Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1879-11-24
A BONANZA BANQUET,
The SplendOr of the CrOcker Recep-
ception to General Grant in
San Francisco.
corre.nondenee sprIngaaId RopubIieanl

Life in this gay metropolis for the
past two months has been flled with
scenes of reyelry and mirth. Ever
since General Grants arrival enter
tainments and parties have rapidly
succeeded one another. But among
the entertainments, the Sharon fete,
followed on Grants return from Po-
land by the Bonanza King Crocker's
reception. we're the most costly and
sumptuous. Nothing that money
could procure was wanting at
either. The elegant Mob Hill man
sion was ablaze with light and splendor,
and blossomed forth into a %conserva-
tory of rare and beautiful exOties, and
the feast equaled the costly banquets
the old luxurious Romans were wont
to indulge in. Outside, the throng of
lOokers-on waited long and patiently
around the brilliantly lighted man
sion, to see the carriages unburden
their loads of brave men and fair wo-
men. while within the intoxicating
perfume of delicate flowers, the be-
~wildering strains of music, the beauty
of the richly furnished rooms, the
rayishing toilets of the guests, and the
beautiful aud luxuriant surroundings,
made the scene one of delight and en-
chantment. The beauty, wealth. lash.
ion, wit and culture of the Pacific
coast were well represented in the pal
ace OF the millionaire. Mr.. Charles
Crccker is a gentleman of medium
hight, rather stout and looks as if he
enjoyed all the good things of life.
His face is smooth and fair, his com
p%lexion good, his eyes blue and kindly
in expression. He is active in all
worthy charitable enterprises, and
gives ready assistance whenever called
upon, making good use Of his vast .or-
tune. Mrs. Croker is a brunette,
with small features, and 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 COM
bination Of garnet velvet and pale blue
satin, the court train finished at the
edge with a narrow fold of velvet. and
a quilting of blue velvet on either
side. The Overdress of velvet was
open in front, disclosing a blue satin
petticoat. The neck and sleeves were
filed in with rare point lace. Her
jewels were most rare-a necklace of
solitaire diamonds, earrings. bracelets,
hair-Ornaments, whose prismatic rays
flashed with a thousand shimmering
lusters. Mrs. Grant wore a robe of
ivory satin de Lyons, with a long satin
train brocaded with gold. The bot
tom OF the front breadth was finished
with large tassels CT white silk. Ex-
quisite laces and diamonds added
richness to the beautiful toilet. Miss
Hattie Croker wore white silk, with
trimmings of crushed roses. The
front of her skirt was one solid mass
Of pearls. The young lady is a
blonde, with small, refined
features and graceful carriage. There
were so many elegant and costly cos
tunes it would be useless TO enumer-
ate them, as over six hundred guests
we're present. The center of the din
ing-room tables held stands of growing
plants-trailing around the tables and
f~estooning the dishes we're living vines.
fresh and lovely, The plates used for
the first time were made in Limoges.
The porcelain was decorated brilliant
ly with birds, flowers and fruit in the
center, and rims in harmony of color.
The plates used for the various courses
were all Of this porcelain. The cut
glass was imported and elevated in
delicate lace patterns, thin and rail as
your fancy could desire. The ices
were in the form of flowers and fruit
in their natural colors. The menus
we're in red, white and blue satin.
mounted on wire stands about a foot
high, and we're decorated with vines
aud flowers. The whole affair was
recherche and elegant, and no ex-
pense was spared to make it the great
social sensation Of the season.