Name/Title
PhotographEntry/Object ID
2024.29.1Description
Wyeth Estate Costume Party, Hay Seed Ball, Group Photo, 1921. Group of hundreds of men, women & children gathered on law behind the Wyeth mansion on Frederick Avenue. The house is draped with flags of many nations. The attendees are in coverall or similar attire from the early 1900's. Some men in front are holding brass instruments or drums.
From Museum Graphics, Winter, 2017: Come on Down To a Hayseed Ball.
"The photograph--taken at Wyeth Estates or "Wythewood" on Frederick Avenue in 1921--shows the mass of hillbillies who attended "Uncle Huse" and Aunt Leila's" party...with nearly 300 guest in "carefully selected costumes."
They Wyeths sent out invitations on brown paper which set the tone for the party:
Ol Uncle Huse 'n Aunt Leila too,
Are sendin' this invite to you
Jest to come out to Wythewood Far
On July eight, though its awful warm,
At seven sharp, to a 'Hayseed Ball.'
'Cause if you're late, 'twont do a-tall.
Aunt Lelia's doughnuts and gingerbread
Must be et hot, that's what she said.
Old Dan Brown, and his two twin sons
Will fetch their fiddles and 'cordions
So we can dance. And Old Bill Steele
Will call the quadrille and V'ginia Reel.
You take your gal, and walk right through
And swing the gal right next to you.
Then 'Balance All,' with an extra swing
Then 'take your partner outer the ring,'
Them overalls or blue jeans close
and yer hick'ry shirt'll do I s'pose.
Wimmens wear sunbonnets and calliker frocks
Or you Won't Get In, as shore as rocks.
If you're comin' Aunt Leila must know right fas'
So's to make enough cookies and apple saas.
Charles Dillon Morris, owner of the St. Joseph Gazette attended the party that Friday evening and wrote in the Sunday paper thea the ball 'will long be remembered in St. Joseph.' The photo in the paper was credited to Artcrafts. According to the Gazette, 'Each guest who replied thought he was being original. However, at the party, each guest was presented with a book of rhymed acceptances or regrets.' Max Wyeth, great-grandson of Huston and Leila, graciously shared one othes bound copies with the Museum.
Prohibition began in 1920 and many guests like Henry Krug, Jr, reference the Wyeth's 'licker of Home Brew and Gin'. ...Wyeth Estates, which is now (2017) home of the American Business and Technology University. ...informed that there is a Prohibition eras speakeasy in the building. One can only guess if there was actual alcohol at the 'Hayseed Ball.'
The first World War had ended a few years earlier in 1918. The flags of United States' allies Great Britain and Italy flew beside America's 48-star Flag on the front of Wythewood....
In August, 1920, just short of a year before the Hayseed Ball, the 19th Admendment to the Constitution of the United States was ratified giving women the right to vote. ..wonder how many women in the picture (so many in white dresses) felt about their newly earned voice in politics...Author Ellinor Dale Runcie (daughter of Constance, founder of the Runcie Club) replied to the Wyeth's....And all three of the Owen sisters, Mary Alicia, Luella, and Juliette sent regrets.Photograph Details
Subject
Photograph of the Hayseed party at Huston Wyeth's Mansion on Frederick Avenue, July 8, 1921. 270 guests attended the party for Mr. Wyeth's 58th birthday.Subject Person or Organization
Huston WyethCollection
Wyeth CollectionRelationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Huston Wyeth, Artcrafts Engraving Co., Artcrafts Engraving Company