York PA Had Lots of Nineteenth-Century Culture
York County, Pennsylvania wasn’t just about farmers and merchants and trying to win a lottery. Click here for previous post on lotteries.
For example, in 1826 a multi-talented young woman was in town to teach both the French language and the art of dancing.
Two advertisements on the same page of the December 12, 1826 York Recorder publicize Miss Hache’s instructional credits and also offer the public a chance to practice what they learn. The longer ad reads.
“FRENCH LANGUAGE
AND
DANCING.
MISS HACHE
Respectfully informs the public that she has taken a room at Mrs. HALLER’S, near the court house, where she will give instructions in the
French Language,
every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, in the morning from 8 till 12 o’clock, and also every Tuesday and Thursday in the afternoon, from 1 o’clock till 3. The French will be the only language spoken during school hours.
DANCING
will be taught every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the afternoon, from 3 o’clock till 5. Those ladies who cannot conveniently come at those hours will please to attend from 6 o’clock till 8.
No pains shall be spared to forward her pupils in the art of dancing, and also in speaking the French language in its purity; and she hopes to merit a share of public patronage.
For recommendations and particulars, please call at Mrs. HALLER’s. The terms are very moderate.”
The second ad offers:
“DANCING SCHOOL.
MISS HACHE
RESPECTFULLY informs the public that her
Practising Parties
commencing on the second Friday in December, instant, will be held at Mrs. HALLER’S near the Court House, every Friday evening, from 6 o’clock till 10–and she hopes to meet with encouragement.
Tickets 50 cts.–To be had at Mr. McGrath’s and Mr. Worley’s.”
Haller, McGrath, and Worley were all York tavern keepers. The taverns of the day were social centers, meeting places and venues for respectable entertainment for the whole community.
York had 18 taverns already in 1788 when it was mentioned as a potential permanent U.S. capital. Click here to read about that suggestion.
