In the society column dated Jan. 8, 1929, the Austin Daily Herald reported of a fun event at the YWCA.

Twelfth Night Party and Sleigh Ride

“The YWCA Junior Business Girls are indebted to the weather man and to the generous hearted citizen of Austin, for a sleigh ride last night. Thirty young people met at the Y at 8 o’clock and for an hour and a half made merry in their ride.

 A blazing grate fire greeted the group upon their return, and into this each reveler cast a glistening cotton batting ball of snow. This started the frolic of the Twelfth Night Party, the significance of which was explained by Miss Madge Rosenthal. She told how in olden times, the twelfth night after Christmas was chosen for elaborate masked parties and balls, and that cakes are to Twelfth Night what the tree is to Christmas. 

 Last evening from an elaborate cake, drawings were made to determine the Twelfth Night King and Queen. Miss Pauline Weise drew the lucky symbol and selected Miss Collette Heimer as Queen. After being crowned, these two young people led the others who were gay in bright colored paper caps and red streamers in the grand march through the rooms. Christmas greens were taken down and, true to Twelfth Night traditions, were burned as a peace offering to evil spirits. This assured good luck to the household throughout the coming year.

 Miss Alma Anderson acted as General Chairman for the successful party last night, and was assisted by various committees. Refreshments were served by the following young women, the Misses Juletta Osmundson, Igna Christianson, Annie Ulland and Mae Wells.”

I have never thought to promote a Twelfth Night Party at the HHH, but it sure sounds like they had a great time.

Our next party will be Feb. 18 when we celebrate George and Lillian’s 125th wedding anniversary during the Foodie Throwdown. We will crown a king or queen of the kitchen and have some good old fashion fun like the group did in 1929.

History Happy Hour: The Archeology of Bones: What 3,000 year old bones can tell us

5:30-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 17

Presented by Elena Haymond who has done research on bones from an ancient Bulgarian cemetery. With pictures and stories, Elena will explain how the appearance of a bone can tell cause of death, childhood nutrition, and information about the civilization of the time period. Free for members of the MCHS, Friends of the Library, or the HHH. $5 for non-members. Light snacks and cash bar offered.

Hearth & Home Series: Flood Walls in a Former Swampland

10 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 17

Presented by Tim Ruzek of the Cedar River Watershed. You will hear about the creation and eventual demise of the Horace Austin State Park which developed into commercial/residential properties. Free

Austin Wedding Showcase

12-3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 22

$4 per person