1900 Grand Prize Masque Ball Dance Card - Western Athletic & Pleasure Club Chicago

Balls were the premier social events in Britain and the United States in the Victorian era. Dance cards were used by women to record the names of the gentlemen with whom they intended to dance each successive dance. Dance cards appear to have originated in the 18th century, but their use became widespread in 19th century Vienna at the same time that the waltz became popular.

An actual dance card is typically a booklet with a decorative cover, listing dance titles (waltz, quadrille, polka) in order of the program with a space for a man to pencil in his name to claim the dance with the young woman. Typically the name of the sponsoring organization would be printed on the cover and there would be a decorative cord by which the card could be tied to a lady’s wrist or ball gown. Sometimes a pencil was also attached.

This dance card is from the Grand Prize Masque Ball given by the Western Athletic & Pleasure Club on Saturday January 6, 1900 at the New Hall in Chicago. The front cover has an embossed full color patriotic graphic of a masked women in a soldier’s uniform complete with cape, slouch hat and sword. She is flanked by a Union stars and stripes shield and an old bearded “soldier” wearing a stars and stripes cap. The card measures 4”x 5 ½”. Inside are two thin paper pages including the order of dances and local advertising. The original red cord and blue tassel are still attached. The pencil is missing. The card’s owner appears to have had several suitors who claimed multiple dances.

This card has some foxing, smudges and water spots on the covers. Please examine the photos and feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

While you are here, do enjoy the other cards I have available at this time. Thank you for visiting my shop today.