This invitation to the Ninth Annual Bal Masque of the Sociale Verein, to be held at the Turnverein Hall in Lawrence in February 1881, is made out to M. Newmark. A humorous drawing of green frogs provide decoration above the phrase "Somebody's Looking Love / Pull Down the Blinds." Committee members include several merchants, businessmen, and a publisher: Theo Poehler, J.House, Ph. Albach, S. Steinberg, H. Kesting, Th. Rudiger, M. Summerfield, Rudolph Sommer, Chas. Sutorius, L. Steinberg, and W. Freienmuth.

M. Newmark was born January 2nd, 1839 in New York City, and came to Kansas in 1865, after having lived and worked in Missouri for a few years. Mr. Newmark was married in 1877 to Nellie Keefer. Newmark had strong business ties to Lawrence as well, as proprietor of the Kansas Furnishing Goods House which was established in 1876 by M. Newmark & Co; he also dealt in fancy and staple dry goods, and oil cloths. Additionally, in 1893 he assumed control of the failing Steinberg and Brother store.

This item donated to the Watkins Community Museum collection by Mrs. W.M. Newmark.