Invitation to the Inaugural Ball, March 4, 1865.

Inaugural Ball

Image by The Henry Ford
THF61497

This invitation to Abraham Lincoln’s second Inaugural Ball on March 4, 1865, bears the images of President Lincoln and Vice President Andrew Johnson. Included on the invitation are two majestic American eagles perched on pillars, one holding a serpent in its beak, symbolizing war, the other holding an olive branch, symbolizing peace–a fitting metaphor for the beginning of Lincoln’s second presidential term. This invitation belonged to Mrs. Abel Carter Wilder, wife of a Kansas U.S. Representative to Congress. For the inaugural ball, emblems, flags, and banners filled the walls in the large marbled hall of the U. S. Patent Office. This was the first time a government building was used for the occasion. Guests climbed the curved double granite stairways from the south portico entrance, past the gas lamps lighting their way and into the newly completed grand exhibition hall. A brass band performed light music in the foyer. A string ensemble, located in the main room played for 500 dancers. Satin, velvet, silk and lace dresses saturated the dance floor. Over 4,000 people were there. Supper was served on sideboards and consisted of roast beef, veal, chicken, turkey, quail, pheasant, oysters, salads, fruits, cakes, creams, and sweets of all kinds. The eating and dancing lasted until dawn.