St. Louis, MO: 1860 Washington’s Birthday Ball at the Old Courthouse

St. Louis, MO: 1860 Washington’s Birthday Ball at the Old Courthouse

Dancers perform the Grand March at the 2011 Old Courthouse Christmas Ball.

The National Park Service will host an 1860Washington’s Birthday ball in the rotunda of the historic Old Courthouse in downtown St. Louis on Saturday, February 22, with dances called by Deborah Hyland and music provided by the Independent Silver Band. This completely free event is open to the reenactor community and the general public and will begin with dance instruction by Miss Hyland from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., with participants in street clothes. The period ball will begin at 12 noon and continue until 4 p.m. Period dress is encouraged but not required. Remember that secession is still only a threat, so Federal and local militia uniforms are appropriate, but other gray uniforms may prompt quizzical looks. The Park Service would really like to fill up the rotunda with people for this ball.

Free parking is offered for all Living History Volunteers in proper period dress at the Stadium East Parking Garage, across the street from Ball Park Village south of the Old Courthouse.  You can enter it from 4th Street (northbound) or from Broadway (southbound).  Bring your parking ticket with you, and Ranger Doug Harding will add a sticker that will pay for your parking.  Otherwise, parking meters are available on the street, but you must add money every two hours.