The Blue Parrot Brings History to Life!
2008
The Blue Parrot requests the honor of your presence at it's
2008 Grand Victorian Masquerade Ball
2007
An 1871 Grand Victorian Ball was held at the Heritage Hall at Fort Missoula on October 6th, 2007 and was a resounding success, with participants, young and old, coming from Virginia City, Butte, Helena, Kalispell, Dillon, Anaconda, Hamilton, Rexburg, ID, Stevensville, Lolo and Missoula.
To make for an evening of gracious movement through the vintage dances, such as the Big Horn Waltz and the Virginia Reel, dance practice was held at 2:00 PM, called by the dance mistress.
Many of our Guild members contributed to the success of the ball. Shirley Thompson and Sonja Yager attended the punch bowls and the lovely dance cards were the work of Rebekah Webb. Ball Coordinators were Joyce Carr of Missoula and Gretchen Spiess of Stevensville. Gretchen was the MC.
The evening began with a promenade around the Parade Grounds, led by bagpiper, Eric Rasmussen, followed by the Grand March with an introduction of the guests to the Grand Marshals, Bill and Joyce Carr, who were standing in for Virginia City Grand Marshal, Tom Sargent, originator of the Virginia City Balls 10 years ago. 1800 Era music was provided by Prof. R. Alexander James & His Distinguished Music Ensemble of Dillon, MT. Virginia City Cowboy Church Pastor, Tom Luksha, gave a blessing on the evening, and "Mr. C.P. Higgins", the Guest of Honor, was introduced. Unfortunately, Mr. Higgins was stricken with a bout of laryngitis, and L.J. Richards, Senior Curator of the Historical Museum of Fort Missoula, stepped in to recite his speech. After a welcome from the Grand Marshals, the Ball commenced with vintage dances called by T.J. Wald, Dance Mistress, from Hardin, MT (www.1876GrandBall.org).
The evening progressed with dancing, punch, light victuals, and more dancing. It ended with a promise to meet again at the next ball, possibly in Ashton, Idaho, Helena or Virginia City.
The ball was filmed and aired on MCAT.
Click on any picture to "pop-up" a larger version.
 |
| 2007: Ball of 1871, Heritage Hall, Ft. Missoula |
 |
| 2007: Ball of 1871, Heritage Hall, Ft. Missoula |
 |
| 2007: Ball of 1871, Heritage Hall, Ft. Missoula |
 |
| 2007: Ball of 1871, Heritage Hall, Ft. Missoula |
 |
| Virginia City Victorian Ball |
 |
| Virginia City Victorian Ball Promenade |
 |
| Virginia City Victorian Ball |
 |
| Virginia City Victorian Ball |
| Phone: (406)777-0520 Email: info@BlueParrotHouse.com |
The Blue Parrot, LLC 317 Main Street Stevensville, MT 59870 |
Theme Set by: Country Manor Designs |