The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1877-1885, 1879-11-27
Mlsefllolleou5.
Republican Simplicity as Exenl1ifed
a. Grants Reception.
SNOBBERY.

In former days the North was accustomed
to sneer at Southern ar:istocracy, but sure
lv it was a better thing than Northern
~sno1berv. Read this from a California pa
per-
The elegant Nob-hiil mansion was ablaze
with light and splendor, ana blossomed
forth into a conservatory OF rare and beau
tiful c~Xotics, and the least equaled the cost
Iy banquets the Old luxurious Romans were
wont to indulge in. Outside, the throng Of
lookers-on waited long and patiently around
the brilliantly-lighted mansion, to see the
carriages unburden their loads of brave men
and fair women, while within the intoxica-
ting perfume of delicate flowers. the be
wildering 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 enchantment. The beauty,
wealth, fashion, wit, and culture of the
Pacific coast were we'll represented in the
palace Of the millionaire. Mr.. Charles
Crocker is Il gentleman of medium height.
rather stout, and looks as if he enjoyed all
the good things Of life. His is smooth and
fair, his complexion good, his eyes blue and
kindly in expression. He is active in all
worthy charitable enterprises, and gives
ready assistance whenever called upon, max
mo GOOD use of his vast fortune. Mrs.
Croker is a brunette, with small features,
an attractive face and gray hair. Her eyes
are dark and expressive, and she always
dresses in exceedingly good taste. On this
occasion her costume was a combination of
garnet velvet and pale blue satin, the court
train finished at the edge with a narrow
fold Of velvet. and a quailllng of blue vel
vet on either side. The overdressed of vel
vet was open in front, disclosing a blue
Tlo ,ooly onI clnaro, 1rnra
filled in with rare point lace. Her jewels
were most rare-a necklace of solitaire dia-
monds. earrings, bracelets, hair ornaments.
whose prismatic rays flashed with a thousand
shimmering lustres. Mrs. Grant wore = robe
of ivory satin de Lyons, with a long satin
train brocIaded with gold. The bottom Of
the front breadth was finished with large
tassels of white silk. Exquisite laces and
diamonds added richness in the beautiful
toilet. Miss Hattie Crocker wore white
silk, with trimmings of crushed roses. The
front of her skirt was one solid mass OF
pearls. The young lady IS blonde, with
small, refined features and graceful car
rage. There were so many elegant and
costly costumes, it would be useless to
enumerate them, as over 600 guests were
present. The centre of the d~inning-room
tables held stands of growing plants-trail-
ing around the tables, and festooning the
dishes were living vines, fresh and lovely.
The plates used for the first time were made
in Limoges, France, celebrated for the clay,
called k9oline, which is found there. This
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 por-
celain. The cut glass was imported and en-
graved in delicate lace patterns, thin and
frail as your fancy could desire. The ices
were in the form Of flowers and fruit in
their natural colors. The menus were red,
white and blue satin, mounted on wire
stands about Il foot high, AMI were decora-
ted with vines and flowers. The affair was
recherche and elegant, and no expense was
spared to make it the great social sensation
Of the season.