The Social Event of the Season Albert Ziegler Marries,
In order to put the social Gathering described Below in the Leader newspaper from August 29 1891 in perspective it might be helpful to take a view of what was going on in White Oaks at the time White Oaks had reached its high-water mark from the population in mind connection standpoint it had a Opera House a town hall several churches brick buildings in the commercial District new construction was occurring.
Several newspapers were functioning there was talk of incorporating the town negotiations were continuing on an active basis with Jay ghouls group to construct the railroad through White Oaks on the state legislature side John Hewitt was a trustee at the New Mexico School of Mines Paden was serving on the State Board of Pharmacy and Geo ulrick was appointed to the State Board of Equalization as a judge in the 5th District these were Statewide offices out of Santa Fe there was both property and road taxes schools fraternal organizations all the trappings of a civilized Community far from a Hardscrabble mining town.
After reading the article one can close your eyes and daydream and actually see in your mind’s eye what each one of these ladies look like The descriptions of the dresses worn by each of the ladies shows that no two dresses were alike that there was plenty of disposable income in town to Adorn the ladies in such high levels of fashion along with jewelry all the trappings of a right proper social environment like you would see in a big city of Denver perhaps
In the midst of all the happiness gaiety prosperous hope for the future no one could possibly realize that in 14 months and 2 weeks the end of everything they knew was about to occur
Rob dipardo August 5 2018
taken from the Lincoln County leader below August 29, 1891
The most enjoyable social event of the season occurred on the evening of the 21st inst. The occasion was a reception and hall given in honor of our young and enterprising townsman. Albert Ziegler, the brother and business partner of the groom.
Albert has only the best wishes of all in this new enterprise in which he has embarked with the woman of his heart’s choice, as was evinced by the large and joyous throng that greeted them on Friday.
First in the order of ceremonies was the reception, when greetings and congratulations were bestowed upon the happy bridal pair. At half past nine o’clock the orchestra gave the signal for the grand march, which was at once formed, led by the bride and groom. This was the beginning of the merry dance, which lasted until the hush of the new day descended.
Everybody was in the happiest mood and gay attire. To a stranger looking upon the scene it were impossible to realize that such a gathering of fair woman and manly men could be accomplished in a mining camp almost a 100 miles from a R. R.
Most of the ladies were in evening costumes, many of which were unusually elegant and becoming. But space will not permit of more than a brief description of a few.
The bridal gown was of white silk, of that soft, firm texture so desirable and elegant. It was made en traine with corsage trimmed in lace. Diamonds were the ornaments that completed this lovely custom.
Mrs . Susan Barber wore a gown of pink satin and white lace, with diamonds.
Mrs. Col. Heman was becomingly attired in black silk India mull, with garniture of cherry colored ribbons; corsage high and sleeveless. The Medici collar and V opening in front showed to a advantage the exquisite curves of throat and chin. Black silk gloves reached nearly the shoulders, leaving a glimpse of the white rounded arms. No jewelry was worn.
Mrs. M. Whiteman wore a dress of black lace and handsome jewelry.
Mrs. Sam Wilson, pink satin trimmed in black Chantelle lace.
Mrs. Frank Lloyd, pink silk and cream lace.
Mrs. Emil Ozanne, white China silk.
Mrs. Dr. Paden, brown silk Francaisa .
Mrs. Sidney Parker, black India mink with garniture of velvet.
Mrs. Levin Stewart, figured old rose silk trimmed in black velvet.
Mrs. Jno A. Woodland wore white nun’s veiling with corsage garature of satin, a most becoming dress.
Mrs. Wm. Watson, recently returned from an extended wedding tour through the States and Canada, wore a gown of figured cream chalice with shirred vest and full sleeves of gobelin China silk, no jewelry. The extreme simplicity of this costume gave an additional charm to the beauty of the wearer.
Mrs. Rice wore an elegant gown of black grenadine and garnet jewelry.
Miss Green wore a satin striped cardinal silk, corsage decollate and trimmed in black lace.
Miss Edith Lane, electric blue nun’s veiling, with corsage garniture of cream lace and ribbons.
Miss Johanus Collier, white nun’s veiling.
Miss Jenne McCourt, figured old rose satin with sleeves and corsage trimming of nile green.
Miss Cassie Cooper, light blue satin, trimmed in cream lace.
The younger Misses were sweet simplicity itself. Miss Emma Brothers in figured cream China silk – Mrs Pauline Davies in light blue – and Dais Moore in white muslin.
It was in every way a pleasant and memorable event and the groom deserved just such a testimonial from his town-people.
Mrs. Ziegler is a lovely brunette petite of figure and possessing a charming grace of manner which has already won her a high place in the esteem of her husband’s host of friends.
The Leader joins the other friends in wishing them a bonne voyage on the matrimonial sea.
Dear kind reader, Just for a moment after reading this page And close your eyes and see if you can transport yourself to the party described. Orchestra playing latest parlor music Swaying in these fine gowns, Laughter, gaiety the absolute high water mark of cosmopolitan White Oaks. Possibly the finest mental image at this site. Cheers to the fine people of White Oaks!
Below is the newspaper in which the above was written