The guests are invited to come in Colonial costumes. The host should
be dressed to represent George Washington; the hostess, Martha
Washington. Feature these two people as much as possible in the
receiving line, as leaders of the minuet and grand march, and as master
and mistress of the ceremonies throughout the evening. When it is time
for the program to begin, have George Washington himself announce that
he is going to present to his guests all the various types of American
girls who live or will live in this country.
The music then swings into a plaintive Indian tune and an Indian girl
dressed in a striking costume of brown leather enters. She bows to
George Washington, to his lady and to his guests and passes down the
center of the room and away. George Washington then announces that a
Puritan girl will be presented next. The music changes to “Auld Lang
Syne,” and a lovely girl in Puritan costume enters, bows shyly to
her host and passes in a demure manner down the center of the room.
A Colonial girl and her escort come next. They dance the minuet for
the guests. One by one the various types of girls who have lived in
this country present themselves. The program can be made elaborate
or simple, depending upon the number of characters used. The modern
American girls may be omitted or others substituted, according to
occasion. Those suggested are described below in detail. If one wishes
to add others, see the Fashion Review, “Down Petticoat Lane,” published
by The Womans Press, from which the idea of this party has been taken.