The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-05-10

EVENT OF THE SEASON-THE TRIAL DAY
FOR TAsTE-MRs. GLADKE's OPENING.
There was an immense flutter among the
better-half of our population (of course we
refer to the feminine moiety) on last Friday
and Saturday, and the uninitiated asked
wonderingly what the stir portended. Hus-
bands found their wives amazingly agree
able, breakfast came on the table prompt,
hot and delicious, paternals marvelled at the
newly developed and increased affection Law
ished upon them by sssweet sixteen daugh-
tiers, and even big brothers were caressed
and complimented to degree that was posi-
lively alarming. Straws such as these indi-
Gated an unusual commotion among the
feminine elements, and there was vast
amount Of speculation as to the form in
which it would break out. Early in the fore
noon, however. the mystery was solved. It
was the occasion of Mrs. Gladke's first grand
spring and summer opening, an event that
is looked forward to by the ladies' with de-
gree of anxiety only equalled by that of the
small boy who is forced to wait for the second
table on big desert day.
By clever o'clock the ladies were on the
street with rubbers, umbrellas and water
proofs. Soon the handsome Main street es-
Enlistment was filled, and the devotees Of
Fashion, young and old, large and little,
fair and otherwise, were worshipping at the
favorite shrine of their deity. Pressing
through the thr0ng that crowded the front
part Of the store and passing the counters,
shelves, and cases ladened with dry goods,
ladies' ready made suits beautifully trimmed
and braided, notions and innumerable fancy
articles, the observer found himself in the
millinery department. Over the counter,
upon which were racks holding all sizes and
styles of hats, were suspended rich lace cur
tains festooned with lovely bouquets and
wreaths of the daintiest flowers, whilst in
large mirrors rejecting brilliant array OF
the choicest and richest workmanship of the
French fashionable genii. Sprays SO fragile
that it seemed a breath might wither them;
wreaths fashioned by the hand of art itself,
and clusters which even Flora might have
envied, were arranged In rich profusion and
with exquisite taste and effect around the
square. 1t seemed vision of fairy land,
and the ordinations with which it was
greeted testified to the delight of the behold
ers. ''Isn't it lovely?'' Perfectly gor-
geous." ''Just charming, and did you ever
see such styles" and other like expressions
were heard from all sides, whilst some gaz-
ed in mute admiration, wondering, doubtless,
how they would ever be able to select from
such display.
''Just look at this Normandy hat, trimm-
ed in tulle silk with tips and ribbons to
match! Did you ever see anything so
saceet ?" Sand this Clarissa look what ex-
quisite trimmings it is just too lovely, !" and
with such outbursts the bright eyes would
glance from s'Danicheff7' to Montague %
and from ''Montague" to ssGulnare,'' over
sea foam, cream and geranium, pink, blue,
and myrtle green until they were fairly daz-
zled and ached. The price of each hat or
bonnet was plainly marked so that every
one could see exactly what it would cost.
Had it been otherwise, Mrs. Gladke and her
accommodating assistants would have scarce
ly been able to answer inquiries, much less
sell and pack the great number disposed Of
The prices, too, were said by the ladies to be
very low, at least that is what they told
their fathers, husbands, and brothers when
they went home, and simultaneous with
this information, came request for the ne
cessary appropriation, which explained their
wonderful amiability Of the morning.