"The Grand Fancy Ball at Old Point Comfort-- All the F. F. V.'s out in their Native Splender [sic]", an article covering a fancy dress ball held at the Hygeia Hotel in Old Point Comfort, a seaside town in Virginia, was published on page five of The New York Times on August 30, 1858. The "F. F. V.'s" were the "First Families of Virginia," the wealthiest and most socially prominent families; more discussion of the term and its history may be found here. All quotes below are from the Times article unless otherwise credited; a full transcription is at the end of the post.
The Hygeia Hotel, shown above in an image from c1861 (click to enlarge), courtesy of The Library of Congress. (The Hygeia is the long building with the colonnades.) It was originally built in 1822 as housing for construction workers at Fort Monroe. The original hotel was razed during the Civil War and a new hotel built on the site, which was then demolished in 1902.
The original Hygeia grew and grew:
Over the following 25 years [after 1833], the owners constructed wings housing more than 200 rooms, as well as various detached buildings for billiards, pistol shooting and bowling. Guests such as President John Tyler and Edgar Allan Poe came for the healthful sea breezes, sea bathing and seafood, not to mention a social scene so fashionable that Old Point became a favorite setting for short stories and novels.
By 1858, the Hygeia was entertaining more than 5,000 guests a year.
-- "Hampton Archive: The South's Best Resort", October 4, 2009
Among its more famous guests was Edgar Allen Poe, who stayed there a month before his death in 1849, famously reciting his poems, "The Raven", "Annabel Lee", and "Ulalume" in the moonlight from the hotel veranda.
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According to the Times article, the 1858 ball was the first fancy dress ball held in Point Comfort. It was arranged at the last minute, and many did not expect it to succeed:
A failure was predicted by many, owing to the short time allowed for preparation, and a few, whose wish was father to the thought, expected to have an opportunity of sneering at the “attempt” to get up a fancy ball at Old Point—an experiment which had never before been ventured upon by any of the proprietors.
There was some competitiveness with Washington, just up the road (relatively speaking), and the society hostess Mary Gwin, the socially prominent wife of Senator William Gwin, who had hosted a ball of her own the previous winter:
It will be remembered that we have, here, one of the finest ball-rooms in the world, and one well suited to the purposes of a fancy ball—much better than were the comparatively cramped apartments last Winter of Mrs. Senator Gwin, in Washington. Her ball had been the great topic of conversation in metropolitan circles for months before it came off, and ample time had been furnished to ransack the whole country for costumes and characters. Not so here. The ball last night was gotten up on the spur of the moment, and in no respect was it inferior, considering all the circumstances, to the “great event” of last Winter.
Matters were not helped by a brief power failure just before the ball was scheduled to start:
An untoward circumstance, just at the hour the ball was to commence, came near defeating the whole thing. A messenger from the gas house announced the unwelcome news that the fixtures were out of order, and that the gas-lights would fail. There were no convenience for lighting with candles. What was to be done? The indomitable energy of the proprietor seemed to overcome all obstacles, for in a few moments the gas burned brighter than ever, displaying to great advantage the many beautiful costumes that filled the room.
The dance program seems to have been standard for the mid-nineteenth century:
The music was fine, and it was the Quadrille, the Lanciers, the Polka and the Waltz until the grey light of morning was seen peering over the battlements of fortress Monroe, when with the “Old Virginia Reel”
And, of course, there were the costumes. A full list is below, but I'll single out a few for extra commentary:
Mr. J. R. Slaughter, of Mobile, Ala., as the Earl of Rochester, found it difficult to sustain, entirely, his character, as the noble earl, I believe, was never sober during the last twenty years of his life.
The Earl of Rochester (1647-1680) was renowned for drunkeness. Apparently Mr. Slaughter just couldn't match this.
Mr. Evans, of Texas, was gaily dressed as De Soto,—costume taken from the national painting in the U. S. Capitol.
Discovery of the Mississippi by De Soto is one of eight historical paintings hanging in the rotunda of the U. S. Capitol. It was placed there in 1855, only a few years before the ball.
Mr. Johnson, of Scotland, first personated Cimbeline, and afterwards the Limerick Boy. The latter character was sustained with great tact and good humor.
I'm always impressed by people who change costume in the middle of a ball!
Mr. Robt. Bright, of Williamsburg, as Antipholus of Syracuse, in Shakespeare’s Play of “The Comedy of Errors” was much astonished to find himself
“Known by every one, though scarce an hour old
In Ephesus.”
It's a bit of a mystery to me how anyone could recognize this character at all, since I'm not aware of any standard "look". And, of course, Antipholus was one of twins, so how would one know he was the Syracuse twin? Perhaps I need to brush up my nineteenth-century Shakespeare production history.
Mr. Jeff. Sinclair, of Virginia, was one of the best characters represented. He came as Black Hawk, and, upon entering the room, he was greeted by Major De Russy, United States Army, and pronounced the very counterpart of that celebrated chief. Black Hawk was with Major De Russy for some time when the latter was in charge of West Point.
René Edward De Russy (1789-1865) served as superintendent of the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he did indeed meet the Sauk leader Black Hawk, when the defeated war leader was forcibly taken on a tour of the east. Black Hawk was also briefly imprisoned at Fort Monroe, just down the road; people who came to see him stayed at the Hygeia.
Miss McDougall, of Baltimore, was beautifully dressed in yellow brocade, trimmed with white flowers, but the exact character she personated I was unable to learn, although she seemed to attract general attention.
There's always someone who comes in a regular ballgown instead of a fancy dress costume.
Miss Jinnie Jones, of Virginia, as Ophelia, was like all other Ophelias, “crazy as a June-bug,” and most careless of her glossy tresses. She was beautifully dressed in character.
After so much time spent in British newspapers, it's always shocking to me to see the personal comments that American ones thrown in. I would love to know what "crazy as a June-bug" means in this context.
Miss Kate Wilson, of Norfolk, in white gossamer and flowing veil, was a beautiful representative of the Maid of the Mist, and she mistified the senses of more than one of the beaux that crowded around her.
And, finally, as if personal remarks aren't enough, we get The New York Times making puns?
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A complete transcription of the article from The New York Times follows.
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The Grand Fancy Ball at Old Point Comfort-- All the F. F. V.'s out in their Native Splender [sic].
Correspondence of the New-York Times.
Old Point Comfort, Friday, August 20, 1858.
Last evening will constitute an epoch in the history of Eastern Virginia. The Grand Fancy Dress Ball came off, as anticipated, at the “Hygeia,” and with triumphant success. A failure was predicted by many, owing to the short time allowed for preparation, and a few, whose wish was father to the thought, expected to have an opportunity of sneering at the “attempt” to get up a fancy ball at Old Point—an experiment which had never before been ventured upon by any of the proprietors. But Col. Jo. Segar knows no such word as “fail,” and just such a time was never before seen in this latitude. It will be remembered that we have, here, one of the finest ball-rooms in the world, and one well suited to the purposes of a fancy ball—much better than were the comparatively cramped apartments last Winter of Mrs. Senator Gwin, in Washington. Her ball had been the great topic of conversation in metropolitan circles for months before it came off, and ample time had been furnished to ransack the whole country for costumes and characters. Not so here. The ball last night was gotten up on the spur of the moment, and in no respect was it inferior, considering all the circumstances, to the “great event” of last Winter.
For several days the guests had been in from all directions, eager for the fun, and with loads of trunks and band-boxes well packed with wardrobes suitable for the occasion. An untoward circumstance, just at the hour the ball was to commence, came near defeating the whole thing. A messenger from the gas house announced the unwelcome news that the fixtures were out of order, and that the gas-lights would fail. There were no convenience for lighting with candles. What was to be done? The indomitable energy of the proprietor seemed to overcome all obstacles, for in a few moments the gas burned brighter than ever, displaying to great advantage the many beautiful costumes that filled the room.
I would not venture to enumerate, much less describe all the heterogeneous characters and costumes which thronged the Hygeia last evening; but, to give my readers an idea how the company appeared, I will select for notice a few of the characters which came under the immediate notice of your correspondent.
First in the list I would mention the apropos appearance of Queen Victoria (Miss Fanny Alexander, of Washington) having just arrived by the Ocean Telegraph, and looking as fresh and lovely as ever she did amid the bowers of St. James. She wore a robe of royal purple velvet, trimmed with white ermine and gold lace. The crown of England saw most bewitchingly on her brow, as Old England and New England (Mr. Massenburg, of Hampton) went whirling together in the dance.
Mrs. C. Alexander, of Washington, as Maritana, was beautifully costumed—dress of yellow figured brocade, with gold and velvet trimming, and black velvet hat with black and purple plume.
Miss Bissini, of Richmond, as Queen of the Brigands, wore a short skirt of black velvet, richly trimmed with gold lace and red, with a headdress of glittering gems.
Mr. Juan Bissini, of Richmond, as Byron’s Don Juan, was a gay Lothario, and a decided favorite among the ladies, dressed as he was in scarlet and green, and looking Don Juan all over.
Mr. E. D. Banks, of Hampton, was an admirable Don Caesar de Bazan. He was handsomely costumed, and sustained his character well.
Mr. Robt. Bright, of Williamsburg, as Antipholus of Syracuse, in Shakespeare’s Play of “The Comedy of Errors” was much astonished to find himself
“Known by every one, though scarce an hour old
In Ephesus.”
Two beautiful young sisters, from Norfolk (Misses Burrows) appeared as the Flower Girl, and Highland Lassie, each in handsome costume.
Mr. Cheisman, of Virginia, appeared as Hamlet and wore a magnificent velvet suit, richly trimmed with bugles. Mr. W. Drinkard, of Washington, also handsomely dressed, duplicated this character.
Mrs. Col. Drinkard, of Washington, was beautifully dressed as the Maid of Verona. She wore black velvet, heavily trimmed in yellow, green and gold; cap of cherry-colored velvet, with black plumes. This was a most becoming dress, and was much admired.
Mrs. A. H. Evans, of Texas, as the Queen of Spain, wore a rich royal blue velvet robe, trimmed with ermine and gold, with a tiara of diamonds upon her head. This was a very elegant dress, but rather heavy for a warm evening.
Mr. Evans, of Texas, was gaily dressed as De Soto,—costume taken from the national painting in the U. S. Capitol.
Miss Mary Falls, of Baltimore, as a Flower Girl, was dressed with exquisite taste.
Miss Tillie Evans, of Washington, represented the character of the Highland Lassie, and was one of the attractions of the evening.
Master Richard K. Evans was a Page attached to the Court of Queen Isabella.
Mr. E. G. Fowx, of Hampton, strutted the haughty Indian chieftain Osceola, among his pale-faced friends, elegantly dressed as the prince of the forest.
Master Gwin, of Norfolk, as A Gentleman of the Old School, was a decided character, and much admired by the young misses.
Mr. T. D. Jones, of Virginia, was dressed as the Great Mogul, and in almost imperial splendor. The dress he wore was the same used by Madam Anna Bishop, during her visit to the United States some years ago.
Mr. Johnson, of Scotland, first personated Cimbeline, and afterwards the Limerick Boy. The latter character was sustained with great tact and good humor.
Miss Jinnie Jones, of Virginia, as Ophelia, was like all other Ophelias, “crazy as a June-bug,” and most careless of her glossy tresses. She was beautifully dressed in character.
Mr. Lee Jones, of Hampton, as Gomez, and Mr. Richard Jones, as a Sailor, sustained their characters well, and added much to the tout ensemble.
Miss McDougall, of Baltimore, was beautifully dressed in yellow brocade, trimmed with white flowers, but the exact character she personated I was unable to learn, although she seemed to attract general attention.
Mr. Massenburg, of Hampton, was a regular down-easter, as the Yankee Blade; and he created great amusement with his jack-knife and whittling-stick. His first interview with Queen Vic. was extremely rich and recherché.
Miss Hunter, of Virginia, as the despicable and hated Lucretia Borgia was dressed in queenly style—black velvet robe, embroidered with bugles—and looked the character she represented.
Miss W. Lyne, of Norfolk, was the bewitching Esmeralda with a light and becoming costume, which exhibited her graceful figure. Miss Lyne was a decided belle during the whole evening.
Mr. John McGregor, of Petersburg, was indeed a McGregor of the Rob Roy style—and looked as bold a chieftain as ever led a clan.
Mr. Marshall, of Baltimore, personated the Father of his Country, and in the full dress of the time, was an admirable character.
Mr. J. Marshall, of Baltimore, was richly dressed as Louis XIV.
Mr. John Segar, of Virginia, appeared in the gay costume of Alonzo, and his dress was admired for its richness and general effect.
Mr. J. R. Slaughter, of Mobile, Ala., as the Earl of Rochester, found it difficult to sustain, entirely, his character, as the noble earl, I believe, was never sober during the last twenty years of his life.
Messrs. J. Segar, A. Segar and A. L. Wood represented the Three Guardsmen, and were in appropriate costume.
Mr. Jeff. Sinclair, of Virginia, was one of the best characters represented. He came as Black Hawk, and, upon entering the room, he was greeted by Major De Russy, United States Army, and pronounced the very counterpart of that celebrated chief. Black Hawk was with Major De Russy for some time when the latter was in charge of West Point.
Miss Georgiana Sinclair was the beautiful Indian Princess Maumee, sister to Osceola, and wore a rich costume suited to her character—
“Ho, ho!
Now for the love—the sweet young love,
Under the tala tree,
Who would not be like yonder dove—
The wild little dove—
The soft little dove,
Coo-cooing to her mate in the shade of the grove,
With none to hear or see!”
Miss Whitney, of Virginia, as the “Light of the Harem” was beautifully dressed in pink and white illusion; Turkish pants, of white satin, covered with illusion, and turban of the same material. This costume was particularly marked and admired and was highly becoming.
Miss Webster, of Gloucester, was Lady Macbeth, in black velvet, with bugle trimmings, and well did she support her character.
Miss Kate Wilson, of Norfolk, in white gossamer and flowing veil, was a beautiful representative of the Maid of the Mist, and she mistified the senses of more than one of the beaux that crowded around her.
Mr. Julian Whiting, of —————, was the gallant Don Ferrado, in the genuine Spanish costume, and well did he bear himself mid the gay throng.
But I must forbear further description of the beautiful characters and rich costumes which filled the immense ball-room. Suffice it to say that we had all tongues, ages, sexes and conditions mingling promiscuously and engaging in the dance. The music was fine, and it was the Quadrille, the Lanciers, the Polka and the Waltz until the grey light of morning was seen peering over the battlements of fortress Monroe, when with the “Old Virginia Reel” the first “fancy-dress ball” at Old Point Comfort closed to the entire satisfaction of the guests and the proprietor.
During the coming week a chowder party comes off at the plantation of Colonel Segar, about one mile from the hotel—where your correspondent may be on hand making observations. O. P. Q.
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