"Ken McCutchan is a life-long resident of Vanderburgh County, Indiana, descended from pioneer families that entered the area in the early 1800s. He is veteran of WWII, having served with Army Corps of Engineers in both North Africa and Europe. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Composition and Modern Language from the University of Evansville, a certificate in French Language and Culture from the Sorbonne in Paris, and an Honorary Doctor of Letters Degree from the University of Southern Indiana. His other books include: The Adventures of Isaac Knight, From then Til Now, Saundersville, An English Settlement, At The Bend in the River, and Dearest Lizzie. Mr. McCutchan's books may be purchased at Willard Library in Evansville, IN.

Happy New Year 1876    

by Kenneth P. McCutchan

During the Victorian era, one Evansville's most elaborate New Year's celebrations ushered in the nation's centennial, 1876.

The Entre Nous Club sponsored a lavish ball at the posh St. George Hotel. Billed as the "Centennial Hop," it drew the cream of Evansville's young society, along with numerous holiday guests from out of town.

The ladies had kept their dressmakers busy for months creating their special gowns for the occasion.

Some turned out extremely décolleté and many "en traine," adorned with imported lace, flowers and jewels.

Millie Graham appeared in a handsome black silk with lace overdress trimmed with flowers and ornaments of coral.

Mrs. Walter Viele wore rich maize-colored silk with scarlet trimmings and ornaments of coral, her hair powdered.

Mrs. Thomas Gardner was in rich pearl and white silk with trailing flowers and diamonds.

It was said that those who looked in on the brilliant assembly of beautiful women and chivalrous gentlemen who would long remember it as one of the most elegant social events in years.

Meanwhile, the city's less affluent citizenry seemed to be awake and gathered in great crowds that filled Main Street from Eighth Street to the river, exchanging gifts and New Year's greetings.

.When the Courthouse clock struck the hour of midnight, all the bells of the city, the whistle of the Water Works, and most of the manufacturing establishments set off a grand cacophony that was heard for miles.

Back at the St. George, the dancing continued until the first sum of 1876 broke above the horizon.

On New Year's Day, in the afternoon, a number of the more sedate society matrons, such as Mrs. S.P. Gillett, Mrs. Charles Viele, Mrs. Asa Igleheart, Mrs. J.J. Chandler, and Mrs. Judge W. F. Parrett, held formal "open-houses" at their mansions on Riverside Drive and First Street.

The newspapers reported; "It is folly to insist that the 'hard times' have had any effect on Evansville. There has been no diminution of entertainment, no detraction from the universal enjoyment that has reigned in all society It is scarcely to be remembered when there have been given so many fine entertainments as during the holiday which passed away last midnight with the joyous ringing of a hundred bells."