Notes from the Nobility

Dear Lord Scott,

Do receive our sincere gratitude for the beautiful time we had at the Ball. We thank The LORD for all your work so that we may have such a wonderful time, such as those from History have known but that modern man has to some extent, forgotten. Only in time to come will you be able to see the fruit of your labour. Many young people will echo these words.

When I close my eyes I still see the lovely dresses swirling around accompanied by the elegant gentlemen. The music is still in my ear. Yesterday that is all we could talk about. Today, the next Ball is the theme of the day! Oh, I'm getting dizzy!

It was so nice visiting with Lady Scott. We admire her for all the work she puts into those beautiful dresses. The whole family always looks so elegant and attractive.

Our son is so pleased with his prize. Even though we had read Pride & Prejudice aloud last Spring, he read it again to freshen his memory, just in case you asked him anything related to the book.

I did want you to know of how we really enjoy your efforts in bringing us so much joy in such an awesome way.

We look forward to the next time together.

Yours sincerely,

Friends in Phoenix

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Dear Lord & Lady Scott,

As always, I am most grateful to the family of We Make History for a most enjoyable and memorable evening.

It's hard to pick just one memorable moment, but the one I place above others is looking about the dance floor and observing how many young people were sharing the moment. And that gave me pause. With our modern society giving them so many options (not all of them good) for their time, attention and even dollars, they chose this one. That they chose past versus present is truly telling indeed, and I hope their lives are as touched by the experience as mine has been.

I could elaborate on the many reasons why, but anyone who has attended a We Make History ball knows what they are. Thank you so much!

Your Friend And Humble Servant,
And Blessed To Be Part Of It All,
Christopher of Tucson

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To my dearest We Make History Family,
Once again another ball has come and gone and I am compelled to say how much I treasure you all. Your friendship and company are so very precious to me and I thank you for offering both so freely. To my fellow aristocrats of last evening, thank you for your smiles and your laughter. You truly brighten my world. To my dear Prescottonian companions, especially you wonderful gentlemen with flowers hidden in your car, thank you all for always being there and for bringing such joy to my heart. And to my dear Lord and Lady Scott, thank you, thank you, thank you for all that you do. May the Lord bless and keep you
until we meet again.
Most Sincerely Yours
Miss Katie

Earl of Prescott

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Lord and Lady Scott;

This past Saturday evening was one of pure delight shared particularly by my brother and I, as it was our first time in attendance to any of the balls. I was charmed immediately upon our arrival by the costumes and the attendants, and charm quickly accelerated to pure joy with the dances and festivities. I believe I
speak for many when I thank you for arranging a place in which such and exciting reenactment can be shared.

One of my fondest memories is that of my brother, Mr. Sean K., "The Highwayman", who tried to rewrite history and ended up doing a jig for our delight :) Having a recording option on my camera, I captured the moment and have often shared it to family members and friends who could share in the laughter.

In the attachment are some pictures that I hope you will enjoy as much as I do.

Thank you again for all of your work.

Most happily,
Miss Kristen K. of Prescott
"Woohoo!"

"You must learn some of my philosophy. Think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure."
*~*Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

"I am the happiest creature in the world. Perhaps other people have said so before, but no one with such justice. I am happier even than Jane; she only smiles, I laugh."
*~*Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

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My dear Lord Scott, My wife and I are finally back in the foreign land of Utah. Visiting our scattered family can be a chore, However I must confess that the P&P ball far exceeded our expectations. To be greeted so cordially on our arrival and to mingle with people of such a genteel bent was an absolute pleasure. Please convey my regards to your lovely wife and your adorable daughters, it goes without saying that the gist of the conversation on our long road back was plans for next year’s ball.

Once again my thanks for a marvellous evening.
God bless you and your endeavors.

Sincerely, John W. of Utah

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Dear Lord and Lady Scott,

Thank you so much for putting together yet another ball! The Pride and Prejudice ball was the most fun! The joys and memories that you spread around are wonderful! Thank you so much and I will see you at the next ball (which I greatly look forward too)!

Thanks a million.

~Kayla F.

Prescott, Arizona

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Dear Lord Scott,

I cannot thank you enough for hosting such a splendid evening of fun! I am happy to report that my family and I may be coming to the Victorian Christmas Ball as well. I can't wait! Well, after a night of dancing, I must say that some of my favorite dances were: The "shoe dance", the waltz, and of course, the "pumpkin dance"! Alas, I did not catch most of the names, so you will have to guess the dances I am referring to! Some memories I also shared from that night were: The boys "charging" at our shoes to win a dance, the "peasants" jigging for a prize, and sitting in the middle chair holding a pumpkin, deciding who to give it to! =) I also must admit that many of my happiest memories are as a part of the We Make History Balls, and the We Make History family!

Thank you again for such a marvelous night!

Your humble servant,

Abigail K. Phoenix, Arizona

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Dear Sir,

I have to say that this Pride and Prejudice Ball had to be my favorite ball yet. Maybe it was only because I got to surprise my fiance, maybe it was because we had you announce our engagement, maybe it was because I got to spend time with all the people that I love, or maybe it was all of them put together!:-) Thank you so much for all that you do putting together all the historical activities for us. I am very sure that I wouldn't love history as much as I do if you didn't. I am praying for you and your family. May the Lord bless you and may His face shine upon you!!

In Christ's Love,

Felicia Ann

Chandler, Arizona

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Lord Scott – Another exquisite evening! What a feast for the eyes and ears!! Why must we have to wait so long to experience the next such evening?

I Remain

Your Humble Servant,

Michael J. C.

Glendale, Arizona

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Dear Lord Scott,

I cannot fully express my gratitude for the wonderful time presented at last night's Pride and Prejudice Ball through the cold medium of email, but I shall do the best with what I have as the discarded top hat on my dresser compels me to thank you in some manner for its warm acceptance in your jovial good humor. As a lady coming in not gown but riding attire, I was slightly apprehensive about the response to be received, but soon found my worries were for naught as you cheerfully dubbed me 'a most bold lady indeed' and gave me a special picture with your Lordship himself. I even got a dance with a fellow top hatee!

Eternally yours,

Emma H.

Phoenix, Arizona

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Dear Lord Scott,

I just wanted to thank you for an amazing time at the Pride and Prejudice Ball! Jane Austen is one of my all time favorite authors, and I really appreciate that you would host a ball in such a wonderful novels honor. I had a glorious time, and look forward to participating in the Victorian Christmas Ball!

Thank you again!

~Sarah K.

Phoenix, Arizona

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I loved the pumpkin dance! It was so fun to watch one of the young gentlemen (Josh in the blue coat with blond, curly hair) who had the pumpkin give it to the next person in line and take both ladies sitting beside him down the row.

I had a wonderful time and hope I can attend another ball in the near future. Thank you for having these sort of things available and so well organized for us.

Thanks again,

Linnea G. of Sahuarita, Arizona

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Dear Lord Scott,

Thank you for all the hard work you did in putting on another splendid ball. I had a wonderful time dancing and socializing with the "We Make History" family. I also quite enjoyed the box of chocolates from the drawing (I can see why the first one "vanished" so quickly). The dancing was as lively and spirited as ever. I especially enjoyed the Willow Dance (except for a young lad who attempted to run off with my lady several times, fortunately I was able to retrieve her each time.) I look forward to seeing you and your family again at the Christmas Ball.

God Bless,

Josh S.

Prescott, Arizona

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Dear, dear Lord Scott

Thank you for an entertaining evening. What marvelous musicians! What delightful dance direction! What wonderful people! We were all completely and wholly enchanted with our adventure to the ball. Simply put, it was just wonderful.

My daughter, Emma, positively glowed with your praises of “Well played” after her jig. She refused to believe she would win a prize, and was woefully unprepared as a result. I doubt that any of our party will ever be so unprepared. They are busily studying facts for the next dance.

Speaking of which, we are planning to come another ball, in the spring. I believe the girls elected to rejoin you for the Civil War Remembrance Ball. They all wish to wear hoop-skirts and twirl the night away. They also hope the prospect of war would entice young male friends to join them. So, please expect another large retinue from the south to join you then.

Please send my compliments to your wife, Lady Scott. She is a very warm and kind hostess who looked after us like family. We were grateful for her kindness.

Sincerely,

Miss Mary
Countess of Celery and her retinue

Southern Arizona

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Dear Lord and Lady Scott,

I wanted to let you know how much fun me and my friends had at the Pride and Prejudice ball. I truly appreciate all the effort you two put into these balls for the enjoyment of others. Continue in the excellent work.

God Bless,

Miss Lauren H.

Glendale, Arizona

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Lord Scott,

I enjoyed the Ball very much. It was my first time to a Ball. I especially liked the first dance- in a circle. I was able to dance with a wide variety of partners. My husband enjoyed it very much too. He was prepared with a story from history were he chosen for a door prize. He enjoyed being a British General. Respectfully,

Jennifer D.

Anthem, Arizona

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Monday, October 23, 2006

Pride Goeth Before A Ball

A We Make History celebration recounted by Mr. C. F. (and with apologies and tribute to Jane Austen)

It is a truth, universally acknowledged, that a single man who desires a memorable evening with fine ladies must put forth an impression in both manner and style.

“So are you going to be prideful or prejudiced?” a colleague of the television producer inquired of him in jest.

“Prideful,” the producer returned with a grin which concealed the truth.

A man of four and thirty years, he knew not what role he should play in this approaching evening of elegant dance and diversion. A review of the literature and photoplay revealed no congruent characters. He fancied himself neither the prideful and disagreeable Mr. Darcy nor the comically inappropriate Mr. Collins. Perhaps the solution could be found somewhere between their two personalities, but the problem did not alarm him greatly, and especially not in comparison to the dilemma of style.

An entire day was spent perusing the various shoppes that, for a modest fee, might lend him quality Regency attire. It was a dismaying exercise, a search which planted thoughts of an entire period of history overlooked, a timeline skipping decades after Colonial America and before Victorian England. However, the search did not end without a satisfactory result: a regimental coat of red, white and blue, although the regiment it belonged to would give him pause. He completed his outfit with garments of his own, attempting to bring himself close to the edge of fashion.

* * *

As his carriage rolled near the designated hall, the eager guest noticed a veil of white smoke pouring from a nearby house. An instant of observation revealed it not as fire but fog, perhaps a product of an overzealous neighbour enthralled with the October season of supernatural festivities. He had not seen anything like it, and he wondered for a moment, if it might be some sign, some signal beyond the obvious. But no, he concluded.

Once inside, he spent an hour acquainting himself with friends and newcomers, and admiring the splendour of the ladies as they arrived in colourful gowns. Being among the first in the room was more than a device of punctuality.

The host, Lord Scott, circulated among them with words of welcome in a soft voice and many bows, his hat more in his hand than on his head as the room filled with eager guests.

The man in the regimental coat spotted a sign required by the authorities as to the maximum capacity of the establishment.

“Anything more will not be tolerated by bourgeois officials,” he quipped to the young man beside him whom he had engaged in conversation. “Anything less will not be tolerated by the host.”

At one point in the many sentences, a man asked him who was he portraying.

“A Frenchman lent me this coat,” came the answer, a product of labourious thought and necessary invention. “Although I fear he might have been playing a cruel joke on me.”

His costume consternation found roots in reality as the ball commenced with announcements from the host noting “that scoundrel Napoleon” had added to his conquests.

The man in the red, white, and blue uniform knew he could no longer deny the obvious danger in a room full of English ladies and gentlemen. The coat cast him as a French regimental, and a resemblance to the scoundrel himself required little exertion of mind. He had known this from the minute he came across the garment, but the need for suitable period dress had outweighed matters of war and peace.

During the opening promenade, as the couples circled the room to the virtuoso musicians on piano, violin, and flute following the notes of a bagpiper, the lady who had accepted his invitation to dance inquired further.

“So how long have you been with the military?”

“Several months,” replied the regimental. “I am still learning the various formations.”

“What do you think of Napoleon?”

“A scoundrel,” he replied, satisfied he would end any speculations as to his loyalty.

Her next question dissolved in the music. He thought he had answered it correctly but immediately felt the need to amplify it.

“I shall die with my sword in my hand for England,” he declared with resolution, hoping the question settled at last.

Indeed it was, as the dancing progressed through a mixer where he shared turns with half the ladies in the room, greeting them with a courteous nod and a “hello,” especially to the hostess, Lady Scott, who expressed appreciation that he had made a long journey in fine form. No allegiances were questioned or rank flaunted. First impressions glistened with warmth among the guests.

Uneasiness gave way to comfort. A woman nudged a girl towards the regimental, the young lady smiling yet shy, obviously unsure how to indicate her desire for a dance. He bowed to her and they quickly found a place in the set for a round of “Christ Church’s Bells.”

“This is one of my favourite dances,” he said to her.

Yet their chance to learn and practice their footwork required patience, as they found themselves at the end of the set, the place where the logistics of English Country Dance temporarily marooned them while the other couples progressed through the steps.

“We’re sorry,” smiled the couple next to them upon noting the predicament.

“Do not fret,” reassured the girl’s dancing partner.

The opportunity to rejoin them would come. When it did, his partner did her best, and he did his best to encourage her with a smile and a word or two of motivation, ignoring mistakes, including his own as he concentrated on making the whole affair joyous. He ended by honoring her with a bow befitting a monarch.

Patience and nerves would be tested mere moments later, when technology failed to carry the dance master’s voice across the room with clarity, leaving instructions on a new dance mired in confusion. The regimental, his new partner, and the others in the set on the other side of the room puzzled relentlessly. When the dance started, they moved about one another in an uncertain happiness, worried about the steps they were making, whether they were wrong or right. At times, the regimental and his partner would stand silently and smile in their positions, not wanting to plunge into disaster and disrupt others who might have actually known what they were doing as they listened to the caller, not even remarking about the size of the room or the number of couples.

Other couples improvised their own steps, even substituting a few anachronistic motions, focused on enjoying company and salvaging some grace. But by the time the regimental and his partner agreed upon this course, the number had ended.

The trouble had not gone undetected. The host and a detachment of volunteers urgently sought out substitutes for the apparatuses of amplification. After a break and some adjustments in volume, the quality of voice amplification greatly improved.

The dancing recommenced through some old favorites of the regimental: “Come, Let’s Be Merry,” and “The Willow Tree,” and he added a new dance to that list, “The Queen’s Jig,” one which ironically required little or no jigging.

Several, however, would come upon that opportunity later during the prize drawing, where those who could not entertain the guests with the presentation of an historical fact or brief dramatic interpretation would humor them with a solo dance for ten seconds. One young prize winner went so far as to share the dance with her father, a moment of comic beauty sure to be cherished for years to come, along with other moments of great significance announced by the host: two birthdays; and to everyone’s joy, an engagement among one of the attended couples.

The beloved Pumpkin Dance returned, known to others as the Fan Dance or Pineapple Dance, but the result remained the same -- multiple lines of laughing, sashaying couples in the heights of happiness.

"Encore, encore!" the host cried with the backing of the crowd, and the musicians granted the request with nary a hesitation.

And once again, the regimental let fly with the word he gathered was becoming a trademark outburst.

“HUZZAH!”

One couple had traveled from Utah for the express purpose of attending the ball on the occasion of their 25th wedding anniversary. Neither one had partaken in such a night of merriment before, and the scene bedazzled the wife with its costume and spectacle. Her husband, who fancied history, had talked her into attending, but for both of them, the night became unforgettable. Before they left, they promised they would return for another evening.

And before the evening ended, the regimental shared one final waltz (a very new and emerging dance form) with a charming young lady, as was his personal hope and the tradition of many balls before.

“You danced with my sister,” she complimented.

“I have danced with a lot of people’s sisters tonight,” he observed with a smile of gratitude as he led her in simple steps. Their eyes met for many moments, but they could not resist noticing the fine pairings of young ladies and gentlemen sharing the floor with them.

With so many diversions vying for their attention, the regimental thought, they had chosen this one. They had chosen the classical versus the contemporary, the elegant versus the commonplace, and the mannered versus the informal. They were the young people no one noticed enough, he lamented, through the strife and stories of rebellious youth and lives gone wrong. Part of himself wished he were their age again, wanting to have journeyed down the path of the gentleman much earlier.

But age mattered not, he reminded himself, as long as he was on that path now.

* * *

The evening over, the regimental turned his attention to some new garments for sale: shirts, deep blue and regally embroidered with the symbol of We Make History.

He observed the placement of the symbol, the lions representing courage, integrity and steadfastness; the crown and cross representing honour, responsibility, dignity, and greatness through service; and the pineapple, representing hospitality, generosity and kindness.

“Over the heart,” he said. “How appropriate.”

Pride, the regimental thought, was indeed a virtue, if it was a pride in serving others. Let no one be prejudiced towards that.

Please also see our “Etiquette & Expectations” page as well as our "All About Us" page.

www.WeMakeHistory.com