Rensselaer Republican, Volume 27, Number 31, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 April 1896 — A Swell time in Coonville [ARTICLE]

A Swell time in Coonville

Probably as «mque and. amqsing a reception as was ever held in Rensselaer was given l by Mr. and Mrs. T. J. McCoy hospitable west side home It was a colored ball, -a cake walk and a coon social. Sig Moratti’s orchestra of Chicago was engaged for the evening and we*e there with airs appropriate for the occasion. Being leap year the colored “galls,” called on their “honeys” with hacks and conveyed them to the McCoy Mansion. Big black Tom with diamonds as big as hen eggs together with his wife who was “dressed to kill” were there to

The entire first floor was devoted to dancing, the punch bowl occupied its plaee in a recess of the hall to refresh the weary. The second floor was utilized for gentlemen’s reception rooms and banquet hall. The third floor was entirely devoted to .the ladies. The guests assembled, the band played on, and the grand march led by Malinda Cinda Robinson and Beau Brummel Hopkins. To a witness it was a, grand sight. Every style of the African race was represented. There was Judge Junius Hopkins with white plug hats, specs, and powdered wig, Hironymus Pop Fendig, Deacon Carl Warner, Little Al%bama Coon Meyer, Jim-Jam Jehosphat Hunt represented plug

hat gentry. Come-Seven-Leven Wilson and Binky Dink Berkley were typical dudes. M aster Taylor McCoy and Rex Warner represented two little pickaninny gals right from Mammy’s cradle., The ladies fairly outdid themselves. Aunt Ophelia Warner was the picture of a Suwanee river Mammy, toissy Mills was the foxiest chile in the march. Aunt Jemima Ellis and Sweet Cordelia Powell looked at their best. Miss Nina Spitler lost a ruffle but her interest lagged not. Lula Lalla McCoy and Trilba Wright appeared in crimson hue, and did honors at the table. Then followed the cake walk conducted according to old plantation rules and won by the leaders of the grand March, Lunch was served at 12. Rasmus Hardy from down on Carpenter’s Creek, brought over some good songs and poured them forth. Dancing and Singing was kept up until 3 A. M. wheD all were driven to their homes to engage in the scrubbing act and become white people once more. ; ■ ■ ■v / '