Stories from our pages over the last 150 years.
The first Ball given by His Excellency the Governor and Mrs. Kennedy in the ballroom recently attached to Government House took place on Thursday evening and was beyond doubt the largest, the most sociable, and in all respects the most successful re-union that has taken place in the colony.
Invitations were extended to the heads of the Civil Departments and officials, the Officers of the Royal Navy, the U.S.S. Suwanee, the Garrisons at San Juan Island, and to several hundred civilians.
The night though overcast was fortunately fine. By nine o'clock a number of the guests had arrived, and after receiving a cordial welcome from the Governor and Mrs. Kennedy, repaired to the ball room, a fine lofty and well-ventilated apartment, 50 by 25 and 23 feet high, and having a handsomely ornamented ceiling, from which were suspended three splendid chandeliers that diffused a brilliant light over the scene.
Dancing was maintained without flagging until about half-past three, when the National Anthem was sung in chorus, the solos being taken by Mrs. Willis and Mr. Franklin, and the company thereupon took their leave.
It will, not doubt, afford gratification to his Excellency and Mrs. Kennedy to know that the large concourse of persons who formed their guests on this occasion left loud in their praises of the entertainment and of the hospitable treatment they experienced from the worthy hosts.
-- Daily Colonist
