BAY MINETTE — Gentlemen who expect to rate should not expectorate at the North-South Ball Jan. 24 from 8 p.m. to the midnight hour at the Baldwin County Coliseum.

Fighting and “colorful language” in the presence of ladies also are no-nos, and sabers and spurs must be removed and checked at the entrance before the first waltz.

Gentlemen will wear tuxedos or suits. Period uniforms available at costume shops are preferred.

Ladies should be in full-length dresses or find suitable garments at thrift or consignment shops. Members of the fairer sex who are renting gowns should wear some type of petticoat or pantaloons to prevent embarrassing revelation of unmentionables during the lively dances.

These are a few of the guidelines in a fund-raising foray into 1860s gentility planned  by the Baldwin County Bicentennial Committee.

All proceeds will benefit Baldwin County Bicentennial Park, designed to be a hands-on, educational facility that will preserve Baldwin County’s rich history of diverse cultures.

The ball will portray the 1861 Civil War period. Music will be provided by the band “Un-Reconstructed,” which specializes in Civil War ballads and tunes.

A dance master will be on hand to instruct attendees on various period dances. A silent auction, catering and a cash bar will be provided. The fee is $50 per person and $350 for a table of eight.

Gentlemen will receive white gloves at the entrance, while ladies will receive dance cards and fans which may be used in coy flirtations on the dance floor.

Committee chairman Martha Skipper said about 150 tickets were sold as of Monday and tickets are available.

“The coliseum is designed so we can open up additional areas if needed,” Skipper said.

To purchase tickets or for more information, call (251) 978-7315 or (251) 580-1897.

1860s dance etiquette

It was considered a serious breach of custom to violate the following social rules, according to organizers of the North-South Ball:

• A gentleman will dance the grand march, the first waltz and the last waltz with his lady.

• All dancers will participate in some dances with other partners.

• A lady must be escorted to and from the dance floor by her dance partner.

• A gentleman will never approach a lady to whom he has not been properly introduced.

• A gentleman may ask a lady’s escort or any male member of her family for an introduction. Any such request for an introduction may be refused.

• A lady may capture a gentleman’s eye through discrete, ladylike gestures with her fan.

• A lady should honor commitments made to gentlemen on the dance card.

• A lady may refuse a gentleman’s request for any dance. A gentleman should accept such refusal graciously.

• A gentleman should refrain from smoking, spitting, fighting or using colorful language on the dance floor or any other location in the presence of ladies.