Cake Walk, and More, at the Arcade - 1901

 

The excellent, and funny, coverage, by a Times reporter,  of the Cake Walk, Concert and Ball held at the Arcade Hall is reproduced in full.

Hamilton Times.   June 11, 1896.

“You missed half of your life if you were not at the Campbell-Gant cake walk and concert in the Arcade Hall last night. The affair was what the boys termed a ‘hot rag.’ It was a great social and financial success. Some of the best people in the city were there; so were some of the worst, but they all paid to get in. The concert was first on the programme and the cake walk followed. Prof. Gant acted as chairman at the former and manager at the latter, and he discharged his duties in a most satisfactory manner and took the cake. Prof. Fred Campbell fluctuated between the box office and the stage as he imagined his presence was required.

“About 9 o’clock, Prof. Gant took the chair  on the platform and then the fun began. ‘We have been waiting for our talent to arrive,’ he said, ‘but it is getting late and some of it ‘has arove.’ I think I’ll proceed. (Laughter) He then called upon Prof. Campbell and his half-brother, Louis Washington, to play an instrumental duet. They gave an imitation of  the playing of Innes’ band, using a harmonica and an autoharp. The imitation was a good one, but almost anybody could tell that it was not the band that was playing. Miss Kate Preston gave a recitation, and was followed by Mr. Washington, who showed his versatility by singing a solo. Then the Chairman announced a cornetist – a wonder from British Columbia. “Does he not come from Kootenay, now?’  asked someone, and another person shouted out that he was from Saw Bill. Prof. Holland was his stage name, and he played two selections and showed that he had very strong lungs. He did not break the instrument. Mr. Andrew Workman gave an exhibition of trick dancing, and the Chairman brought the concert to a close by singing a song. This would have had the same effect on the audience as ‘God Save the Queen’ had not the cake walk followed.

“As prominent citizens arrived, cheers were given that could be heard a block away. Before the concert closed, fully 800 persons were in the hall. Mr. R.G. Boville and some Conservative friends dropped in, and, although the Chairman announced them, they got rather a cool reception. He soon left the hall, being disappointed probably by not being tailed upon.

“Mr. R. Kennedy and Dr. Smith, of the Hamilton Asylum, were appointed Associate Judges of the cake walk, and after a long delay, the middle of the hall was cleared and about thirty couples lined up. About 11:30. the shout went up, ‘they’re off!’ While the crowd howled itself hoarse, the contestants walked on and on. They first showed how they would walk on the street; then in a drawing room; then they did a military walk; then they saluted on the street and indicated how they would enter a parlor and take a seat. The judges awarded first prize to John Holland and Mrs. Wm. Workman; 2^nd, Mr. Ernest Rabitoy and wife; 3^rd Mr. Arthur Workman and Miss Gertie Peters. Three extra cakes were presented as follows : Miss Violet Preston, best-dressed contestant; Mrs. Eliza Workman, best-looking contestant; Mr. Philip Roy, the man with the neatest tie. Miss Roy and Miss Fannie Scott were awarded ‘the bun’ on general principles.

“After the prizes were awarded, Mr. Wm. Carroll mounted the platform, and, in an elegant and figurative speech, presented Prof. Gant with a large cake, on behalf of Mr. D. Gilles and others. The cake was a valuable one and contained a brick – not a gold one.

“The Professor, although ‘taken by surprise’ replied suitably.

“The special prizes offered by Mr. Carroll for press reporters were then awarded. Mr. Boy got a box of cigars for being the best dresser; His Boss got a silver-headed cane for having the prettiest feet and Ali Blue won the pipe and case, it being alleged that he was the best looker. The judges were Messrs. W. Hobson, Walter Noble and Geo. Robertson

“The floor was then cleared for dancing, which was kept up until about 3 o’clock this morning. Lightfoot’s orchestra supplied the music and Mr. Andrew Workman was floor manager.

“No person was killed.”