Year: 1864

.


EDS. STATEsMAN There is general
supposition existing in the minds of residents
here, that the outside world ia'aware that
our valley affords more grass, and better gra-
zing facilities than any other of the same
size il the world. 1t would not be fair to
presume that they are aware that our crops
give promise of rich and abundant yield
the coming harvest nor would it be reason
able to suppose that they should know in
what manner we celebrate our Fourth of
July Holiday will therefore, give a
brief account Of the manner in wich the
day was celebrated here.


1t was given out that there were to be
three Fourth of July Balls take place In
different parts of the valley,-one at La
Grande, one at "Hendershot's Hotel and
one at or near the "Iowa Camp" l, like
many others, expected gay time at Hen
dershot's, and accordingly wended my way
thither, wishing pleasant time to those who
attended the other balls A pleasant ride
soon brought us to our place of destination
Soon after our arrival, (the middle of the
afternoon) several gay equipages halted in
front of the Hotel-a good substantial build
ing, about sixty feet long, with ample room
and out-buildings for accommodations. The
upper part of the building was used for the
Dapcing Hall


About sun set, from seventy five to one
hundred persons, of both sexes, had arrived.
AT this junciure, refreshments we're an
nounced as being ready, and everybody par
took of a substantial meal.


Then the Ladies, such as were not arrayed
IN their ball room attire, quickly applied
themselves to the task of adjusting their
butterfly habiliments With early candle
light the Ball commenced to roll, and
Throughout the night happiness and gayety
reigned supreme The dancing went on in
one uninterrupted strain -Four sets oScG-
pied the floor at time, which made it in
teresting to the lockers on as well as the
performers At half past one the supper
was called. The Gents sought their part
ners, and the forward march for the dining
hall misunderstanding in solemn order
! by couples until twenty-five couples were
seated, which number filled the bill for the
first table. All eyes We're turned with scru-
tinizing gaze, first to one end of the table
then the OTHER Their looks bespoke their
wonder as they beheld The table, *hieh was
well filed with the choicest deIicacies, such
as experience and a refined taste could only
devise. 1t bore d great resemblance to a
grand Panoramic scene of every thing that
was delicious in the shape Of eatables. The
onslaught was finally made and the work of
destruction commenced. Conversation was
again resumed, and from the lively salles on
all sides, it was easy to judge that Mrs. H.
and her daHghtets had more than filed the
expectations of their many pleas4te-seeking
friends. The arrangements and doings at
this party will stand as criterion for future
occasions Of The kind, and dare say none
will venture to excel it In this valley. At
half past two o'clock the dancing again COM
menced and was kept dp till day light.


Our Grand Ronde beauties made a splen-
| did appearance and turned out an force
some Of them in personal attractions, style
and manner, could not be excelled in the
fictitious paintings of romance. think a
strong Union sentiment prevailed.


The Ladies of Grand Rounde will, hope,
excuse me, for cannot conclude without
mentioning the fact that several beautiful
ladies', from Powder River Valley, honored
us With their presence, and joined in cele-
brating the 4th Come on ladies', we will
give you hearty welcome every time you
come. If l mistake not, there will be quite
an exodfs Of young men from these parts,
"ostensibly" to attend the Races to COMB
off in Powder River valley, July 23d


A. G.. FOUNDER.