Masked Revelry at Yesler Hall
Seattle residents don costumes for a night of dancing and competition in the city's popular social venue.
The annual masquerade ball, given under the auspices of the Skim Version Arias of this city, took place at Yesler Hall last evening, and was largely attended both by maskers and those who did not wear costumes. At 11 o'clock a committee was announced from the audience to decide from the large concourse of maskers those entitled to prizes, under the rules laid down by the club. This committee carefully considered the matter, and finally awarded Harry Aarons, who took the part of a Klootchman, the first prize for the best sustained lady's character, a handsome cologne can. For the second best sustained lady character Mrs. Bonier, of North Seattle, was awarded a brush and comb; for the best sustained gentleman's character Mr. M. Ball, as a bear, took the prize, consisting of a valuable ink stand and set. For the next best sustained gentleman's character Joe Kappler, as bear trainer, was the successful one, and walked off with the order for a fine plug hat.
“Harry Aarons, who took the part of a Klootchman, the first prize for the best sustained lady's character.”
Yesler Hall was once the heartbeat of Seattle’s early social life, long before the area became the site of modern urban development. The masquerade remains a quintessential Seattle tradition of reinventing one’s persona, reflecting a city that has always favored the performative and the festive.
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