Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1891-09-03
The House-warming on Ross Fork.

Those of our readers who were SO fortu-
nate as to be among the number that at
ended the dance given on Ross Fork last
Thursday evening cannot help but agree
with us in stating that it was one OF the
most enjoyable events of the kind ever
given in the Judith Basin. For many
years school in the TIBET district had been
held in an old log cabin poorly constructed
and entirely inadequate to the needs Of the
people. This year the district was bonded
and a building "a X 40, with a thirteen foot
ceiling, eight s~ix-foot windows, well finished,
plastered and including two cloak rooms
and a hall. was built on the ranch of John
McCourt, a position which is considered
one most convenient to the majority of it's
patrons. The funds had been entirely ex-
hausted in the building, so the plan was hit
upon OF giving a house-warming and rails
ing enough money at that time to furnish
the house and fence and improve the
grounds around the same. In this they
were entirely successful, over S1S0b being Sc
cured.
The entertainment was all that could be
desired. The residents OF tina section nave
long been noted for their hospitality and
this occasion but went to prove such to be
II fact. Dancing commenced at nine in the
evening and continued with but slight in
terruption until five in the morning. The
attendance was probably 12o, about
equally composed of ladies and gentlemen.
| Supper, which was served at 1870 a. M,
was deserving of special mention. The
ladies OF the entire district had contributed,
though the serving was under charge of
Mrs. McCourt, Mrs. Barrows and Mrs. Lii
lard. S~ubstantials and good things OF all
kinds were provided in abundance. The
| music was furnished by Messrs. Harvey
and Turnbull on a violin and organ and
was excellent. f. X. Fitzgerald managed
the floor in his customary happy manner.
II anyone cub the generosity OF the
Montana gallant he needs but to be pres
ent when a vote is taken for the most pop
ular lady to dispel any such hallucination.
A vote OF this kind was announced at 2 a.
m, the price per vote being five cents and
four ballots being taken. The first ballot
showed the contestants to be Miss Leo
Palmer, Miss Garnette Currier, Miss Tynia
Newman, Miss Stella Tavener and Miss
III bdIEoNo- u iatttf t"' VI" h's
gain in subsequent ballots so could hardly
be considered in the race. The second bal
lot showed Miss Currier to be in the lead
closely followed by Miss Palmer, Miss New
man being far behind. Then the excite.
ment began. The third ballot marked a
rush for Miss Newman, a good gainfo for Miss
Palmer and Miss Currier statu quo, but
a good second. On the fourth ballot an
extension of five minutes, then two min.
utes was given, at which time one gentleman
challenged a rival to buy 500 worth Of
votes for his iavorite, but the offer was
not accepted. At last the count was an,
nounced and showed Miss Newman, Of
TIBET, to be the winner with $40 votes
followed by Miss Palmer with o and Miss
Currier with 331. The prize was Ave pounds
OF candy and it cost the g~allants nearly
$40 d pound as S95.65 had been expended
in it's purchase. While this was going on
the Misses Hassett and Mr.. Turnbull fur
nished the party with several choice selec'
tions Of Instruments and vocal music.
Dancing was then resumed and continued
until after morning had broken. All en-.
enjoyed themselves to the utmost and shall
remember the event with great pleasure
Trustees McCourt and Woolsey were in
charge, and to them and the ladies who sc
cessful an entertainment.