The "Town Club" was surprised by receiving white cards decorated with cherry-colored ribbon and Danish Flag inviting them to a "Danish Valentine Party." The predominating colors were cherry color and white, being the Danish National Colors. Decorations of the house were of cherry-colored and white hearts and vinter-gjaek (snowdrops), the first Danish flower of the season. The hearts were strung in the parlor, reception-room and dining-room. The archway between parlor and reception-room was draped with the American and Danish Flags. In the centre of each room hung four large-sized hearts, cherry-colored and white, with a gilt arrow thrust through. In the dining-room the hearts were strung in the same way, the lamp shade being of cherry-colored crepe paper. The table was decorated with vinter-gjaek. The girls wore short skirts and bodices of cherry-colored cambric and white flannel blouses with full sleeves. The hair was worn in two braids, crossed and tucked into the fronts of the bodices with knots of vinter-gjaek fastened into each braid just where it came over the shoulder. The boys wore dark coats and trousers, with white vests. At the door was placed a box for valentines; as each guest came he dropped his valentine into the box with the name of the person who was to receive it. First for amusement was "Shadow Pictures," the guessing of each boy's and girl's profile. White cards with numbers in cherry ink and small cherry-colored pencils were passed to each. As the shadow was thrown upon the sheet the name was written after the number on the card. Prizes were given for the most correct guesses. The girls' prize was a cherry-colored satin pin cushion in the shape of a heart; the boys', an earthen pig. Then small white cards were passed tied with cherry-colored ribbon and vinter-gjaek, each card containing a verse and below this the initials of a name pricked out with a pin. By guessing the names they stood for, each knew his or her valentine for the evening. It was great fun. Lots were gjaeket (fooled). The verse on the cards read: "Sir Knight, would'st know thy lady's name, These pin pricks tell thee whence I came." Then all were asked to the dining-room, where they found the following supper awaiting them served in Danish style:
Souvenirs—Three white candy hearts containing verses, tied with cherry-colored ribbon. After supper the valentines brought by the guests were distributed. Music and a flashlight picture of the "Town Club" completed the entertainment. Then all departed with light hearts. |