The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1878-06-01

QUEEN OF MAY.-Virginia Opera-fIouse
was the scene OF a charming occasion
yesterday afternoon, and one that must
have brought mingled feelings Of 10y
and pride 20 the heart Of many q
fond mother. A Queen-of-May festival
was given under the direct manage
ment OF Mrs. James Branch and her daugh-
tiers. The occasion was most felicitous in
every respect, and many were the cOmpli-
ments paid and congratulations offered the
worthy hostess for the eminent success Of
/ the occasion. !
The stage had basn most tastefully ar
ranged, with throne Of white in the CEN
tire, over which was strewn fern leaves,
while Just above was suspended hand
some pyramid of flowers. The children
were ggoHped about the sthreBe Ia appropri-:
I ate oftter, and in manner most effectively
to bring out the contrast Of coioring. The
dressing was exquisite, and they all looked
so bewitching and lovely in their innocence
that to gaze upon such scene one might
readily believe himself transported to the
realms OF fairy-land.
AS Queen, little Miss Mary Cook Branch
looked truly lovely. She was beautifully
attired In white satin, with white puffings
of Illusion, and trimmings Of point-ace
and diamonds.
Master James Thomas Rutherford was the
personifcation OF Cupid, in an exquisite
costume OF pink satin and gilt, and made
the opening speech of welcome.
The "Herald," Miss Cora Lathrop, in
dress OF yellow and gilt, spoke next. and
she was followed in turn by Ella Ellyson,
who delivered her little address with Won
derful distinctness and marked expression.
AS Butterfly" little Master Louis Bran
der was as cute and bewitching rs possible.
His plump, perfect little figure attracted
universal attention. "Twilight," Bessie
Lay, purple and silver; Might" jose
phine White, black with gilt star; "Crown-
er" and Crown-Bearer," Helen Martin,
in pure white, and Robie Child, white and
silver (a beautiful child; Rainbow" ap-
propriately dressed, by Mamie Savage;
"May," Julia Morton, green and flowers;
"Dew Drop" white with spaneles, Elise
Coke; "Queen Of Floras," Josephine Cole
man, who delivered IN address to the Queen
with much expressions; "Queen Of
Zephyrs," Annie Wortham, in blue and
silver; "Queen OF Seasons" beautifully
dressed to represent the four seasons, Liz
ze Smith; "Garland- and Sceptre- bearer"
Adele Williams and Sadie Claiborne-the
one in pink and the other in blue. The
" Six Zepbyrs" were personated by Jessie
Ward. Bessie Martin, Maggie Ferguson,
Ellen Hobson, Grace Smith, and Eva Walk
er. "Thc Seasons" all beautifully attired,
were Lulie Atkins, George Lay, Carrie
Page, and Edith Howard. "The Six
Floras" were Norma Walker, Mary
Frayser, Katie Eustis, Mamie Lay,
Lizzie Tenant, and Sallie Wortham.
The Maids OF Honor, in pink and white,
were Luie Williams, Mary Williams, Nettie
Potts. Lucy Blair, Page Booker, Carrie
Smoot, Annie Smoot, and Sallie Walker.
The two pages, both i'll elegant costumes,
were John Mayo and Jack Peasants the
latter perfect type Of the liliputian cour-
tier). After the coronation the hall was
cleared and they joined in the merry dance,
under the supervision Of Mrs. Sprigg Camp
bell, the maitre de ceremonie OF the occa-
sion.