The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1906-03-01
An 0|d-TiIne Party
Most Interesting Company Of Ancient
Costumes Worn by the Ladies' MANY
had Some Gowns Of Ye 0Iden Time

In response to invitations from Mrs.
j. A. Caughren and Mrs. F. H.
Oehler, printed in the style of eye
olden time" between eighty and one
hundred ladies gathered at the home
of Mrs. Caughren to assist their
hostesses in celebrating the anniver-
sary OF the day of their birth, February
tWenty-second. Mrs. Caughren's
beautiful home presented a very
artistic appearance, the ceilings being
draped in red, white and blue bunting
and flags while in each of the several
grilled archways were hung a Ratchet
and sprig OF cherries.
The invitations requested that some
article of ancient time be worn and
the result was astonishing. Gowns
OF every period from 1706 to 1906 were
in evidence in every imaginable state
of preservation. Mrs. Caughren
appeared in dress made for herself
when sixteen years of age. Mrs. T.
Sullivan in blue broadcloth empire
wedding gown one hundred and thirty
years old. Mrs. F. S. Parker wore a
blue and white muslin dress, worn by
Mrs. S. M. Bruce at fifteen years of
age. Mrs. Henshaw was attired in a
garnet and blue silk dress with wide
flowing sleeves, worn by her fathers
sister sixty years ago. Completing
the costume was hand embroidered
lace bertha and undersleeves, the work
of her aunt. Mrs. Norris appeared in
the same dress she wore when she
attended church for the first time with
her husband, handsome blue corded
silk. Mrs. DR.. Lewis wore Chicago
gown-not from Marshall Fields, but
from the family attic-a figured silk
handsomely combined with rare black
lace and jet trimmings. Mrs. Wood
bury wore gray and black alpaca
dress belonging to her mother. Mrs.
Whipplea gray silk of forty years ago.
Mrs. A. G. Kay was quaint and dainty
in Mrs. Elliot's wedding dress of
ctl geaLie pink and tan silk and a
collar in eyelet embroidery made by
Mrs. Elliot's mother when a girl,
being one hundred years old. Mrs.
Goodsell was a typical Lady Washing
ton. She also wore gold neck chain
once worn by the Countess of Roslyn
in the presence of Queen Victoria.
Perhaps the daintiest and prettiest
picture of all was Miss Edith Smith
who wore one of the gowns belonging
to her mothers wedding trousseau, a
beautiful delicate pearl gray silk with
train. Mrs. F. B. Rowe was dressed
as when led to the altar to become the
wife of F. B. 1t was an elegant white
watered silk, trimmed with pearl
embroidery and having court train.
Mrs. Pike was "grande dame" OF
ancient time, her costume being
complete from cap to boots. She also
preserved the required dignity of the
time. Mrs. Wheeler looked upon this
brilliant company through glasses
worn by MIR. Goodsell's great-great-
grandfather and offered the guests
snuff from a snuff box of 1878. Mrs.
Charlotte Barto wore buttons and
buckles of Revolutionary days upon a
velvet dress. We cannot mention all
the dresses, nearly every guest had on
some article of ancient days; cap,
jewelry, collar or something.
AS the guests arrived at this unique
party they were greeted with laughter
and clapping of hands. The afternoon
was one continual feast of mirth. AT
4:3O the guests were given place cards,
one half receiving card with tiny
Ratchet tied upon it with red and blue
ribbon, the other half having cherry
tied on in similar manner. These
directed them to tables bearing a
corresponding number. This &C.
casioned deal of fun and commotion
but soon all were seated and dainty
lunch was served. A group of young
girls assisted in serving, being dressed
in Martha Washington caps, kerchiefs
and aprons.
There have been many parties this
season but as the ladies took their de-
parture wishing their genial hostesses
"many happy returns" they also
assured them that this was the party
of the season.
Photographer Johnson took a
picture of the guests grouped on the
south porch and walk which will
serve to perpetuate this occasion to
future generations.
NOTICE