New Years Day in Madison County
NEW
YEAR’S DAY CELEBRATED
Source: Alton Telegraph, January 09, 1896
The passing away of the old year, 1895, was observed in an elaborate
way by the residents of Alton. There were parties, balls, socials,
and entertainments of various kinds on every hand, and one had a
bewildering time in choosing which entertainment to attend, for all
could not be graced with their presence, although two or three were
taken in by some persons.
The banquet and ball given by Alton Lodge I.O.U.W., at the city
hall, on New Year’s eve, was a pleasant affair. Deputy Grand Master
Rexdale delivered an address, and the remainder of the evening was
spent in dancing.
The grand ball given by the Crescent Club at Root’s Opera House on
New Year’s Eve was one of the most successful affairs in every way.
There was a large attendance, and to excellent music by Starr’s
orchestra, the hours were whirled away in the entrancing dance.
Nothing was left undone to make the ball a success.
Mr. and Mrs. A. Z. T. Hutchinson commemorated the twenty-fifth
anniversary of their marriage with a silver wedding, to which a
large number of their friends were invited.
NEW YEAR’S MASQUERADE PARTY
Source: Alton Telegraph, January 03, 1896
The young masters and misses of Alton were set all in a flurry by
the invitations sent out recently by Miss Lucy Stowell for a
masquerade party New Year’s night. A skirmish for pretty costumes,
as well as outlandish and unique ones by the invited guests in all
parts of the city was the result, and last night the assemblage at
the home of Mr. and Mrs. O. S. Stowell presented a vivid scene.
Little flower girls and fairies flitted about hand in hand with
princes and knights errant, clowns, etc. The costumes showed that
time and pains had been taken, and some were exceedingly handsome.
The funny little brownies were as cute as could be, “Two Little
Girls in Blue” were quite cunning, and the fairies and Chinamen made
the assemblage varied to say the least. At 8:30 o’clock, the masks
were removed for supper, which was served as the surprise wore off
and the young people became acquainted with what their neighbors
wore. The supper was a dainty repast, and was served in the nicest
style. At 10 o’clock, the visitors bid Miss Lucy a good night, still
beaming with enjoyment.
NEW YEAR’S FESTIVITIES
Source: Alton Telegraph, January 06, 1898
The advent of the new year was celebrated in a royal manner by the
residents of Alton. There were numerous parties and private
gatherings, and the number of people who watched the old year out
and the new in constituted the greater part of Alton’s inhabitants.
One of the most notable events was the annual banquet of the Black
Hawk Club at Hotel Madison. These occasions are looked forward to
eagerly each year by the members of the club and their lady friends,
and they are always the scene of great merriment and pleasure. The
one Friday night was attended by twenty couples, who passed the time
from 9 to 12 in the happy dance. At 12 o’clock, the company sat down
to the banquet, a feast of good things served by caterer Daniels.
Two hours were spent in the banquet room, enjoying the fine spread
and the toasts. Mr. Clark McAdams acted as toastmaster, and the
following toasts were made: “Those who are absent,” by Mr. John M.
Pfeiffenberger; “Our New Year resolutions,” by Mr. Martyn Caldwell;
“Black Hawk,” by Mr. H. H. Hewitt; “Our Hosts,” by Miss Alice
Phillips; “As others see us,” by Mr. D. A. Wyckoff of Jerseyville.
Dancing was resumed after supper, and continued till 4 o’clock, when
one of the most delightful affairs ever given by the club concluded.
Among those who attended were Miss Catherine Pegram of Lincoln; Miss
Hallie Bayle of St. Louis; Miss Mabel Milnor of Litchfield; and Mr.
David A. Wyckoff of Jerseyville.
The Daughters of Rebekah gave their annual party Friday night at the
Naval Militia Hall. It was very largely attended, and a grand
success in every particular. Dancing was enjoyed until the morning
hours, with a short intermission for supper.
The Alton Juvenile Band enjoyed their first annual ball Saturday
night at Pioneer Hall. The boys had a good attendance, and an
equally good time.
The Alton Turnverein and the Maennerchor observed their annual
custom of a “watch party” on New Year’s Eve, and enjoyed the usual
happy time that always goes with their gatherings.