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Fide splendet et scientia FEBRUARY 10, 2016
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A Slice of Life in 1860
With four aces up his sleeve, Bob Bownfield, Don Murray (ready to deal with cheaters) and Doug Dobrowolski prepare to play Faro, a late 17th-century French gambling card game, popular until World War II. Winning or losing occurs when cards turned up by the banker match those already exposed.
As part of its year-long Civil War exhibit,
the Williamson Museum took a turn at one of the many social sides of the era at the “Old South Ball” January 30 at the Old Courthouse on the Square. Despite media attention given to protests surrounding the event, the evening was a sell-out, and attendees were eager to dance and play games in the spirit of education, which was the Museum’s intent for the event. Museum Director Mickie Ross welcomed the guests, “This is the fourth Civil War dress-up event in the courthouse in the past year and we are so happy to have you here to learn new things about the history of our area.” The courthouse was brightly lit, and it was an unusually warm January evening for the party so guests were upbeat during the arrivals. Without fail, all 100 guests were dressed in period clothing in a mix of gentleman’s suits, and Union and Confederate uniforms, and everything from simple shifts to resplendent gowns for the ladies. Activities began with era-appropriate dances and the music was provided by the Celtaire String Band (photo above, right). “We are excited about keeping our music heritage alive for new generations,” said Betty Peters seated at her basebox, next to Mary Shafer on the guitar. All couples participated in simple group dances, led by a caller. They began with a promenade—French for “walk”—an easy parade around the courthouse atrium, perhaps invented to show off everyone’s fashions. In the old courtroom, gentlemen were invited to play Faro (or Pharaoh), as well as partake in some fancy refreshments. The evening went smoothly, protest notwithstanding. Museum Director Mickie Ross declined all but two reporters access to the dance to avoid attendees being dis-
Lynda Hardeman and Grady Blount met through square dancing and together attend re-enactments and balls all over the country as a hobby. Both are descendants of Civil War soldiers and also signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence. turbed throughout the evening. Georgetown Police Chief Nero and Assistant Chief Tchida were on hand briefly, but the handful of protesters were peaceful and respectful of businesses and other visitors to the Square. Those who were marching came and went until about 8 pm but the crowd hovered between 30 and 50 walkers with signs; nothing as extreme as the buses some predicted or feared. It was a pleasant evening for the guests and a successful effort by the Museum staff. Director Ross is already looking forward to the next event, a World War I dance.
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