Dickson, Tenn. (July 15, 2007) – The Rotary Club of Dickson and the Capt. W.H. McCauley Camp 260 are again sponsoring the Dickson County Blue and Gray Civil War Costume Ball. The Grand Ball will be held on Saturday, September 22nd, at Old Spencer Mill in Dickson County. Dinner will be served at 5:00 pm. After everyone has eaten, the tables will be taken down for the Grand March to begin at 6:30 pm. General Nathan Bedford Forrest and Mrs. Forrest will serve as host and hostess for this year’s event. Mid nineteenth century apparel is encouraged - Military or Civilian for the Gentlemen and Ball Gowns for the Ladies; but EVERYONE IS INVITED, WHETHER COSTUMED OR NOT. If you have any questions please call or email me.
Dale Qualls
Adjutant, Capt. W.H. McCauley Camp 260
Secretary, Rotary Club of Dickson
615 446-8939
615 446-9192 fax
dalesquickprint@bellsouth.net
The Second Annual Dickson County Blue and Gray Civil War Costume Ball
Dickson, Tenn. (July 15, 2007) – The Rotary Club of Dickson and the Capt. W.H. McCauley Camp 260 are again sponsoring the Dickson County Blue and Gray Civil War Costume Ball. The Grand Ball will be held on Saturday, September 22nd, at Old Spencer Mill in Dickson County. Dinner will be served at 5:00 pm. After everyone has eaten, the tables will be taken down for the Grand March to begin at 6:30 pm. General Nathan Bedford Forrest and Mrs. Forrest will serve as host and hostess for this year’s event. Mid nineteenth century apparel is encouraged - Military or Civilian for the Gentlemen and Ball Gowns for the Ladies; but EVERYONE IS INVITED, WHETHER COSTUMED OR NOT.
The Second Annual Dickson County Blue and Gray Civil War Costume Ball
Dickson, Tenn. (July 15, 2007) – The Rotary Club of Dickson and the Capt. W.H. McCauley Camp 260 are again sponsoring the Dickson County Blue and Gray Civil War Costume Ball. The Grand Ball will be held on Saturday, September 22nd, at Old Spencer Mill in Dickson County. Dinner will be served at 5:00 pm. After everyone has eaten, the tables will be taken down for the Grand March to begin at 6:30 pm. General Nathan Bedford Forrest and Mrs. Forrest will serve as host and hostess for this year’s event. Mid nineteenth century apparel is encouraged - Military or Civilian for the Gentlemen and Ball Gowns for the Ladies; but EVERYONE IS INVITED, WHETHER COSTUMED OR NOT.
Kirk Vandivort, president of Dickson Evening Rotary Club has this to say, “The Blue and Gray Ball serves as a remembrance of the past and recreation of its history.”
This is an evening of entertainment that you will not find anywhere else around here. For the price of a ticket, which is less than a dinner and a movie, you will be entertained and treated to a unique experience. The Blue and Gray Ball is also a fundraiser for a good cause. The Rotary Club will be giving their share of the proceeds to A.B.L.E. Youth (ableyouth.org). ABLE Youth is a program teaching children in wheelchairs sport activities and independence. Camp 260’s portion will be used to restore the St. Paul Church building in Charlotte, which they own and use for meetings and other educational activities.
Bryan Sharp, commander of Camp 260 (www.scvcamp260.org) said, “It is good that the camp can work well with another civil organization to cosponsor an event like this ball. The egos are checked at the door with the weapons, and sabers. Both groups work very hard during the year with their projects. This will give us some time to kick-back and enjoy fellowship with each other and with the community.” He went on to add, “The Blue and Gray Civil War Ball is a social event for Dickson County. We are pleased to see that it is getting bigger and better each year.”
The Blue and Gray Civil War Ball will feature authentic period music by “Mean Mary and Frank James”. This brother-sister duo has played for over 400 civil war type balls. They are featured yearly at the Sacramento and Munfordville Civil War Reenactments. Their repertoire consists of Southern patriotic songs, reels, breakdowns, waltzes, jigs, and polkas. Like the musicians of old, their music is more about “selling the beat”.
Mary had this to say about this year’s Blue and Gray Ball, “I am very much looking forward to being a part of the Blue and Gray Ball. I have heard nothing but good things about last year's event and I have no doubt this year will be even better. There's something magical about the music and dance of a bygone era. The clothes are so beautiful, the music is so rousing, and the dancing is such great fun to watch and even more fun to participate in. It's going to be a great night!”
The Victorian-style dances are partnered, rather simple and easy to learn. The dances are a reminder of the good fun of the times. Examples are the Virginia Reel, pattycake polka and the broom dance. We have one of the best Dance-Mistresses that can be found in the South to call and instruct. She is Paula White of Richmond, Kentucky.
Miss Paula remarked, “If ya missed the last get-together, you will be in for a great treat. Everyone had a wonderful time. Don’t worry about not knowing the dance. I will be teaching the movements before the set. It’s fun and easy to learn! Come be a part of the festivities!”
Miss Sara Dixon of Murray, Kentucky attended the last ball and enthusiastically states, “I had a most enjoyable evening at last year’s ball and I am looking forward to this year’s event. The food was great, the band was excellent and Mrs. Paula White did a fantastic job of calling and coordinating the dances. A very entertaining and successful event.”
“James and I had an absolutely wonderful time at the Blue/Gray Ball. The natural beauty of the surrounding countryside and the rustic setting of Old Spencer Mill provided a perfect setting for an 1860’s ball. An abundance of delicious food, lively music and dancing, and good friends in a beautiful and inviting place is a winning combination for an all out memorable great time.” - Regina Sharp, Vice President, Tennessee Society Order of Confederate Rose, of Linden, Tennessee.
Dale Qualls, the event organizer, added that there would be other activities during the evening. “The men will all be ‘split and polish’ in uniforms and the ladies will just take your breath away in their ball gowns”. Best Uniform and Best Ball Gown Awards will be given away again this year. We will have some nice door prizes as well.
For those who would like to be dressed up in costumes: civilians, military uniforms, and ball gowns can be rented, purchased, or made to order from Old Spencer Mill. Contact Trish Miller at 615 412-5169.
As the event draws nearer, tickets are beginning to sell rapidly. Tickets are $25 each per person. Children under the age of 16 are no charge when accompanied by a paid ticket. Tickets may be ordered by mail. Make check payable to Blue & Gray Ball. Send $25 per ticket to: Blue and Gray Ball, P.O. Box 1276, Dickson, TN 37056-1276. Include your name, address, phone and email information to be printed on stubs. Tickets may be purchased at the door, if available. For more information contact Dale Qualls at 615 446-8939 or by email: dalesquickprint@bellsouth.net.
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