Wingate Union Club Military Ball. Printed invitation. Fort Wingate, New Mexico, 17 March 1879. 2 pages folded. Approx. 5 1/2 x 4 7/8 in.

A fine invitation to the Wingate Union Club's military ball, set for the date of 17 March 1879. A beautifully printed emblem at the letterhead of the manuscript features a woman, perhaps Lady Liberty, with a helmet of an eagle with stars resting on her head. In gold ink is printed "First Anniversary / Full Dress," followed by the printed date and "Yourself and Ladies Are Respectfully Requested." In red ink is printed "Military Ball / Wingate Union Club / Fort Wingate, New Mexico."

The interior of the invitation is printed the names of the Floor Director, Assistants, Invitation Committee, Reception Committee, and the time at which the Grand March will take place. 

This post-Civil War invitation is an interesting piece of memorabilia from festivities in the wake of Reconstruction. 

[Manuscripts, Documents, Letters, Ephemera, Signatures, Autographs]