Annual Thistle Ball: 37th

“The thirty-seventh annual ball of the Thistle Benevolent Association was given last evening at Ferrero’s Apollo Hall, Twenty-eighth street and Broadway.  The annual balls of this organization have always been among the most popular and best attended of the Scottish festivities in this city, and last evening no exception was made to this general rule. The elegant room was without decorations, save, indeed, such as may always be seen in gatherings of brave men and lovely women. Dancing commenced about half past nine o’clock, but it was fully eleven o’clock before the room was thoroughly filled. At this hour the floor presented a very charming coup d’oeil. Looking down from the gallery upon the happy throng the spectator was greeted with a very charming sight. Ladies dressed in brightly-colored toilets of rainbow hues mingled with gentlemen attired in coats of faultless cut, and the tout ensemble was beautifully relieved by the presence of many of Scotia’s sons attired in Scotland’s national dress. Plaids of all sorts were in the preponderance—Macgregors, Macdonalds, Macduffs and Macdougalls were in every part of the hall—and it did not require the eyes of ‘a-chief of Auld Scotia’ to imagine that the gathering was taking place in some favored spot in the ‘Hielands’ or in ‘good old Edinboro’s town.’ The programme consisted of twenty-four dances, many of which are unusual, save in gatherings of the natives of Scotland. Scotch reels, patronellas, and triumphs were sandwiched between the lancers, waltzes and mazourkas, and into these national dances the company entered with a gusto, which was truly enthusiastic. About one o’clock an intermission was taken and the couples adjourned to partake of a very excellent supper which had been provided by the managers.

“Dancing was kept up til ‘the wee sma’ hours’ surprised the company, and daylight was struggling through the closed blinds before the giddy dance was given over and the company dispersed to their ‘ain chimley lug.’ Excellent music, including many of the Scottish national tunes, was discoursed by Robertson’s band, and Piper Cleland also entertained the company with some tunes upon the slogan.  The ball was in every respect a grand success, and it is to be hoped proved profitable to the association. The affair was managed by the officers of the organization--Messrs. George Mitchell, Robert Struthers, Thomas R. Sanderson, and George Gilluly.”