The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-02-14
THE MAENNERCHOR BALL.
A Unique Feature of the Mask Event
of 1898.

The members of the Maennerchor Society
are in state of great preparation and
pleasurable anticipation. The annual mask
ball is to be given Friday night of this
week, and it is the intention to make it
eclipse not only any ball the society has
given in past years, which is saying a good
DEAL but also to make il outshine in splen-
dor any carnival heretofore given in the
city. 1t is to be the event par excellence of
the season, and the society has involved it
self in a whirl of excitement and activity
to make it such.
John p. Frenzel is the master mind that
is in control of the affair, and he is stalking
his reputation on it's being a success of the
first magnitude. He was found yesterday
in the hall of the society acting in the
pacity of drill sergeant to q company of
about forty young men, headed by Robert
Martindale. This is a part of the grand
march, he explained. The maneuvers
which the company We're put through oc
cupied about fifteen minutes. Just how
many will be in the grand march on the
night of the ball is problematic, but Mr..
Frenzel said he thought there would be
about four hundred. In the language of
society the number 400 has q magic elo-
quence that means volumes. and it is at
four hundred at the Maennerchor carnival.
1t is well to state, however. that the occa-
sion is strictly a Maennerchor Society one,
and because anyone does not receive an in
vitation need not be taken as certain evil
dence of his being out of the swim.
An innovation in the former practice of
the society respecting the ball is announced.
Heretofore the rule about masking has been
Ia M c,na will hp Cd
on the floor unless duly and properly dis
guised. Everybody must be in costume or
wear dominoes. The rigidity of the rule is
slackened only in regard to those over fifty
years of age, and these are required to wear
carnival caps. This rule assures great
variety of costumes, and the purveyors of
such articles are at their wits end to know
how to meet the urgent demands pouring
in upon them.
The Prince Carnival has been selected
but his identity is d deep secret. He will be
gorgeCuSiy atIired, as becomes the eXalted
ruler of such a distinguished assembly. Inc
costumng of only the floor committee VIII
be known. The members of this useful
body will be distinguished on the moor by
their wearing costumes of the latter part OF
the eighteenth century
What promises TO be Il feature of the ball
will be carried out by the active male mem
bers about thirty-tive in number, who will
burfesque the dramatic trust. Among some
of the characters which they Will represent
are Othello, tdlStdII, ttaInlel, Joshua w MT
comb. Old Horse, Rip Van Wrinkle, Lohen-
grin SvengaH, Samuel of Posen, Buffalo
Bill. Julius Caesar MlKado, the Two Dro-
MICS. Ell Captain Chris and Lena and the
Roman gladiators. Eacn member of the
party will counterpart his favorite role OF
the stage and the effect is likely to prove
melodramatic.
The entire building of the society Will be
put in use on the night of the ball. The
lower floor will be used for club and dress
ing rooms, the upper floor for the ball and
both rooms of the Walhalla are reserved
for the supper The decorations will be
elaborate with the carnival colors of green
and yellow predominating. The floral deco
rations will also be elegant.