Official inauguration ball invitation for the reelection of President U. S. Grant to be held in the capitol on the evening of March 4, 1873, 7.75 x 9.75, issued to Mrs. S. A. Safford, Jr., and listing numerous attending managers such as Generals Winfield Scott Hancock and William T. Sherman. In fine condition, with a central horizontal fold, as sent. The second inauguration of President Grant has since been remembered as one of the coldest in history. With the temperature scarcely rising above zero degrees, the ball, held in a temporary wooden structure built in Judiciary Square, was prematurely ended when the event’s food and beverages froze. Research shows that nearly 100 canaries, caged and hung from the ceiling in hopes their song would add cheer to the festivity, froze to death during the celebration, with many falling among those attempting to stay warm on the dance floor below.
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