Party Like It's 1856

Imagine: You're standing beside the water-cooler, telling your friends about all the crazy stuff you did over the weekend, and in walks Fred*. Fred is the guy that always invites you over to his house (usually around a holiday) for mingling and drinks and does so  by way of folded, paper invitation. Fred gives you the details while you nod and smile, your eyes already canvasing for a trash can. As soon as he walks, that invite is going in the waste-
basket.

But wait.







The cream colored paper, the orate lettering, embossed illustrations...this is no ordinary invitation. This is the:

Anniversary of Washington's Birth-day, First Annual Ball!

What the what?!?

That's right. Yours truly has just found a invitation to the Company A, 68th Regiment's first annual ball in honor of the United States first President, Mr. George Primrose** Washington.

The date? February 22, 1856.

The place? The Fredonia Concert Hall.

What should I wear? If military, then the request has been made to come in full uniform.

What about my lady? "Carriages will call for Ladies at 6 'o' Clock."

Egad! I must get ready! I'm already 155 years, 10 months, and 13 days late!

(Invitation was found in a Bible. An old Bible.)

Disclaimer:
* I do not work with a Fred, nor should any Freds worry that someone is exploiting them or there love of parties/making party invitations with Microsoft Word.
** Washington's middle name is not Primrose. He had no middle name. So feel free to make one up!