COLONIAL OR WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY PARTY
The guests are invited to come in Colonial costumes. The host should be dressed to represent George Washington; the hostess, Martha Washington. Feature these two people as much as possible in the receiving line, as leaders of the minuet and grand march, and as master and mistress of the ceremonies throughout the evening. When it is time for the program to begin, have George Washington himself announce that he is going to present to his guests all the various types of American girls who live or will live in this country.
The music then swings into a plaintive Indian tune and an Indian girl dressed in a striking costume of brown leather enters. She bows to George Washington, to his lady and to his guests and passes down the center of the room and away. George Washington then announces that a Puritan girl will be presented next. The music changes to “Auld Lang Syne,” and a lovely girl in Puritan costume enters, bows shyly to her host and passes in a demure manner down the center of the room. A Colonial girl and her escort come next. They dance the minuet for the guests. One by one the various types of girls who have lived in this country present themselves. The program can be made elaborate or simple, depending upon the number of characters used. The modern American girls may be omitted or others substituted, according to occasion. Those suggested are described below in detail. If one wishes to add others, see the Fashion Review, “Down Petticoat Lane,” published by The Womans Press, from which the idea of this party has been taken.
AMERICAN GIRLS
Striking brown Indian costume, beaded and fringed; brown stockings, leather moccasins, and beaded head-band with bright red feather at the back. Stands at opening in characteristic Indian pose, head up, body erect, arms folded across chest. Comes down room with familiar Indian loping step, bows to guests and exits.
Simple gray Puritan costume; white cap, kerchief, cuffs and apron, white stockings and black shoes.
Bows shyly to the audience, walks forward with hands demurely clasped, makes a quaint courtesy to George Washington and exits.
Girl in Colonial costume of bright satin: tight bodice, lace kerchief, pannier skirt; white stockings, black pumps with silver buckles; powdered hair or wig.
Gentleman in brocade or satin coat, vest, ruffled stock and frill, knee breeches, white stockings, black pumps with Colonial buckles, and powdered wig.
They enter together, bowing to each other, then to audience, and come to the center of the room. They dance the Colonial minuet,[B] and exit at farther end of the room.
Girl in high-waisted costume of Empire period: short, puffed sleeves, neck cut low off shoulders, long train; poke bonnet of satin to match gown, either worn or carried by streamers; high-heeled satin slippers to match gown; hair parted and done high in back with curls at each side.
Gentleman in tight-fitting satin trousers, satin coat of darker color, brocaded vest, ruffled stock and high silk hat.
They enter and dance Gavotte.
Girl in wide, old-fashioned hoopskirt costume; tight basque, lace kerchief, ruffled pantalettes, poke bonnet, white lace mitts and small parasol.
Gentleman in light broadcloth trousers, long-tailed coat, plain double-breasted vest of a contrasting color, high stock, high silk hat and burnsides.
They stroll in together. When they reach the center of the room the music changes to Jump Jim Crow from “Maytime” by Victor Herbert. The man sings the song to the girl and they dance together.[C]
Girl in old-fashioned bustle costume of silk: long full skirt with very stiff petticoats underneath, tight bodice, leg-o’-mutton sleeves; elaborately trimmed hat of the period, perched high on the head; black silk mitts and parasol.
She enters with quick steps, courtesies to host and hurries down the room.
Girl in light, ruffled dress and large floppy leghorn hat covered with flowers. She carries a ruffled parasol and flowers in her arms.
She enters, smiling left and right, courtesies in a rather flirtatious manner, presents a flower to her host and saunters down the room.
Girl in short khaki riding skirt and blouse, red handkerchief around neck, broad-brimmed western hat, high boots, belt and pistol.
She dashes in, waves hat to the audience and to host and rushes out through audience.
Lovely girl in dance frock; stockings and evening slippers to match. Carries a bouquet of flowers.
Enters with partner as if entering a ballroom and bows to the host. They dance some of the latest steps.
Girl of athletic type in gym costume of dark blue bloomers, white middy, black tie, black stockings and white sneakers.
She carries a basket ball which she dribbles down to center of room.
Tall striking-looking girl in handsome evening gown with stockings and slippers to match; bright velvet evening wrap with handsome fur collar. Carries huge black ostrich fan.
She enters with great poise and assurance, displays her gown like a manikin and exits down the center.
Beautiful girl in white satin bridal gown with long court train and white tulle veil caught with orange blossoms. Carries huge shower bouquet of white roses and lilies-of-the-valley.
Attendants in organdie dresses of pastel shades; tarlatan hats to match gown; small nosegays of pink roses.
Bridesmaids enter by twos, followed by the bride. The wedding procession passes down the center to the end of the room, where the bridesmaids group themselves in a semicircle around the bride. The other performers enter and come forward to congratulate the bride. The music changes to a march. George Washington gives the bride his arm and together they lead everyone, performers and guests, in a grand march. At the close of the march George Washington may make a little speech to the guests, saying that he hopes everyone has enjoyed his party and that they will come again next year to help him celebrate his birthday.