It is true
that the shows were but cheap variety and vulgar burlesque, and of
course liquor, as well as more harmless drinks, was sold freely; and
equally of course, the lowest of the criminal classes were regular
attendants. But, with all that, there was something terribly fascinating
in the freedom of the place. And all too often, on a Sunday evening,
while the pure, fragrant air of summer was polluted by the fumes of
tobacco and beer, while low plays were enacted on the stage, and the
sound of drunken laugh or shout went out, young men and women mingled,
half frightened, in the careless throng.
Among a certain set of Boyd City's gay young society people, to spend
an evening at the park was just the thing to do; and often they might
be seen grouped about the tables, sipping their refreshments, while
laughing at the actors on the stage, or chatting and joking among
themselves.
On an evening in August, when our chapter opens, one such party was
even gayer than usual, and attracted no little attention from the
frequenters of the place, as well as the employes. Waiters winked at
each other and made remarks, as they hurried to and fro attending to
the wants of their guests, while people with less wealth looked on in
envy at the glittering show. The gentlemen were in evening dress, the
ladies gowned in the latest fashion, jewels and trinkets flashed, eyes
sparkled, cheeks glowed, as story and jest went round, while the ladies
sipped their refreshing sodas and the men drank their wine.
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