In 1919, the social event of the season in Gold Beach, Ore., was the Christmas Eve Masquerade Ball held at Gauntlett’s Hall.
Despite a raging storm, folks turned out en masse for entertainment provided by the Gold Beach Orchestra. Admittance was 10 cents for ladies and gentlemen. Generous donations benefited the local Red Cross.
Evergreen garlands made from boughs of myrtle, cedar, and fir trees adorned the hall, and a large, central decoration elicited expressions of delight and wonderment from the guests.
The sidewalls bore the gilded inscription, “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.”
The night was spent playing games and dancing. Five musicians provided a wide variety of tunes, including seasonal carols, ragtime, jazz and newly popular foxtrots. Prizes went to the Best Sustained Character, Prettiest Costume, and Most Comical Character.
Celebrants enjoyed a feast at midnight and didn’t go home until the wee morning hours.
Sources: "Masquerade Ball." Gold Beach Reporter, 18 Dec. 1919, p. 3; “Masquerade Ball.” Gold Beach Reporter, 1 Jan. 1920, p. 1.
