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As It Was: Gold Beach, Ore., Celebrates Christmas Eve Masquerade Ball

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.

Laurel earned a Bachelor’s degree in Geography from Humboldt State. Her research efforts as a volunteer for the Curry Historical Society produced numerous newsletter articles and exhibits and earned her a reputation as a seasoned local history buff. Laurel is the author of "Renderings from the Gold Beach Pioneer Cemetery", a 50-page booklet containing a walking tour and snippets about the lives and times of folks buried there. She is also a contributing writer to Oregon Coast Magazine.