Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-01-02
SOCIAL FUNCTIONS IN OTTUMWA
HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS UURlN

A resume of society events is dit
ficult affair - in fact. it is almost al
impossibility to conflne so intangible
thing as society" to figures. Mar
riages are not always weddings, whil'
the boundaries of teas, luncheons, din
ners and afternoon affairs are equal!
indefinite. Neither the hostesses no.
the society scribe can always decid,
the line between a party and one O
OF intimate friends, which are among
the pleasantest things in social con
tact. Receptions and dances are BIZ
easier to note, as are club meetings.
The year 1916 has been one Of the
gayest and most interesting socia
! years for some time, and her little sis
ter, II, gives promise of being a pop
ular maiden also. If it is true Of year;
as of maids, the rose which blooms
too early will blow too soon," then the
coming twelvemonth will be a trifle
jaded before next Christmas, for it is
starting off with whirl Of social
events characteristic of debutantes
Speaking Of debutantes brings up the
question of the presentation of Ottum
was daughters to society. They seem
to drift quite naturally from the cradle
to the ball room without such prelim
inaries as coming out parties AS they
appear to be having a lovely time, no
one seems to object. themselves least
OF all, to the combination of school
dresses and party frocks, nursery
bread and jam, and lobster a la New.
burg.
Throughout the winter and late
spring months, the study and social
clubs meet in regular session, either
weekly or fortnightly. There are about
fifteen women's clubs, many. of which
have been organized for years, which
are for study with amusement as a
side issue. Then there are about
thirty-five social clubs, which are for
social purposes, needlework and cards,
with sprinkling of study and charity
work. The various circles Of the
Kings Daughters and the missionary
and practical service societies Of wo-
mems work, are another phase Of the
social life which plays an important
part.
During the winter the large dancing
parties are given by the Wapello and
Elks' clubs. the Daughters of Isabella,
the Knights of Columbus and young
peoples informal clubs. Cotillons for
the little folks dancing schools are &C.
casional events. Home dancing is be-
coming popular, the only drawback be-
ing lack OF space, as a rule. In the
summer, the silver footed ones trip 1t
at the Country club and Ottumwa Oars
men club house regardless Of the
the outing spots being very
popular for luncheons, dinners, teas
and picnics. beside the more athletic
sports. There are always some OF both
sexes who prefer golf ball to a tea
fight. an oar to a veranda party. The
sun mer season has it's beginning in
the rush Of affairs in June for grad.
yates and for the brides.
II it were not for the brides. who
flame in the social sky like mete6rs
the society editors life would indeed
be what Dickens delighted to call zone
demned horrid grind" A wedding is
an artistic triumph to We scribe. for
there are infinite possibilities of arts.
tic and beautiful word pictures In.
1oCN, Will luc pISSeut SuOTtiB6 Ol
paper. it is a diplomatic task to pre-.
sent the bride properly attended by
decorations, trousseau, dinner. honey.
moon, dove cote and friends in the
space which an unfeelng censorship
permits the society news. The pre-.
1uptial events and weddings were of
much interest in June as usual. but for
some unknown, occult reason, the
autumn was chosen for many of the
Drettiest and most elaborate weddings
II the year. their color schemes run.
hing the gamut Of the rainbow itself
For the size Of the city, Ottumwa is
lutte as gay socially as her larger sis.
ers and the affairs are numerous and
The pretty country club
house and grounds are the scene of
many pleasant entertainments as are
he boat club. the Wapello club and
he Elks' rooms at various seasons OF
he year Motoring plays an important
,art in the social game. not only in
he warm weather but in all except the
worst weather and the improved roads
With the beautiful rolling scenery of
his portion of Iowa make driving par.