The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-06-22

ira especially engaged for the occasion
from the city of St. Joseph shortly
after the termination Of the bail game
they struck UP a plaintiVe waltz IN the
rather small hail OF the Central park
building, and attracted the attention OF
dancers For about an hour from one
to six couples amused themselves by
listlessly gliding or stepping across the
floor. At noon the orchestra removed
to the shaded porch Of the dining hall
where q larger crowd gathered ana the
dancing became more vigorous
At g o'clock Mr.. Ed Mchiernan an
nOunCed that the instruments and their
owners would return to the hall where
the prize waltz, by rar the most inter
esting event of the day would take
place. This was the signal for a grand
rush to the designated quarters
Only to q participation in a prize waltz
can there be any idea Of the import
ance of the event. To a young lady the
Importance does not lie in the prize
which is awarded, but in the fame
which it entails. No need for her in the
future to sit in the dancing nall while
happy couples glide by her, waiting for
a partner She viii be the first to APP
pear on the floor her companionshlp
striVen for by the entire aggregation or
young men, her programme full before
the first dance commences. To a young
man the prize is almost as important
He is never refused as a partner.
AS the first strains of the waltz float
ed out from the musicians. corner
seven couples stepped into the square
They were as follows, Mr. Everett
WithrOw and Miss Julia Coyne. Mr.
Dan Lane and Miss Mary NICK emma.
MI Walter Botkin and Miss Alta Ford;
Mr.. Ed Mckiernan and Mrs George
Gallitley; Mr.. John Esplein and Miss
Nellie Jewell; Mr. Harry Petit and
Miss Campbell Mr.. Jessie Cooper and
Miss Mollie Clark.
on the cheek of each fair partner
there was a tinge of red. The young
men looked pale but determined. Each
felt that his or her fate hung in the bal
ance. The waltz commenced. The
spectators held their breath. Not a
sound was to be heard but the one,
two. three step OF the dancers as they
glided over the unWaNed floor The
music at intervals sWelled and lowered
and at last died out. The seven cOU-
pies stopped as if one. and from the en-
tire assemblage went UP a thankful
sigh.
Only for a moment. however. The
awarding committee composed of Joe
Richard Miss Kate Hanigan and Mrs.
Fife Petit were as yet undecided
Four of the couples were to waltz
again. They We're. Mr.. Ed AIcKiernan
and Mrs GeOrge Galitley, Mr.. John
41splein and Miss Nellie Jewell; Mr.
Walter BOtl1in and Miss Alta Ford;
Mr.. Everett Withrow and Miss Julia
COyne.
The suspense during the conclusive
waltz was even greater than before
At the end Mr.. Richard announced that
the committee had decided upon Miss
Alta Ford as the most graceful lady
waltzer and on Mr.. John Esplein as the
best gentleman waltzer. The prize
awarded Miss Ford was a handsome
silk parasol, and Mr. Esplein received
SIS in silver.
A running race for adults and one
for boys q stnding broad jump and
boat race were also on the programme
but were not carried out. After the
prize waltz the company amused them
selves as pleased their fancy. Dancing,
stroling through the woods and boat
Ing served to pass away the time until
the leaving time of the first train at
o'clock. Almost the entire party, who
The occupants of the second train We're
mostly those who spent the day in st.
Joseph.
Not an accident of any kind marred
the pleasure of Saturdays excursion