Antiques and Horribles

The Centennial Celebration in Fall River, Massachusetts, on July 4th, 1876, was, “very fine, and far ahead of 1870” as the Daily Evening News reported. The paper went on to say: “considering the heat of the weather and the industry displayed, it was highly commendable.” Fall Riverites flocked to the streets to attend the event and a glorious celebration it was. Commemorating the country’s 100th year would require a vast amount of help and the various committees sent out invitations encouraging citizens to aid in the preparatory measures.

In particular, the “Antiques and Horribles” sent out requests, on May 22nd, stating how they “would be pleased to have you join with them in making preparations for the same. There will be a meeting at Musical Hall, Wednesday Evening, May 24th, at 8 o’clock.”

Who are the “Antiques and Horribles?” I am glad you asked.

During events, a group of men and women provided a specific type of comic relief for the audience by dressing up in unusual ways. Some would dress up in costumes or disguises to portray themselves as characters of old, while others would make themselves look grotesque and adorn masks of a wide variety. Certainly, this was all in good fun, for the purpose of invoking laughter and jocularity from all.

According to the Daily Evening News: “without fun what would the world be worth, and how could society be kept together. – Human life would be as barren as the Sahara and as uncomfortable as the frozen zone.” Thanks to this unique group, spectators were both bemused and amused. While that tradition has since gone the way of the dodo, it would seem as though the world could stand to benefit from more laughter right now.

Perhaps, we should bring back the tradition of the “Antiques and Horribles.” Think you not so?