Monday August 25, 1930

Josephine wrote (1):

"Monday - don’t have much to do - we had a fancy dress ball tonite - had four prizes. Lady 1st prize and second and man first and second - we had a farewell dinner and had caps and favors and all had a wonderful time"

The night of August 25 was an exciting night. It was the night of the Farewell Dinner hosted by Captain Randall. It was an elaborate affair. The dining room was beautifully decorated as were the tables. Napkins were folded in the shape of a ship. There was an American flag for each attendee as part of the table setting.

Mrs. Mary Everson reported: “ . . . . the captain gave us a farewell dinner . . . and put paper caps on us. It looked very much like a carnival.”

Mrs. Fannie Fine wrote: The dining room resembled a typical jungle . . . our hats . . . some were pretty, others grotesque, and some looked like cartoons. . . . The waiters looked very genteel in their full dress suits.”

Be sure to look at the copy of the menu for the Farewell Dinner; the Chef was F. M. S. Seyfert. It appears to have been quite a feast. On another pilgrimage the food at the farewell dinner didn’t seem to be quite so fancy; it was described as cocktail, peas, two large pieces of turkey, cranberry, bun, and ice cream, and six different kinds of cake. On that pilgrimage, it was reported that the turkey came from Vermont. The menu probably was as fancy - what was described by the pilgrim was probably her choices. (2)(3)

There was also a musical program. Selections included:

March, “EL CAPITAN” by Sousa
Descriptive “DOWN SOUTH” by Myddleton
“HITS OF OTHER DAYS” by Wittmark
Selections “THE SUNNY SOUTH” by Lampe
”ON THE ROAD TO MANDALAY” by Speaks

The Musical Director was Ernest E. Graepel.

At 9 pm came the fancy dress ball. Mrs. Fine expected to see gorgeous costumes, but was disappointed to see costumes of clowns, Indians, washerwomen, etc. The first prize went to a young lady who advertised “Family Laundry,” and who was rigged in clothes lines and had everything from pajamas to handkerchiefs swinging from the lines.

The gentleman’s prize went to a young man who was draped in sheets with two bottles swung across his shoulders with the inscription “Departed Spirits.”

Josephine reported that she had a wonderful time.




Source: written by Carolyn Ourso