There was a time that the Lenten period of repentance and austerity seemed to last forever. The cold, dark days of February and March were filled with penance and fasting. Holy Week featured lengthy solemn ceremonies with incense, candles and litanies. Easter Sunday was the culmination with church services, family gatherings and feasting. Then there was the Easter Monday Ball, which satisfied a pent-up desire to let loose.
The April 8th, 1895 edition of the Pueblo Chieftain, advertises an Easter Monday Ball at the Mineral Palace, sponsored by the Germania Lodge, Knights of Honor, Silver Star Lodge, and Ladies of Honor. Schriebers Orchestra provided the music and "refreshments of all kinds could be had a regular prices." The cost of admission was 50¢ for Gents and 25¢ for Ladies. Street car service was available until 2:00 am.
The April 10, 1914 edition of the Aspen Democrat-Times reported:
"The ladies of St Mary's Catholic Church have completed all the arrangements for their grand annual Easter Monday Ball to be given in Fraternal Hall next Monday, April 18th. The McHugh Orchestra will furnish the music, and this, kind reader, is your invitation to be present at one of the biggest social events of the season. Coffee and sandwiches, ice cream and cake will be served during the evening. Don't miss it! Tickets are $1.00 per couple and 50¢ for an individual."
Usually these celebrations were fund raisers organized to benefit churches, schools or hospitals. The Knights of Columbus, Knights of St. John, Ladies Sodality, or Altar and Rosary Society sold tickets, hired an orchestra, and provided substantial food for the occasion. There were other groups who sponsored Easter Monday dances and dinners, including the Pythian Sisters in Crested Butte, or the Ladies of the Maccabees in Ouray.
The Easter Monday Balls remained a staple until after World War II and gradually seemed to have faded in popularity.
