1893 Washington’s Birthday Ball - Cuttingsville, VT

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 usually 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. The name of the sponsoring organization is printed on the cover and there might 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 Washington’s Birthday Ball held on Wednesday evening, February 22, 1893 at the Union House in Cuttingsville, Vermont. The front cover is printed in an Art Nouveau style with a three-color border graphic surrounding the invitational text. The card measures 3 ½”x 5”and has a deckle edge. Printed inside is the order of dances with lines for signatures on the facing page. A tasseled white cord and white pencil are attached.

This card is in excellent condition. 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.