Summer Night’s Festival and Sylvan Ball: 1st

Includes program.

“The entertainments at this excellent place of amusement have heretofore been entirely unexceptionable, and we have every hope that on this occasion they will not fall below their usual standard.”

Includes program.

Includes program.

“The first summer night’s festival was inaugurated last evening under circumstances of a very promising character, and such as seem to indicate success for all succeeding entertainments conducted on similar principles. Taking into consideration the very doubtful aspect of the weather, the attendance was numerous and fashionable, and shortly before ten o’clock the large hall surrounding the garden, both of which were brilliantly illuminated, presented a handsome and picturesque appearance.  Cavaliers gay and ladies fair promenaded with lightsome steps to the fine selections by both the grand orchestra and serenade bands, and altogether the scene was pleasing, harmonious and highly characteristic of good humor. Mr. Thomas wielded the baton as usual, and among some of the items eloquently discoursed were the march ‘Prussia’s Heroes;’ overture, ‘Mignon,’ grand fantasia, ‘Ione;’ gallop, ‘Fire of Youth;’ ‘Ave Maria,’ &c. The front row of seats in the gallery was reserved, but the strain to commence dancing soon advised its fair occupants to descend to the floor, which, taken care of by Mr. Schindler, quickly disclosed a panorama, that was just as speedily in motion as could be desired. There was an excellent programme, there being no less than fifteen dances on the card, not the least relishable feature of which were the promenade songs, which were admirably rendered and thoroughly appreciated. On the whole, the Bal Campêtre of last night was successful, presented as it was in a very commendable style; and there is no doubt, should the proprietor continue to hold forth his festivals in a like manner, they will probably become a standing as well as an acceptable institution during the summer. After supper, dancing was resumed and kept up with vigor till night’s candies were burned out and jocund day stood tiptoe on the misty mountain top.”