Odds and Ends From The MUSEUM!
By Trudy Wyman, Curator, Millinocket Society Museum
The Papermakers Ball signaled the beginning of a new year in the Magic City! Held on New Year’s Eve each year beginning in 1901, this gala evening was sponsored by the International Brotherhood of Papermakers. This union was one of many as most of the GNP mill workers who came to town belonged to a union (Machine Tenders, Firemen, Oilers and more).
The site for the ball was always the Millinocket Opera House on Penobscot Avenue. There were lavish decorations, an orchestra and musical ensembles and soloists. Food was available in abundance. Highlights of the 1926, 1927 and 1928 galas taken from news articles follows.
The news report for the 22nd ball (New Year’s Eve 1926) tells of a “great many onlookers in the gallery (balcony) listening to the concert presented by Cobby O’Brien and his fine musicians.” This concert featured individual instrument solos (banjo, cornet, vocal and more). Willis Gates “delightful singing of waltz refrains throughout the evening was greatly enjoyed.”
Following the concert was the grand march described as a highlight of the evening. The grand march was always led by the current mill superintendent and a selected lovely lady. News articles from 1925-27 indicate it was Supt. J. Nevins with a different lady on his arm each year (Mrs. George Stearns was selected in 1927).
New Year’s Eve 1925, “There was an exceptionally large number of dancers and the floor was in excellent dancing condition. About two hundred couples enjoyed this opportunity. Many lovely gowns in many attractive modes were in evidence, especially in shades of scarlet, rose, and cherry. Confetti and streamers showered the dancers and a happy New Year greeting was thrown on an appropriate background from the booth by the house operator.”
One year, at intermission “a delicious buffet lunch was enjoyed in charge of Mrs. James Stevens assisted by a group of ladies. Another year, the Royal Neighbors provided a buffet of sandwiches, salads, cake, ice cream coffee and punch. In 1927, a midnight supper was served in the basement catered by A. Myshrall. Spaces for this were reserved in advance. The meal consisted of a chicken supper, pickles, celery, rolls, mashed potato, peas, sponge cake, ice cream and coffee. There were also cigars for the gentlemen. Dancing resumed after the intermission and meal. The dancing usually continued until 3 AM.
In the 20’s, the prominent dances were fox-trots and waltzes, with spot light effects. At midnight all lights were extinguished for a moment while taps were played for the dying old year. The 1920’s news articles all end with compliments to the event chairman and committee members. The Papermaker’s Ball on New Year’s Eve was a premier event for GNP union members and their wives for many years!
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