Article "Valentine's at Westhampton: Mr. and Mrs. Jiggs Take the Cake in Masque Contest"

Article "Valentine's at Westhampton: Mr. and Mrs. Jiggs Take the Cake in Masque Contest"

An article that details a Valentine's Night event at Westhampton College. The event is described in detail, of note that guests would have witnessed "courtly colonial gentlemen dancing with kinky-headed negro girls." As black guests were not allowed at University events during this time period, it is possible that this description refers to Westhampton students wearing blackface during the celebration. This can be further inferred by the other figures described dancing, including "American sailors and little Dutchy girls, khaki uniformed soldiers with ladies from the court of Elizabeth, lively chorus girls with stolid farmer lads, and Buster Brown with a gypsy girl," pointing to the Valentine's event being attended by students in costume. Songs and skits were also performed, and awards given out.

"Valentine's at Westhampton: Mr. and Mrs. Jiggs Take the Cake In Masque Contest." The Richmond Collegian V, no. 11, (February 21, 1919): 1-2. http://collegian.richmond.edu/cgi-bin/richmond?a=d&d=COL19190221.2.8&e=-------en-20--1--txt-txIN-------#

The Collegian, University of Richmond

1919-02-21

English

RichmondCollegianV.11.1-19190221.jpg

Richmond (Va.)