The secluded location of the manor houses, far away from the urban conviviality, encouraged great hunting parties and grand balls. Especially in the 18th century, festivals were celebrated which, like gambling, could lead to the ruin of the estate owner.
The sociable get-together served the purpose of exchange and amusement. The young ladies, in particular, cultivated domestic music and enjoyed reading both intellectual and fine literature. Fairgrounds and ice skating were a means of casual encounter for all classes.
Educational trips acquainted the Baltic aristocrats and scholars, the "literary men", with the contemporary ideas of Europe and Russia and were the basis for a cultural transfer from west to east and vice versa. Records recount shared experiences at the university and in student fraternities.
In the city, membership in associations and attending concerts offered further means of distraction, however, this was also a sign of education and class claim.
Illustrations:
1.) "Blossfeldt with a cello". A paper cutting by Eveline von Maydell (1890-1962), first half of the 20th century, Baltic German Cultural Foundation
2.) Handmade invitation card with animal motif to a celebration of Baroness von Kruedener, Riga 1913