members of the family in the show.  Before the show was disbanded in 1932, the older children of Criley and Ida Orton who lived in town and attended school here kept up their training during the winter months for their circus acts of the summer performances.  Circus wagons pulled by horses were used for many years.  It was always a real thrill when the circus came to town.

          Another family organization which was well-known in the Dallas Center area was the Cadwell orchestra.  They played for many occasions as well as for their own pleasure, and received recognition at the state fair.  Many of its members also played in the Dallas Center band concerts.

          A social event which seemingly has disappeared may be worthy of mention.  In the 1870's and 1880's, it was the custom in Dallas Center, as well as other towns and cities, to hold elegant parties or "open houses" on New Year's day and evening.  Gay, young men, both married and single went calling from one open house to another, presenting their calling cards as was the custom of that day.  The ladies stayed at home and received the gentlemen callers.

          The following items of interest from The Dallas Center Globe will tell authentically of some of these early incidents:  January 3, 1878:  "Quite a number of our people gave and received New Year's callas last Tuesday."

          December 30, 1880:  "List of Ladies Who Will  'Receive' on New Years.  The following ladies will receive New Year's calls at the residence of W. H. Brenton:  Mrs. W. H. Brenton, Mrs. N. A. Townsend, Mrs. O. Mosher, Mrs. J. F. Curran, Mrs. A. T. Pearson, Miss Minnie Smith, Miss Allie Brenton.  Mrs. J. L. Loring will 'receive' on New Years at her home assisted by Mrs. W. R. Cartright, Mrs. S. G. Sloane, Mrs. John Warford, Miss Mary Brockway.

          January 6, 1881:  Excerpts from an article entitled, New Year's Day in Dallas Center.  Following a description of the day weatherwise:  ". . .  The principal and most pleasing feature of the day was the receptions held at the residences of Mr. W. H. Brenton and Mrs. J. L. Loring, by the worthy hostesses of each of these happy and well regulated homes.  The callers were numerous and each one was profuse in his praise of the ladies for the treatment he received at their hands.  At each place tables were spread and a bountiful feast prepared of which each caller had the pleasure of partaking to his heart's (stomach's) content and no one failed to avail himself of the pleasures the opportunity afforded.

          A fitting wind-up of a day so happily spent was the social gathering and general reception at the elegant home of Mr. and Mrs.  W. H. Brenton in the evening, attended by a large number of our people.  Amusements of various kinds including both vocal and instrumental music were enjoyed.  At the proper time the doors of the dining room were thrown open and the guests invited to enter.  A bountiful repast awaited them and all partook freely and with evident satisfaction."

          The old town hall, the opera house, and later the school gymnasiums have been used for many and varied forms of recreation by each upcoming generation.  School athletics, still very popular, were held in the opera house before 1916.  Class plays were also held there.  Several times movies became popular in town, and at one time the Woodman hall was converted into a theatre.

          Corn husking contests were quite frequent during the 1920's before the mechanical pickers were available.  A state corn husking contest was held at the Frank Fox farm northeast of town in 1925.  Approximately 2,000 people attended.  The champion "nubbin snatcher" husked 27.8 bushels in 80 minutes.  An early day mechanical picker was there for demonstration purposes.

          The school band and marching bands have had a vital part in the recreation of our town for many years.  The annual pet parade, which originated in the 1950's has become an interesting affair for young and old.  More recently it has been combined with the annual fall festival, contests, races, rides and concession stands having been added.  One event of interest to the rural area is the tractor pulling contest held in connection with the fall festival.

          Many other forms of recreation have no doubt had their day in Dallas Center unknown to later generations, except as they recall stories of earlier times.  It is impossible to name them all.  Quitling bees, barn (continued on next page)

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