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gro man at the head of several men and women in couples, each dancing and imitating the strutting, crowing,scratching and other antics of the brood of fowl, the leader generally having two palm leaf fans to use as wings. The more grotesque and novel the antics of the negroes were rendered the greater was the amusement and the couple who produced the most fun were voted the mostpopular and the Shixt .was declared“cock of the walk” and made the leader of the next exhibition.This dance, taking its origin from the most popular amusements in the south, fairly Jumped into popularity and became the favorite dancll upon all the large plantations. Its popularity soon extended to the “Big House and the young men were told when to come to the Quarter to see it; they seldom failed to be present and showed their appreciation of thedance by “tipping” the successful couple and often put up a prize of a new hat or something, that would please the negroes. The young ladies were not long in finding out the at_ tractions and accompanied the gentlemen and enjoyed the dances greatly; they added their tips” in the shape of candy, confections and knick-knacks and on special occasions would give a prize of a large, handsome cake. These attentions totheir amusements stimulated the negroes to their greatest efforts, ant! made this dance, then called the “cock walk,” the most popular amusement on the plantations.From the offering of prizes on cer-
Newspaper Details
San Antonio Sunday Light
San Antonio, Texas, US
Sun, Jul 09, 1905
Page 12
Full Page
Clipped by
Wayne D.
NA, 03 Aug 2021
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