Madison County AlArchives News.....Our Christmas Festivities January 2, 1884
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The Huntsville Weekly Democrat January 2, 1884
Society Notes
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Our Christmas Festivities
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It was “the maddest, merriest” time.
  Our young people had a merry time last week and enjoyed a round of Germans 
and other gay parties to the fullest extent.  The weather was perfect.  “Old 
Sol” seemed to revive and shone brightly on all, rich and poor; good and bad 
enjoyed his warm welcome on Christmas morning.
  Tuesday evening, Mrs. Archibald Campbell’s elegant parlors were thrown open 
to the German club; and by half past eight, they were filled with a merry party 
of lovely belles and gallant beaux, who “chased the hours with flying feet” 
until past midnight, and, even then, were loth to leave.  But who could help 
enjoying themselves with two such charming hostesses as Misses Nettie and 
Bell.  
  On Wednesday evening, Mrs. Ridley invited the “sweet sixteens” to a bal 
masque from 7 to 12.  Everyone invited eagerly accepted the invitation, and, at 
the time appointed, a gay carnival of masquers began to assemble.  They amused 
themselves with dancing, and trying to discover who was who until, at half past 
eight, they unmasked, and many exclamations of surprise were uttered on 
discovering how wrong were their surmises.  At 11 o’clock the young people were 
invited to the dining room, and partook of elegant refreshment. They left at 
12, showering many thanks on their hospitable host and hostess.  
  Mrs. John D. Chadwick kindly consented to let the young people have a 
repetition of the bal masque at her home on Tuesday evening, and they came 
early and staid late as if they had not danced late the night before.  Among 
the masquers, were, Miss Clara Newman, as “Little Bo peep” attractive and 
graceful as always, she was then, the cynosure of all eyes, and reminded one of 
a Dresden china shepherdess; Miss Mary Fearn as “Little Red Ridinghood,” was 
charming and piquante.  Her costume, very becoming, was so perfect, that we 
instinctively shuddered for fear the old wolf might come and devour her.  
Misses Fannie Chadwick and Daisy Figures were lovely as Indian peasant girls.  
Miss Mauveleen Ridley demure in the costume of a nun; and little Miss Carrie L. 
Ridley appeared as “Peck’s bad boy” par excellence, though he was on his good 
behaviour, owing, I suppose, to the absence of his “chum,” and the lack of “a 
piece of Limburger cheese to put in his Pa’s pocket.”  The young ladies not en 
masque were Misses Mary Stiles of Ga., Susie Chadwick, Elodie Clay and little 
Misses Mary D. and Blanche McDavid, who did not need the addition of a fancy 
costume to enhance their charms.  Many handsome beaus were present but not 
masked.
   Friday night, Mrs. Harvey Donegan gave an elegant party to our “rosebuds,” 
and among the chief attractions was the presence of the Seminary young ladies.  
The delightful refreshments were enjoyed by all, and could not be excelled by 
Delmonico.  Our beautiful hostess made all feel happy and at home, by her 
welcoming smile.  At 12 o’clock the grateful guests bade a regretful adieu.
A recherché German, given by Miss Susie Chadwick, wound up the Christmas week 
festivities on Saturday evening.

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