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"Beyond Expectations"
It would be hard to find words to describe the Inaugural
Sabers and Roses Civil War Ball recently hosted by the
ladies of The Order of Confederate Rose, Belle Boyd
Chapter I this past Saturday evening.
Before I try to talk about the wonderful evening that
was had by all, let us talk a bit about how this came to
be. About nine months ago, at the 2nd Annual Tea,
hosted by the ladies of Belle Boyd, there was the idea
brought up of hosting a Ball. The response was positive
and then the work began. The ladies joined together
under the leadership of Mrs. Judith Esarove and "rolled
up their sleeves” and began the planning, phone calls,
site location, food planning, musical arrangements and
the million-and-one other time consuming and daunting
tasks, especially when this is a first time event.
The date selected was March 29th and the location in
Bartlett, Illinois at the Bartlett Fireman’s Hall.
The ballroom was ideal. Hardwood floors, wood paneling
all added to the 1860's atmosphere & charm.
After all the work was done, resulting from the joint
efforts of Judith and her compatriot roses, Valarie
Parris, Barbara Blair, Terry Downey, Jill Pontillo, Jean
Matthiessen, Mary Simich, Toni Blaeser, Rebecca Tulloch
and many others, the evening finally arrived.
The walkway leading to the door was lit by hanging
lanterns setting the mood before you even walked into
the door. When one walked into the ball room, you
immediately had the feeling that you were transported
back in time to the 1860's.
Period music was provided by Frank and Mary James "The
James Gang" from Tennessee. While having previously
performed period music for many local reenactments in
prior years, this was the first time that many people
were actually able to hear their music for a formal
affair. The compliments were great for both the music
and wit that they provided. Truly their music helped to
make it a very enjoyable evening.
The food was in such abundance and while it was planned
to have enough food for 85 guests, I truly believe that
someone added a number 1 in front of the 85. The sweet
table delicacies provided by the OCR ladies members
would have put a French pastry chef to shame The Hors
D’Oeuvres Buffet was truly a bountiful feast consisting
of delicious mini-sandwiches, hot meatballs, steak and
chicken kabobs, artichoke on rye, crab & sausage
stuffed mushrooms, salmon, fresh fruits & vegetables of
the season, cheeses, etc., etc., etc.
The highlight of the evening was the drawing for the
beautiful quilt prepared by Valarie Parris and a host of
other ladies. The quilt called "The Road to Richmond"
was a replica of a period correct 1850’s quilt hand sewn
by Ms. Parris with the assistance of family and friends
their dedication in creating this work of art was truly
beautiful to behold. The fortunate winner of the prized
quilt was Jill Pontillo. A generous portion of the
proceeds, raised from the raffle tickets for the
quilt, will be donated to the ongoing fight for the
preservation of the Franklin Battlefield in Franklin,
Tennessee.
During intermission, Richard Schimenti and his daughter
Allison captured the hearts and attention of ball guests
with a short presentation of a Confederate soldier
telling his daughter why, after several years of
fighting in a war he did not want, why it was that he
had to leave to fight again. Shedding light as to why a
man felt the need to answer the “call to arms”, not for
the sake of conquest, but for the protection of his home
and family.
General George Thomas and his lovely wife Miss Fannie
(portrayed by Jerry and JoEllen Kowalski)
honored Order of Confederate Rose with their presence
for the evening. General Thomas presided as an
auctioneer for donated gifts. Proceeds from the
auction will also go towards the preservation of
Franklin Battlefield.
As the evening progressed, guests relaxed and reminisced
with dear friends they had not seen during the course of
the long winter while others kicked up their heels to an
Irish Jig, the Virginia Reel or a Polka, you could truly
sense that all were enjoying themselves and the company
of one another.
A photographer was also present and captured forever on
film the posed and unscripted events of the evening. You
could glimpse for yourself some of the fun that was had
by going to j2sportsphotography.com
As with all good things, the night came for the end. The
last waltz was played, the decorations taken down and as
we parted and began the ride home, all truly felt that
the 1st Saber and Rose's Ball hosted by the Ladies of
the Order of Confederate Rose, Belle Boyd Ch. I was a
success. Yes a success beyond all expectations, a store
house of memories to treasure for a lifetime.
By Richard Schimenti, OCR Thorn and father of Allison
Schimenti, OCR Rose
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