Accession Number

998.019

Description

A printed and handwritten invitation in upper and lower case font on front of heavy cream-coloured card stock, the printed text: "At Home Thursday Nov. 17th, at 8:30 o'clock Assembly Rooms, Dancing, Mrs. Dunsmuir, Mrs. James Dunsmuir, RSVP"; and written by hand in quill pen, "Craigdarroch"; written in modern ballpoint pen, "1892".

Narrative

This invitation to an "At Home" with dancing at Victoria's Assembly Rooms was issued jointly by Mrs. Robert Dunsmuir and her daughter-in-law Mrs. James Dunsmuir. The year "1892" was hand-written on the front of this invitation by Castle Society President James K. Nesbitt in the 1970's. There was a Thursday November 17 in 1892 and also in 1898. This invitation was  probably issued in 1892. Mr. Nesbitt wrote a manuscript for his regular newspaper column which incorporates the Victoria Daily Colonist newspaper's November 18, 1892 page 8 account of an At Home that is almost certainly associated with this invitation:

"Mrs. Dunsmuir and Mrs. James Dunsmuir entertained a large number of guests at a ball in the Assembly Rooms last night.

The hall was decorated with flags, bunting and evergreens, against which great masses of flowers were so arranged as to give a most artistic effect to the whole. 

Here and there were little bowers half-hidden behind palms and potted plants, which served as pleasant retreats for those who wished to 'sit out' a number. There were some 300 couples present to enjoy the hospitality of their entertainers.  

The costumes of the ladies were remarkable for their taste and beauty, and, as one gentleman remarked, it was probably one of the most brilliant assemblages which had ever gathered in British Columbia. 

As the soft strains of music trembled through the perfumed air, and as the couples floated down the hall in the dreamy waltz or gaily chatted among the flowers and palms, the effect was most enjoyable.

Nothing was lacking calculated to minister to the comfort or promote the enjoyment of all, and the 'wee small hours' came all too soon for those who reluctantly bade adieu to their hostesses. 

Taken altogether, perhaps the ball was THE social event of the season".

Both Dunsmuir women had very large homes, and sometimes held At Homes in them. The number of guests at this particular At Home (300) exceeded the comfortable capacity of either Burleith or Craigdarroch.

An At Home was essentially a social gathering that incorporated food and beverages and sometimes also dancing.

History of Use

Unknown.

Date

1892 – 1898

Dimensions

7.6 x 11.8 cm

Support

Cardstock

Technique

Printed