The daily gazette., 1876-03-28
PRICE F0KGERY.
MASQUERAEed Broader was
ROE OF FoRG-

STYLES IN CosTUMEs-s:s -
OLD "REMINISCENCES. WS, mn % on a.
A masquerade ball, were it OLE came
its gay and rich costumes with ln1ted a
variety Of color, and shapes of ma'an-
nations and ages, forms a wide contraen-
with an ordinary ,lress, with gentleF,
men in prim black suits, be they ever
so relieved by fine toilettes Of mes.
danes and danes.
But apart from this variety of color,
the extravaganza Of style and wealth
Of ornament, masquerade possesses
the always attractive charm of mys-
terry.
A GAzETTE reporter called, the 9th
er day, at the establishment of noted
costumer in this city, and was politely
shown through the different rooms,
containing the dresses. Here were
found costumes for nearly anv charac-
ter that one would wish to represent,
and with prices, for an evenings wear
varying from seventy five cents 10 five
dollars.
"Some people," said the lady in
charge, "Think our prices are too
high. They have an idea that costumes
are made of any flimsy stuff, and
roughly thrown together. 1t is mis-
take as you can see. They are made of
good materials, and sewn as strong as
any garment; aud, indeed they have to
be, for they often receive very rough
| usage"
In response to an inquiry, we found
that business had not been very good
during the past season, but like any
thing else, it was expected to got a
start during the Centennial. "The
style of dresses worn," said the costu-
mer. depends On the occasion. The
more stylish the affair, the greater the
number of high toned suits ordered
Courtiers, Kings, Princes. Princesses,
SC. have velvet costumes, trimmed
with silk and satin. The Continental
costumes are the rage now, and if you
will step into the workroom, you will
see some new ones" Here were seen
gentlemen's costumes of green velvet,
trimmed with gold, black. trimmed
with silver cord, and scarlet satin,
trimmed with gold lace. We saw here
also, two beautiful dresses, which are
to be worn, at ball, soon to take
place in this city.
One, was Lady Washington dress,
and was made of heavy foalard silk,
with elegant flower figures, ornamen-
ted with light blue satin, and having
long train, with underdress of quilted
satin. 1t will be the handsomest cos
tune ever worn here. Nearly equal to
it Is the dress for the character of POI
cahontas, made of purple satin and
black velvet trimmed with lace, beads
and gold spangles.
"Could | ask, who will be the wear
er of the Lady Washington costume"
said our reporter. 81 am afraid that
you would not get an answer if you
did" was the reply, eve never tell,
under any circumstances, who are
going to wear the suits.
That settles it, thought the newspa-
per man, and he then inquired,
what kind of characters are the best to
represent. "Well that dependsa great
deal on the person. If the wearer is
lively and good mimic or actor, and
can act the character, comic one, will
give lots CT amusement. A clown, or
fop, or schoolboy, would do. But if
they intend to simply walk about, a
rich dress is better. don't like to see
a person get clown dress and then
only walk around as solemn as
preacher. 1t is not the right way"
Masks or false faces, cost from five
cents to one dollar. The higher priced
ones are made of wire gauze, and are
more comfortable than those of papter
mache, being ventilated, and will do
to wear on several occasions. In the
comic line, simply eyes and nose COM
bined, make good protection to many
persons, and are cooler than those
which cover.the whole face. A new
idea is a mask, that can be made to
wink by pulling string.
For out door professions, like those
on New Years eve and Washington's
birthday, Indians, Chinese and clown
suits are favorltes. "We have to hire
suits that can be washed. for parades,"
said the costumer, "as they get very
dirty" After viewing some Indian
suits which were very stylish, made
of an imitation of buckskin. fancifully
ornamented, our reporter took his
leave.
In by gone days, our citizens were
often treated to masked professions on
Fourth OF July, and other holidays
Carnival clubs from Philadelphia
would come here by water, in sloops
and parade around the streets.
In 1S45, we think it was, that the
"Big Crow" and Little Crow" clubs
came from Philadelphia, and landed
on coal wharf, about the foot of
King street. 1t was on the Fourth of
July, and large crowds had assembled
to see them land. A dispute arose
between member of one of the clubs
and one of our citizens, which grew
into a general fight, with Jumps of
coal for missiles. and it is said that
three or four tons of coal were thrown
away.
These parades in later years got to
be nuisance, ON account of the riotous
conduct of the participators,, and the
Hast one occurred on the Fourth of
July, in 1857, The ringleaders were
arrested and brought before the Mayor
but were afterward released. This
was on account of an ordinance, pass
ed the year before, and is still in force
which provides, that all persons, sing
ly or in company, appearing in fantas-
tic costume, or with painted, disguis-