Imperial Valley press., 1916-10-10
FL CFNTRO and THE
STREET DANCE
Impressions of a Stranger.)

Casually dropping from the 1920
Saturday morning, | found myself In
o metropolis, where | thought there
was none. / was surprised, l was
pleased, yea, verify, ! decided to abide
for a time. The thought beng mother
tc the deed, | did, and here | am, a
temporary resident of Ell Centre, I'M
perial Valley, California.
In many cities of this vast universe
| have felt as though | We're a David
among the Philistines. Not so here.
E. Centre is cosmopolitan, but still,
it is hospitable. l knew but one per-
son in this city. He introduced me-
to another, and so on down the line.
Within two hours / was acquainted
with twenty-five people.
During the day wandered here and
there, gathering impressions, one i'm
preston in particular being the in
dEstrious attitude of the Valleys res
idents. Things commercial presented
themselves at every turn. Soon | be-
gan to reflect on the wonderful truth
expressed by Harold Bell Wright in
his winning of Barbara Worth" J"
Now that / have seen Ell Centro,
shall again read that story.
But all things must come to an end,
and so did the most pleasant day
have spent in many months. Twilight
gradually stole over the Valley and
like a great curtain enshrouding
lovely scene, darkness descended. Here
and there lights glimmered, and final
lly Main street, made picturesque by
its unique arcades, was scene that
would brighten the eye Of any artist.
At nino-thirty o'clock, l was treat
ed to an entertainment, the like of
which have never seen before, name
ly, an Ell Centre street danre Stroll
ing alo1g Main street, saw piano
lifted onto a large dray. A little lit
tie farther down the street, l came
upon the band stand, everything in
readiness for the orchestra. Soon they
appeared, and with the usual squeaks
and groans prepared to grind out
strains to which the gathered multi
tude could demonstrate their terpsi-
cLorean procilvities.
Out walked smiling gentleman and
began preparing the dance floor"
Hundreds crowded, showed, pushed and
then showed some more, gazing with
eager eyes at the 'floor," keeping
feir pedal extremities still, with ap-
parent difficulty. Some young man,
having my welfare at hVrt, stepped
On my toes and heels at the same
time, jabbed me in the ribs, and mur-
mered "stop showing" He was be-
hind me. Just then "Hark! What's
that? A one-step? Come on" And
before knew it we were tripping the
light fantastic to the harmonious
strains Of the latest one-step.
And so we went. Ten-thirty came
and we were picturing ourselves
"Down Home in Tennessee" Eleven
O'Clock and we were FLOATING Down
the Old Green River" 1t wasn't long
before we had another change of scene
ry and we were lightly tripping it
III that paradise-Honolulu.
And SO the night passey away, and
when later | found myself safely en-
sconced in my little gray room in the
west, it was with pleasure | reviewed
what has proven to be most inter-
esting and pleasant day, and evening.
1t will be long time befire l for
get what occurred Saturday, and some
time, in the not far distant future, in
the effete, and not too discreet East,
shall endeavor to promote a street
dance, where young and old, tall and
short, lean and fat, may gather to-
gcther and forget the disappointments
CT possibly unpleasant day.
Therefore, El Centre, l thank you
for a pleasant day and an IDEA.
ADIOS.