Evening capital journal. (Salem, Or.) 1888-1893, 1892-06-09
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DANCE OF THE CRIPPLES.
An Extraordinary Ball Given by q
Uniaue Association In Pittsburg.

N
Unique Association In Pittsburg.
There was much food for thought al
the South Side Cripples' Athletic asso
citation ball and reception in old Turner
hall. The members of this organiza.
ton. unlike their fellow unfortunates
find much that is bright in life, al.
though they are objects of curiosity
and debarred from some of the pleas.
ures other people enjoy by reason OF
their manned condition.
It was the most unique ball ever held
on the south side, and the friends of the
cripples packed the big ballroom. This
is the only organization of its kind In
Pittsburg, and the qualifications for
membership require that the applicant
be MANNED in some manner. The Grip
pie population of the south side turned
out for an evenings pleasure. They
seemed to take as much enjoyment out
of the affair as those of the 600 who
were not manned in any way, and while
their efforts to execute the figures of the
uuadrille were not very graceful, they
were none the less vigorous. The spa
cious floor was crowded and presented a
remarkable sight. One armed men pre-
dominated. 1t was physical response
bility for one legged men to take part in
the dance, but they came strongly to
the front when the grand march was
announced, and went through the fig
ures with an air of unmixed pleasure
even carried the time better than some
of the two legged people.
The grand march was called at 8
o'clock and President f. S. Heilich took
his placssin front of the music stand
with Miss Agnes Jones. a pretty little
brunette, prepared to lead the march.
President Heilich had his kneccap split
when quite young, which causes him to
limp like Richard LII. He was followed
in the march by Thomas Prince, vice
president of the association, who fell off
lumber pile while at play many years
ago and became permanently disabled.
He gets around with difficulty, but his
movements were accelerated under the
inspiring strains of the harp and violin
and the Establishments Of his pretty part
ner's smiles.
William Cost followed and walked on
the wrong side of his partner on account
of an armless sleeve. He was run over
by Pittsburg, Virginia and Charleston
railroad train some years ago and lost
his right arm. Thomas Mondey came
next, with tingerless hand, the fingers
of his right hand having been cut off by
a nail machine. Scott Metz, the next
member in line, was born cripple and
wears an iron brace on his left ankle.
Henry G. Brown has stiff leg, the re-
suit of knee disease. He went through
the quadrille movements with more
agility than his friends expected. Will
liam Disenrot, the last member of the
leading the march, lost his
left arm by an accident on the Pittsburg
and Birmingham Electric road.
After the promenade sets were formed
and the quadrille commenced. The Grip
Piles were generally slow in the execu-
tion of the figures on account of the
waxed floor, but they danced with con-
siderable ease. A large crowd looked
out from the gallery and watched the
dancing of their crippled friends with
much pleasure.
The reception continued until a. m.,
and was great success in every way.
The cripples were not in the least sensi
tive and didn't mind their friends en-.
joying the fun which they afforded
Pittsburg Times.