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issue date - March 13, 2005
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On March 5, a Centennial Ball was held at the Statler Towers in Buffalo to commemorate the inauguration of President Theodore Roosevelt. Attending Roosevelt’s inauguration was Gowandan Elizabeth Smallwood, whose father, William, received national attention for his clock-making talents, notably for the 16-dial world “Smallwood clock.” After the inaugural celebration on March 4, 1905, Elizabeth wrote to her family of the event. A large newspaper illustration of the festivities was surrounded by Elizabeth’s notes. Her comments follow. (Unfortunately, the illustration cannot be reproduced here.) No. 1 represents an arch of rainbow lights. It was over or formed a background for the orchestra and band. These were tiers of seats, the Marine Band above and the Hailys Orchestra below. They played simply divine and with all the glitter of lights, gowns and diamonds (some brilliants), it seemed like fairyland (omitting the wings). No. 2 represents the place where Flossie and I saw the promenade of the President. First came the President and Mrs. Roosevelt, next Vice President Fairbanks and wife. Mrs. Roosevelt’s gown was blue trimmed with braid and embroidered so as to make it so heavy that the procession was only 5 minutes long. She could not bear the weight of it, and neither would she let pages carry it. She looked very sweet and gave a gracious smile to all. The President called out to all he knew and shook his finger at some and patted his hands at others.
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 early 1900s |
The gowns were gorgeous and some were foolish. This picture represents the President and all on the floor. They did not come on the floor except to open the ball with the parade. The decorations in the hall were magnificent. They were not as gaudy in color, etc. as heretofore, but were very beautiful and brilliant. In the center, No. 3, was a [__?__] With miniature rocks, at the top of which was a very pretty, little fountain The gallery was full of people all the time. We went up for a minute and the view was too beautiful to explain. I met several Punxsey people who Florence knew, and met some that I knew. They were young men that were here at our dance Friday night.
We stayed until the President had left, then started for home. As tired a lot of people you never saw. After all the glitter and music, it was hard to settle down to sleep. When I closed my eyes, all I could see was a glittery lot of banners and horses, etc.
Of course it was the most exciting day and indeed, I may say probably the grandest one I will ever see. If there is anything I have not explained that you want to know, I will try and do so next time I write.
You will excuse this writing and everything, won’t you, for I thought this the best way to explain what it looked like. This picture of the scene at Roosevelt’s Inaugural Ball room is perfect.