Though the night was very wet twas a time we won't forget And thanks should go to those who made it so

So to those that played at all may their part be large or small Everyone will join in thanks for them i know

If you wished tojoin the fun off your shoes would have to come And to dance like that you would gladly consent

There was lots of homemade beer just to keep you in good cheer And help liven up the time to some extent

Now the merry time has ended once more quiet has descended And so has women’s dresses you’ll agree

But for years we know they’ll talk of the night they donned the socks When they danCed at Johnny Blackett’s Jambouree.

BASKET SOCIALS

Basket Socials were another form of entertainment where dancing was featured. Gaily decorated baskets were packed with food, such as Washington pies, doughnuts, cakes and cookies, by the ladies of the community. Their hus- bands or boyfriends were expected to bid on the proper baskets. Often a young man would find himself bidding a great deal of money for the pleasure of sharing ‘lunch with the ”special” girl. Sometimes though the baskets were the best part. On January 15, 1896, a basket social was held in Big Run School. The baskets and pies were sold and eaten between 9 and 12. They danced until 6 am and raised over $30.00 William Blackett played the fiddle.

On January 8, 1895, a basket social was held at Little River Cheese Factory. It was a tremendous time and they raised almost $100.00. in 1897, basket socials were held at the homes of John Howlett, Annandale; Will Morrow, Little Pond; and Rev. Mr. Kidson, Bridgetown.

One popular trend at those events was that a group of young men would play tricks on some of their friends by bidding against them for a basket which they were determined to buy. This happened to a young man from Bridgetown area who only had 75¢ with which to bid on his girlfriend’s basket. Since his friends were aware of his financial condition, they bid the basket up to $1.50. The young man was not to be outdone though. He bid it in anyway and whispered to the auctioneer that he would finish paying for it tomorrow. His girlfriend never knew the difference.

Another young man from Little River once paid $25.00 for the chance to eat with his “special" girl. He was forced to do this when his buddies realized how badly he wanted that basket and bid him up. No one ever learned whether it was for love of the girl or the wish to outdo his friends that caused him to part with so much money.

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