An original printed invitation to a Christmas Ball held at the Phoenix Hotel, Campo Seco, Tuolumne County, on Tuesday, December 25th, 1855. Printed in decorative Gothic-style type, the invitation reads in part: “The pleasure of your Company and Lady is respectfully solicited at the PHOENIX HOTEL, CAMPO SECO, on Tuesday, December 25th, 1855. Good Music in Attendance. Bill: $6.00.” Campo Seco, located about a mile south of Jamestown, was settled by miners in 1849. By 1850, it boasted one of the county’s first water ditches and became an experimental ground for long tom sluice boxes and other hydraulic innovations. The Phoenix Hotel served as a prominent social venue during the early Gold Rush years. Events like this Christmas Ball reflect the frontier’s desire to maintain civility and culture amidst rough mining life. Printed on light cardstock with ornamental corner borders. This invitation is a rare surviving artifact from one of California’s earliest mining towns and is representative of the social history of the Mother Lode. Dimensions: 2 x 3.25-inches This lot may be picked up free of charge from our facilities in Sacramento, CA. Processing and shipping within the Continental US $30.00. All FedEx packages are sent with Direct Signature Required and insured at full replacement value for a fee of 1.5% of the purchase price, unless buyer accepts complete liability in writing. Discounts given on combined lot shipping. Very good, with strong printing and minimal toning. Archivally mounted on black album paper. Please see photos.