The Daily Missoulian

Of the 80,000 members of the Amalgamated Association of Street and Electric Railway Employees of America it is safe to say that there was not a happier or prouder lot last night than the score of members comprising Division No. 545--the Missoula local. Hosts at their first annual ball, the Missoula motormen proved themselves fit and capable to a high degree. The preparations had been made with exceeding care and painstaking and the hall presented a pretty appearance all was the subject of flattering comment. The crowd exceeded all expectations. Fully 200 couples were on the floor by the time the dance was well started and but few of these left the hall until the Home, Sweet Home waltz brought the function to a close at 1 o'clock. Then there were half a dozen street cars in waiting, chartered by the motormen for the occasion, and all who desired were given a free ride home over all of the lines of the company, from Fort Missoula to Bonner.

It was a jolly dance from beginning to end. The Missoula Club orchestra never played better music and after the first few selections the crowd was enthused with just the right spirit, which failed to subside during the whole evening.

As entertainers the motormen need not be ashamed of their comparison with any other organization in the city. In the little details, which are so often overlooked at affairs of this kind, they excelled and these features of the entertainment will not be forgotten whenever the motormen extend invitations to other functions. As the crowd arrived members of the committee stood at the door and presented each lady with a carnation. All evening punch was served by a committee of ladies and at all times those in charge of the floor looked carefully after the strangers and saw that all who cared to dance were provided with partners. The hall was decorated with a profusion of streamers, the color scheme being orange and black. Shading the arc light at the center was a transparent screen showing a miniature street car surrounded by the initials of the organization on each of the four sides. Swung from the ceiling was hung a platform where a fussy little street car performed on a circular track, the car bearing a card announcing each dance and an electric gong was used effectively in starting every one.

Manager Inch, Judge Bickford, H. L. Bickenbach and other officials of the railway company were present as guests of honor and all entered into the enjoyment of as splendid an entertainment as was ever given by a Missoula organization.