And what's unexpectedly charming now?

"Ella & Robert Boast"

http://www.pioneergirl.com/blog/archives/4655

How people enjoyed surprise parties!

"June 1888. Mrs. R.A. Boast conceived the idea that it would “just splendid” to formulate a surprise for her “liege lord” on the fortieth anniversary of his advent on this mundane sphere. She accordingly, with a look that plainly said, “don’t let Rob’t know,” invited Mr. and Mrs. H.A. Dunlap, Mr. and Mrs. David Ross, Mrs. and Mrs. O.D. Perry, Mr. and Mrs. N.  Eggleston, Mr. and Mrs. A.W. Ogden, Mr. Foster and Mrs. Peck to visit them May 23rd, which they cheerfully did, and  Rob. Didn’t know a single thing about their coming. He says what surprised him the most was that his wife could endure the strain of keeping it to herself. 

As near full as the cup of surprise now was, there was yet more to follow. At dinner the party brought from its concealment, and presented him with one of Tinkham’s best patent-adjustable, back-action, two-story chairs, which caused the cup to bubble over, so to speak. Now Rob, is a very appreciative piece of humanity, 

and he just thinks “lots” of that chair, and you can “go one better” that he won’t forget the donors for many a long day.  Mrs. Boast thinks the chair very nice, the surprise perfect, and all that, but she has good reason to be awfully anxious about the extra wear on the bottom of those pants."

boast_bits.pdf

https://share.google/DuF0V7SBIXKmV8Rs8

Forgetting their troubles by enjoying spending time with friends.

"November 1895. The editor and family ate Thanksgiving dinner with R.A. Boast and wife. There was quite a party including Dr. and Mrs. Ensign, and Mr. and Mrs. Ingalls. A bountiful dinner was served, and the company entertained as  only Friend Boast and his estimable wife know how. Good company and a good dinner made us forget our troubles for one day."