The year was 1799 and we were invited to George Washington's birthnight party.This year our Mickey Mac's father was able to procure the hotest tickets in Alexandria, Virgina on February 14th. The event was held at the Gatsby Tavern Museum, the center of social society in the late 1700's. While most of the attendees were dressed appropriately (see our photos), there were some who were dressed in the most bizarre garb, probably something one would wear in the 21st century.
We arrived a bit too late to be announced but were in time to hear George and Martha being presented. Therefore we missed the social gathering in the reception hall. The Gatsby's invited us into the ballroom for a brief dancing demonstration before going over to the dinning room for dinner.
At dinner, we dined with Senator Taswell of Virginia. It was interesting conversation. However, the feeling at the table changed when the senator told us that because he hurried to Alexandria to this birthnight party he got chilled. As a result, he got sick when he returned to Philadelphia and died nine days later. Yes, it was hard to enjoy dinner when one of your dinner party is going to die.
Throughout dinner, the men gave toasts. Here are a some:
"Gentlemen! Ladies! The President of the United States, may his administration be successful in supporting the dignity and independence of the United States!"
"This grand assembly has gathered to honor a great man on the anniversary of his birth. A man whose leadership established our Republic. Gentlemen! Ladies! I give you his most Honorable George Washington"
"Let us not forget the courage and daring displayed when, in the freezing darkness of night, our Great Washington stole across the Delaware and surprised our enemy. Gentleman! Ladies! General George Washington"
After each toast, the party raised their glasses and yelled, "Huzzah!"
The menu was:
Potato Bisque Soup
Slices of Roasted Duck Breast with Caramelized Grape Sauce
Presented on a bed of winter salad greens and grape halves with a hot bacon vinaigrette
Paupiettes of Chicken
Filled with Dried Peaches, Virginia Ham and Peanuts with a Creamy Peanut Dressing
Seasonal Root Vegetables
Drizzled with Sage Butter
Brussel Sprouts with Chestnuts
In a light chestnut butter sauce
Spoonbread
Warm Mulled Cider
After dinner, we returned to the the ballroom where we saw a demonstration of the minuet. We then danced the 22nd of February, the Fandango, and other dances of the day. The best way I can describe it is that it was like a square dance with couples formed into squares but it was not quite like a square dance. I think these dances were precursors to the square dance. A violinist provided the music for dinner and the dance. A lady playing the pipe and recorder joined the violinist for the dance. The environment was very much like the dance in "Pride and Prejudice". I kept thinking that Tressa would have loved being with us.
At 10:00 pm, we went back to the reception room where Martha cut the cake for George. The dance continued until 11:00 pm but we left not long after the cake was served.This was an interesting experience. I learned that man can never wear too many ruffles. I felt like Austin Powers with a lacy, ruffly cravat and like Michael Jackson with the epaulets. Susan's dress reminded me of the decorations Mom had in our house when I was growing up. She had some plates hung on the wall with colonial women.
