The New Orleans bulletin., 1875-12-24
A BILLIARD PALACE.
Opening of the Crescent Hall.
Second to None in the World.

open its doors to the patronage of the public
amongst them members of the press, ant
ladies accompanied by escorts, were special,
invited to an inspection of his billiard pal
ace.
The clinking of champagne glasses, to
gether with the enthusiastic CALCULATIONS o.
those present, ftly attested the popularity Of
Mr.. Walker and his guests appreciation o.
his commendable enterprise in having pre-
sented to our city the most beautiful billiard
hall in the world. We might dwell at length
upon the dazzling brilliancy of the scene pre-.
sented upon this specific occasion. Let it
suffice that the host exerted himself, and in
their short stay he may rest assured of having
found many well-wishers amongst the ladies'
1t has been with more than ordinary in
terest that the public has watched the gradual
growth of this building and some months
since when the last plank of what had been a
portion of the scaffolding disappeared. the
eye of the passer-by was attracted by it's neat
| finish. Built of lake brick and heavily stuo-
coed in plaster, with large veranda running
its entire length on either street, it stands an
| ornament to the boulevards on which it GEN.
| ters.
Its very appearance is a guarantee Of
strength and 'afety, and the unfortunate
accident which befell the old hall We may not
look for. The handsome stores which occupy
the frontage of the building on both thorough
fares, add much to the general set-of of the
exterior, and are reminder of old times.
Tha hall Oh
Charles street. presents pleasing appearance.
The walls and ceiling are paneled and tastily
painted color of ashes of roses, relieved by
border of white. From the ceiling hang
crystal chandeliers, the lights, when lit, re-
tecting brilliancy unsqualed.
Nearest to the door and prone against the
wall stands cigar-case IL by Is feet, which
is truly handsome specimen of cabinet
work; while the oyster counter, which, like
the cigar stand, is of oak and walnut, is an
evidence of lavish expenditure.
Passing further back, we reach the bar
room, and, looking up, find ourselves reflect
ed in glass 10 feet high by forty feet long,
covering entirely one side of this place of re-
sort. Rich Egyptian cornices ornamented in
gold surround and partition off the glass,
while on the middle cornice is mounted the
monogram Of the proprietor, J. A. w.
In the facade Of the cornice in alto relief
punches of grapes lend thorough finish to
this beautiful piece Of workmanship.
The other three sides of the room are fur
nished in crimson panels; the wainscoting
and counter being of oak and walnut, the lat
ter highly designed The bar, of oiled rose
wood, is literally resplendent with glassware
This room is brilliantly Illuminated. the gas
being supplied through rich can ielabras
The center pieces over the candelabras, which
are designed to represent punches Of fruit in
full relief, are masterpieces Of workmanship
and art.
Like the old Crescent Hall, smaller en-
trance from Canal street can at all times be
used as means of exit from the bar-room
Large store and wine rooms occupy tbs bal |
ance of the lower floor. Mounting broad
and graceful staircase, near the top of which
stands a bronze figure holding in her hand
cluster of seven lights we are 1shered into |
the billiard hall. The beauty of our sur.
roundiugs is fully equaled by the surprise
and pleasure with which we turn to congratu- |
late our host. The dimensions of this room |
do not vary from those of the old hall, but the |
bespeak that comfort which was |
formerly lacking. In height this room
measures % feet inches. The ceiling in |
relief is finished in pure white, with heavy |
cornice in Doric, the panels being orna-
mented with small center pieces.
The walls of rose tint frescoed in Renais-
sance. bordered by designs of the Florentine
school, add new laurels to the artists, Messrs.
Soulie & Philast. Between the large and
smaller divisions of the hall, heavy arches,
resting on composite pillars, add security and
grace to the room. Appropriate chandeliers
give the requisite light to sixteen Collender
American standard billiard tables. These
,ables, 43x9, are elegant specimens of work
nanship and could not fail to satisfy even the
most fastidious professional. In panels at
he further end of the room, facing St.
Charles street, rest five mirrors, five feet high
oy four feet eight inches wide, the reflected
'ays of which heighten the general appear
Ince OF this beautiful place of resort.
Elegant shades, the color of the water OF
he Nile, appropriately designed, lend Pc
,nliar charm to the surroundings, protecting
he player from the heat of the sun at the
anne time furnishing subdued and good
light.
The Office, which faces the staircase, and is
placed against the wall between the arches, is
If rosewood, lit by a light in the hand of
'ronze statuette. From this point magnetic
)ells communicate with each table, the latter
icing provided with dumb watches, the bene-
its of which, as check, will be fully appre-
iated.
When we add that an elegant silver wafer
ooler, together with other appropriate furni-
ure, is not lacking, some idea may be formed
# the enterprise displayed by the energetic
proprietor.
The Club Room, adjoining, Mr.. Walker has
placed at the disposal of social gather.
ngs. A heavy Brussels carpet, mist-gray,
nd ornamented with crimson fern covers the
loor of this little bijou, in the center of which
tands a billiard table, while easy chairs and
onvenient tables abound.
The walls, of sea green like the main hall,
re highly frescoed in Renaissance and Floren-
Inc, the designs OF which are most appro-
riate. :
In the center of the main panel, supended j
rom Chess knight, hang two cornucopias.
,hese have evidently been upset, and falling
herefrom pell NELL, dominoes, cards, chess,
nen, billiard balls, etc., seem to vie with
ach other to heighten the general confusion
A second design represents the Chess Queen
pholding the palmetto leaf, in the lap of
'hich rest securely choice selection of native
overs. t
The third, Chess Knight, is evidently
0f L