hands but when the utility of the sable maiden dawned upon him 0 (seven) benigr smile lighted up his momentarily cloud ed face and he accepted the prize witt his customary graceful abandon.
 Mrs Coles costume was simplicity itself, ragged red flannel petticoat wa' gracefully draped over faded and torr calico skirt window cord and tassels made 8 girdle at once unique ano interesting, and numerous patches re ieved the monotony of the rags tha composed the waist, giving it that ali of crazy quiltness which is so mucl admired brass pins confined the s'glovs fitting" corsage. An antique shawl whose dingy blackness was interspersed with numberless holes, was throw1 carelessly around her shoulders, or or the floor as the occasion demanded. black straw hat with ventilated crown utterly devoid of trimming, and worI rakishly over the left eye, was very effective. Kid gloves that were very much undressed, consequently revealed rather than concealed the fair hands The same love of variety was seen il the foot-gear, not mated but happy an6 fastened with corset faces.
 MT Landon rejoiced in gleanings from many wardrobes, therefore, combining quality and quantity, one garmen making up for what was lacking in tht other, and crowned by St Patrick day tile, that looked very weary ; i much-worn- out ulster, confined at the waist by hempen sash and lined spas medically with red flannel, reached tc the floor, and by its undulating fold. gave grace to the manly strides of it. wearer
 MT F. E. Young, from Brookly m would have taken the prize had he no been one of the family. He was i typical tramp and looked as if he hac run the gauntlet of all the dogs in town He was so frightfully real that thu ladies clung closer to their escorts whel he approached, and from the number O clings" observed 1t was suspected tha the aforesaid escorts encouraged hi visits by sly winks, etc.
 Mrs Robbins and her friend, Mrs Fitch, were not dressed in rags, but looked as if they had stepped out of al old picture of century ago. Thei gowns were so quaint and old-fashionet and their large poke bonnets of black and white satin lent an added charm tc the sweet faces beneath.
 Refreshments were spread in the dining room, on bare table, and con sisted of mush and milk and fried cakes served on tin plates coffee in cups ant saucers of the same sterling metal accompanied by tin spoons and browr paper napkins. All the delicacies wer. thoroughly enjoyed by the party, wht entered heartily into the spirit of th' joke.
 Mrs White, the genial hostess, pro vided an extra treat in the shape O