Sleigh Ride

January 18, 1868, Appleton Crescent

Ah, yes, the perks of the leap year- new-found privileges and customs in the courting arena that turn the world topsy-turvy and put the fairer sex in the driver's seat, so to speak.  Thusly, we have the account of ten of Menasha's fair maidens, taking upon the direction of a leap year adventure the likes of the town had never seen before. Herding their seemingly unsuspecting prey in to an awaiting sleigh, they embarked on a southerly ride to the big city- Oshkosh- to a locally famous establishment for a fine repast.  The menu below can only hint at the finery awaiting them as they disembarked from their ride and were guided into the inn.  

Although this menu predates the event by eleven years, one suspects that a similar bill of fare was presented to the guests.  Purportedly, the cross-outs were of items no longer available, which, in this format, might have disappointed the diner, rather than enthused, for what might have been.  

The Adams House was one of the first hotels in Oshkosh and considered one of the finest in the city until it was destroyed in the Oshkosh Fire of 1875. The building was located on the southeast corner of State and Otter Streets.   One can only surmise that the young ladies were largely successful in keeping their swains from the temptations of "old Joe" and the "side pocket."  Be that as it may, the presence of chaperones Mr. and Mrs. T.D. Phillips might have been enough to keep order, as Mr. Phillips was not only a well-regarded furniture maker, but also, as was the norm in those days, an undertaker as well.