In 1933 my great great grand aunt Edith Isabella Clements won the lottery and threw a ball for the surrounding towns. Here is a newspaper article about it.
-
AEROPLANE BALL
Big Function at Towamba
Towamba hall, was on Friday night of last week, the mecca of the largest gathering of people Towamba has seen for many years. The occasion being the big invitation ball tended to us by Mrs. Ambrose Parker to the public of the surrounding district and to friends from further afield to mark her winning of first prize, 5000 pounds in the 146th State lottery.
Upward of thirty cars were parked in the street adjacent to the hall and two hundred guests were seated at the supper tables. Mr. J. W. Dickie in welcoming the guests on behalf of Mrs. Parker and declaring the ball open, said that everyone knew she had won 5000 pounds but, though under no obligation to give it away, she was giving the ball to the public, which had supported her in business and to friends from other centres, and it was her one wish that all present would enjoy every moment of it, which they did.
The hall which was recently renovated, newly lined throughout, new seats and stage appointments has a wonderful floor, perhaps the best in the district. Suspended from the ceiling in the centre of the ballroom was a model aeroplane ten feet in length, inside which was a battery driven contrivance which gave at intervals the noise of a plane taking off. The plane built by Mr. Ira Parker was coloured red and white, and was complete even to the pilot and on both sides was painted 'Lift Me Up', the name of Mrs. Parker's lottery ticket. The number of the ticket, 72822 and it's initials, UNA which, by the way, form the name of one of Mrs. Parker's nieces who was present at the ball.
The stage decorations, the work of Miss T. Hartneady, were floral and were very attractive. Ten miniature aeroplanes adorned the walls around the stage. Mr. I. A. Lee as master of ceremonies was in his element with the old-time dances, barn dance, waltzes, mazurka, etc., Miss R. Greer on piano and Mr. Jack McLeod with drums provided delightful music and were ably assisted by Misses B. McMahon and T. Hartneady, Mesdames Hampden Beasley and Byers.
Dancing commenced early and continued until 3 am. Towards the ball's conclusion, Mr. A. L. Mitchell, on behalf of the gathering thanked Mrs. Parker for her hospitality and remarked that although he had attended most dances in the district had not heard any music to come up to that to which he had danced that night. Following a few words of reply by Mrs. Parker, the gathering joined hands in a circle around her and sang, 'For she's a jolly good fellow.' This brought a night of nights' enjoyment to a close.
Not a hitch occurred to mar the enjoyment of the function, and the hostess, smiling, happy and popularity, itself was congratulated on all sides on her good fortune and success attending the ball which her generosity had inspired.
Supper arrangements, which were in the hands of Mrs. Walter Parker, left nothing to be desired. The best ever, said everyone who sat down to supper. Mrs. Parker and her band of helpers had a long tiring task as the first supper table filled at eleventh thirty and queues were still awaiting their turn when the writer left at 1.10 am. Iceland poppies furnished the very effective table decorations carried out by Miss T. Hartneady.
Although the ball was styled a dry party to counteract the rumour that drink would be supplied, it very nearly proved a wet one. Threatening looking clouds yielding showers during the afternoon preceded the function. Fortunately however, the falls were not heavy and as young and old alike hopped in for their cut, to use the vernacular, there was created a very friendly atmosphere that showery weather conditions could not damp. The big gathering, to which, by the way, the bright frocking of the ladies lent an added note of gaiety, included three car loads of Eden guests, a car load from Candelo and visitors from Kiah, Nethercote and Nullica supplemented the big throng from Towamba, Pericoe, Burragate and Wyndham. Mrs. Parker expressed gratitude for assistance given in connection with the function and particularly to Miss T. Hartneady and Mrs. W. Parker.