First Grand Package Party and Ball by the Manhattan Social Club
"First Grand Package Party and Ball to be held by the Manhattan Social Club, Kepler's Hall, (Post-Office Building,) on Saturday evening, May 16th, 1891. Dancing from 8 to 11:30 p.m. Tickets, 10 cents. No. _____. No. _____ 1st prize: gold watch charm. 2nd prize: lamp. 3d prize: gold ring. 4th prize: gold cuff buttons. 5th prize: two boxes cigars. 6th prize: ¼ flour. 7th prize: water set. Retain this ticket, as it entitles the holder to a chance for one of the valuable prizes. Pluck Art Print."
This ticket is similar to other "Grand Package Party" tickets printed by Pluck Print. See First Grand Package Party of the Lancaster Coachmakers (Jan. 3, 1891) , First Grand Package Party of the Star Club (Feb. 7, 1891), First Grand Package Party and Ball to be Held by the Manhattan Social Club (May 16, 1891), First Grand Package Party of the Lancaster Grays Base Ball Club (Nov. 26, 1891), and Second Grand Package Party of the Lancaster Grays Base Ball Club (May 9, 1892.).
From what I've been able to determine, "package parties" were social and fundraising events during which wrapped packages were auctioned off. The idea, apparently, was to raise money and create amusement by wrapping items in such a way as to make them appear to be something different or more valuable than they actually were. Here's a description of a package party held in 1908, for instance:
"Package Party By Brooklyn Women," The Pharmaceutical Era, April 2, 1908, p. 436.
An enjoyable package party and social was given on Tuesday evening of last week at the Brooklyn College of Pharmacy....
The affair was purely informal and there were funny incidents from beginning to end. On account of his well-known ability as a jollier, Dr. W. C. Anderson was unanimously selected to act as auctioneer and most satisfactorily did he acquit himself. His flow of wit kept everybody in roars of laughter and secured high bids for what turned out to be the most trivial articles.
It was when the packages were opened that the real surprises came. One bundle for which the bidding was fiercest was found upon investigation to conceal thirteen lemons--and, of course, the joke was on the successful bidder. Another carefully wrapped parcel gave every evidence from its size and appearance of hiding an expensive silk umbrella. A pool of the younger men present was organized to bid for it and the price was run up to $1.65. As soon as they began to take off the wrappings, a series of low barks was heard and when all was undone, there was set free a full string of frankfurters.
There were other surprises equally amusing. When all was over there was not a person present who had not crowded enough laughter into the evening to last him for several weeks.
First Grand Package Party and Ball by the Manhattan Social Club
"First Grand Package Party and Ball to be held by the Manhattan Social Club, Kepler's Hall, (Post-Office Building,) on Saturday evening, May 16th, 1891. Dancing from 8 to 11:30 p.m. Tickets, 10 cents. No. _____. No. _____ 1st prize: gold watch charm. 2nd prize: lamp. 3d prize: gold ring. 4th prize: gold cuff buttons. 5th prize: two boxes cigars. 6th prize: ¼ flour. 7th prize: water set. Retain this ticket, as it entitles the holder to a chance for one of the valuable prizes. Pluck Art Print."
This ticket is similar to other "Grand Package Party" tickets printed by Pluck Print. See First Grand Package Party of the Lancaster Coachmakers (Jan. 3, 1891) , First Grand Package Party of the Star Club (Feb. 7, 1891), First Grand Package Party and Ball to be Held by the Manhattan Social Club (May 16, 1891), First Grand Package Party of the Lancaster Grays Base Ball Club (Nov. 26, 1891), and Second Grand Package Party of the Lancaster Grays Base Ball Club (May 9, 1892.).
From what I've been able to determine, "package parties" were social and fundraising events during which wrapped packages were auctioned off. The idea, apparently, was to raise money and create amusement by wrapping items in such a way as to make them appear to be something different or more valuable than they actually were. Here's a description of a package party held in 1908, for instance:
"Package Party By Brooklyn Women," The Pharmaceutical Era, April 2, 1908, p. 436.
An enjoyable package party and social was given on Tuesday evening of last week at the Brooklyn College of Pharmacy....
The affair was purely informal and there were funny incidents from beginning to end. On account of his well-known ability as a jollier, Dr. W. C. Anderson was unanimously selected to act as auctioneer and most satisfactorily did he acquit himself. His flow of wit kept everybody in roars of laughter and secured high bids for what turned out to be the most trivial articles.
It was when the packages were opened that the real surprises came. One bundle for which the bidding was fiercest was found upon investigation to conceal thirteen lemons--and, of course, the joke was on the successful bidder. Another carefully wrapped parcel gave every evidence from its size and appearance of hiding an expensive silk umbrella. A pool of the younger men present was organized to bid for it and the price was run up to $1.65. As soon as they began to take off the wrappings, a series of low barks was heard and when all was undone, there was set free a full string of frankfurters.
There were other surprises equally amusing. When all was over there was not a person present who had not crowded enough laughter into the evening to last him for several weeks.