In One Ear: The grandest event

Published 5:00 am Thursday, February 12, 2026

According to The Daily Astorian of Feb. 14, 1882, Astorians were agog with excitement, waiting for the evening to arrive to attend the much-anticipated Valentine’s Day Select Masquerade Ball, given by Astoria Fire Engine Co. No. 1, despite the weather being “still slippery under foot, still drizzly overhead.”

The admission was $1.50 for Gents Maskers (about $47 now), less for spectators, and free for Lady Maskers. The event was masterminded by no less than three committees, who “will leave no stone unturned to make it the grandest event of the season.”

“All parties appearing in masks will be obliged to raise their masks to the six-member Investigating Committee for identification,” since “particular care will be taken that no disreputable characters will be admitted.”

One hapless gentleman, “a shy-looking individual wrapped in a slouch hat and huge ulster (overcoat)” almost didn’t make it to the ball. Seen leaving a local business trying to hide a bundle under his clothes, he attracted the “suspicion of our efficient policeman,” who began following him.

The man bolted and was caught just as he was throwing the mysterious bundle overboard. He and his bundle were trundled off to jail — where it was discovered he had actually been hiding his masquerade costume.

“The poor fellow wanted to make sure that no one would know him there; hence his strange exploit. Of course, he was set at liberty at once.”

And hopefully, a grand time was had by all, including the “poor fellow.”