We Make History: 2010 George Washington's Birthday Ball

George Washington

"First in War, First in Peace, First in the Hearts of His Countrymen."

Serving unselfishly without pay and at great personal risk throughout the American Revolution, Washington triumphed against all odds overcoming the most powerful nation on earth. After victory was won there were those who wanted to make him king but Washington refused what would have been a betrayal of the great vision which so many had sacrificed for and opted instead to return home to Mt. Vernon. The only president to be elected unanimously, Washington served two terms and then voluntarily stepped down. His continued refusal to betray his convictions and grasp absolute power inspired even his former enemy King George III to be filled with admiration and refer to Washington as "the greatest man of the age."

In his private life he was known as a gentleman of lofty character who thoroughly enjoyed social occasions. Washington loved to dance. He was regarded as one of the best dancers in Virginia and would not miss a Ball if he could help it. There were balls held in his honor while he was a general, a ball for his inauguration as president and annual balls were held in honor of his birthday. Balls in honour of Washington's birthday were held in various parts of the United States during his lifetime. They were a tradition which continued far beyond Washington's time, even by both North and South during the War Between the States and indeed throughout the 19th century.

After the successful conclusion of the American Revolution a season of Balls were held each year in the City of Richmond, Virginia known as the Richmond Assemblies. Tickets were sold in advance and guests were expected to abide by a certain set of rules. For instance ladies needed to be at least 13 years of age to attend and gentlemen at least 18. No apprentices were admitted. The only alcohol allowed was for the punch and that in a "small quantity." Any lady who abandoned her place in a set committed a great social faux pas and was not allowed to dance again for the rest of the evening.

One of these "Richmond Assemblies" was held each year in honor of George Washington's Birthday. John Marshall, a future Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, attended the one held in 1783 and wrote to a friend the next day that he had "been setting up all night at an Assembly [Ball]. We have them in Richmond regularly once a fortnight [every two weeks]. The last was a brilliant one; 'twas on the General's birth night. Never did I see such a collection of handsome ladies. I do not believe that Versailles [the Royal French Court] or Saint James's [the British Court] ever displayed so much beauty. I wish you had been present. The Virginians would have retained their high place in your opinion."

George was regarded as one of the finest dancers in Virginia. That is saying something as journals, letters and other first person accounts inform us that 18th century Virginians had a reputation throughout American and England for their great love of dancing. Ladies were known to wait for hours in order to have a dance with George and he was glad to oblige even if it meant dancing all night. (One must be willing to make sacrifices for the ladies!)

The friendly family of We Make History (representing appreciative Americans of several centuries) have enjoyed renewing the historic tradition of honoring the birthday of this most beloved American through an annual Grand Ball, dancing (as we have learned) being one of Washington's very favourite pastimes.

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A Grand Ball celebrating George Washington's 278th Birthday

And some fun for Valentine's Day as well!

When:

The evening of Saturday, February 20th a social hour shall commence at 6 and the Grand Ball at 7.

Where:

The Fitch Center at the northeast corner of Center St. & 2nd Ave. in Mesa, Arizona.

Music & Dance:

These shall reflect both American and European tastes of Washington's times as well as a few selections from subsequent American History.

Fashion:

This is a fun and easy Ball to dress for! Fashion as per Washington's lifetime (including both Georgian and Regency attire) is heartily encouraged yet representations of American ladies and gentlemen of any historic time period are welcome. (Those choosing to arrive in 21st century attire need to dress at a formal or semi-formal level for this special occasion. Please see our House Standards below.)

Special Honours:

We shall present sixteen young ladies to the assembly as representing the thirteen original states plus the three states which joined during Washington's presidency. They shall each be escorted on a promenade by a gallant soldier of George Washington's Continental Line. Late 18th century attire is required for a young lady who would like to be presented. Let us know of your interest as there are only sixteen spots available and we shall fill the spots by order of request!

Refreshments:

Shall include Cherry Punch!

Prizes:

An excellent selection of prizes will be given away in honour of His Excellency's Birthday.

Passes:

We request $25 for adults and $20 for those who are under 21. These are available in advance for requests received by Monday, February 15th. Otherwise passes will be available for a higher amount at the Ball. Please send your check, note, email address, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to We Make History, P.O. Box 12874, Scottsdale, Arizona 85267.

Alternately you may make use of the PayPal links below but please note that there is a slight extra fee.

Group rates are also available for 20 or more passes in one order. Inquire for details.

Father of our Country Special:

As George Washington was the Father of our Country we shall extend a free pass to all Fathers who will be attending with one or more of their children. Whether ordering passes by mail or PayPal, to take advantage of this offer you must include a note stating "Please send one extra pass as per the Father of our Country Special." Please note that this offer is ONLY available in conjunction with ADVANCE orders.

Adult Passes

Student Passes

Please note that if using PayPal there is a small additional fee toward PayPal expenses, postage, etc..

Standards:

As per our House Standards. (See Below.)

Something Special for Special Events...

George Washington Portrayal

House Standards for Historic Balls

We are grateful to our wonderful guests who make the effort with us to create a special ambience and atmosphere of respect. We uphold these standards out of regard for our much-appreciated friends and for the sake of the integrity of our events.

1. The use of either tobacco or alcohol is prohibited.

2. Videotaping is not welcome other than by our house videographer. We work hard to create a special and comfortable historic ambience that all will enjoy and having multiple people videotaping makes some of our guests uncomfortable. Discreet photography is welcome but please leave video equipment at home.

3. No unauthorized distribution of literature is allowed. Nor is this event an opportunity to recruit persons for purposes either modern or historical. Please allow all of our guests to enjoy the evening in peace. That is why they came.

4. These are historic balls and we ask that even those dressed modern conform to certain historic standards. All clothed in modern attire must be at least at a semi-formal level. Modern gentlemen need to be wearing tuxes or suits. As per historic standards, jackets and ties need to be on at all times. Modern ladies should wear long gowns, preferably at or near ankle length - not short dresses or skirts and blouses.

5. Appropriate footwear is required. (i.e. historic footwear, dress shoes, dancing slippers, ballet flats, etc.) Please no sandals, flip-flops or athletic shoes. For the sake of your safety as well as event ambience dancing barefoot is impermissible.

6. We ask that one not enter to be an observer, chaperone or curiosity seeker without having a ticket and being properly attired.

7. Please either order advance tickets by the publicized cut-off date (in time to be mailed back to you) or be prepared to obtain your tickets at the door (if available) for a higher amount. These events are publicized far in advance in order to serve you well. They do sometimes fill up early.

8. We do not offer refunds or exchanges.

9. Our standard age policy is that ages 13 and up are welcome to participate and that ages 8-12 may participate if parents deem them to be sufficient in manners and maturity. The dress standards for these young ladies and gentlemen are the same as those for adults. (Please see #4 above.)

10. Gracious and respectful conduct & conversation are expected of all, to all and at all times.

11. We desire to be good stewards of the facilities we use, to treat them with care and to leave them in at least as good of condition as when we arrived.

12. For the good of all, any who might consider themselves exempt from any of the above may be asked to leave.

Please also see our “Etiquette & Expectations” page as well as our "All About Us" page.