Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1879-12-11
A BONANZA BANQUET.
THE srLEvDoR or THE cRocKEn RECEPTION

10 GENERAL GRANT IL sAN FRANCISCO.
FROM Correspondence Springfield Republican.
Life in this gay metropolis for the
past two months has been filled with
scenes of revelry and mirih. Ever
since General Grants arrival enter
tainments and parties have rapidly
succeeded one another But among
the entertainments the Sharon fCte,
followed on Grants return from Port
land by the Bonanza king Crockcr's
reception, were the most costly and
sumptuous. Nothing that money could
procure was wanting at either. The
elegant Mob hill mansion was ablazc
with light and splcndor, and blossomcd
forth into II conservatory Of rare and
beautiful cxotics, and the feast equal
ed the costly banquets the old luxuri-
Gus Romans were wont 10 indulge in
Outside, the throng of lookcrs-on wait
cd long and patiently around the bril-
llantIy-llghted mansion, TO see the car
riagcs unburdcn their loads Of brave
men and fair women, while within the
Intoxicating perfume of delicate flow
cr-, the bcwildcring strains of music.
the beauty Of the richly furnished
rooms, the ravishing toilets of the
guests, and the beautiful and luxuriant
surroundings, made the scene one of
delight and cnchantmcnt. The beau
ty, wealth, fashion, wit and culture of
the Pacific coast were well represented
in the palace Of the millionarc. Mr..
Charles Crocker j. gentleman of
medium height, rather stout aud looks
n If he enjoyed all the good things Of
life. His face i smooth aud fair, hi.
complexion good, his eyes blue and
kindly in expression. He j. active in
all worthy charitable enterprises, and
give. ready assistance whenever call
cd upon, making good use of his vast
fortune. Mr-. Cryckcr is a brunette,
with small features. an attractive face
and gray hair Her eye, are dark
and expressive, aud she always dresses
in exceedingly good taste. On this
occasion her costume was combina-
ton Of garnet velvet and pale blue
satin, the court train finished at the
edge with a narrow fold Of vslye and
q quilting of blue velvet on either side.
The Oycrdrc-, of velvet was open in
front, disclosing n blue satin pctticoat.
] he neck aud sleeves were filed in
with rare point lace. Her Jewels were
most rarc-a necklace of solitaire
diamonds, earrings, bracelets, hair
ornaments, whose pri-matic rays flash
cd with a thousand -himmcring lustrc..
Mrs. Grant wore 4 robe Of ivory satin
de Lyons, with a long satin train
brocadcd with gold. The bottom of
the front breadth was finished with
large ta--cls of white silk. Exquisite
lacc- and diamonds added richness to
the beautiful toilet. Miss Hattie
Crockcr wore white silk, with trim
ming- Of crushed roses. The front Of
her skirt was one solid mass of pearls.
The young lady is a blonde, with
small, refined feature. and graceful
carriage. There were 20 many elegant
and costly costumes it would be use.
less TO cnumcratc them. n over six
hundred guests were present. The
centre Of the dining room tables held
stands Of growing plants-trailing
around the tables, and fcstoonng the
dishes were living vines, fresh and
lovely. The plates used for the first
time were made in Limogc-. Thi.
/ porcelain was decorated brilliantly
with birds, flowers and fruit in the
centre, and rims in harmony of color
The plates used for the various
courses were all of this porcelain.
The cut glass was imported and ele.
waited in delicate lace patterns, thin
and irail as your fancy could desire
The ices were in the form of flower.
aud fruit in their natural colors. The
menus were in red, white and blue
satin, mounted on wire stands about a
foot high, and were decorated with
vines and flowers. The whole affair
was recherche and elegant, and no ex.
pense was spared to make it the great
social sensation of the season.