Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1880-11-24
THE NEW CHAMBER OF COM
MERGE.

Last Thursday was field day for the
city of Milwaukee, it being the occasion OF
the opening ofthe new rooms ofthe Cham
Der Of Commerce, and banquet in the
evening at the Newhall House in connec-
ton Herewith. The building in which
the new rooms are located was erected by
Alexander Mitchell expressly for the use
of the Board of Trade, at q cost of $780,
OOO 1t is situated on the corner OF Mich
igan street and Broadway, and fol. archi-
tectural beauty and grandeur it is unequal
ed in this country. This together with
the block adjoining will stand centuries
hence as monuments to the great tinan
cial king, who has done SO much toward
developing the resources of the city OF
Milwaukee and the whole northwest.
The rooms of the Chamber of Commerce
are large and roomy and the gorgeousness
with which they are finished off Indicate
that neither taste, time or money were
spared to make them unsurpassed in splen-
dor. We will attempt no detailed des
cription of the rooms occupied by the
Board oflTrade, knowing full well. that we
could not do justice to the palatial abode
of the bulls and bears of Commerce.
The formal opening ceremonies were
held in the new Chamber of Commerce
in the afternoon before a large assemblage
of persons of both sexes, who had congre
gated from all parts of the northwest to
witness them. In the absence of Mr..
Mitchell, who was unavoidably absent in
the east, Mr.. Johnston at bis request and
in his behalf in well prepared speech
rendered the keys and possession of the
Chamber of Commerce to Pres't. Boddeu
who in return responded in Il few neat
and appropriate words. Bach's full or
chestra discourse6 bewitching music dur
ing the afternoon and the multitude
which visited the rooms were enchanted
with their surroundings Words seemed
inadequate in which to express their won
der and admiration at scenes which con-
fronted them at every turn.
The banquet at the Newhall House,
given in connection with the opening fes-
tivities, was the most superb affair ever got
ten up in Milwaukee. Between three
and four hundred guests sat down to the
tables A diagram of the banquet hall
was published on which appeared the
names of guests opposite certain numbers.
Under this system there was no confusion
or time lost in seating so large number.
Every one knew his place and experience
ed no difficulty in finding it. The tables
were deliberately decorated with flowers
and the pyramids, ornaments and en-
blems were beautiful and suggestive.
The bill of fare was all that mortal. m; n
| could wish, gathered as it was from the
four corners of the globe. We will not
tantalize our readers by any attempt at
recapitulation of the many good things
which was set before the banqueters.
/ Three electric lights shed their brilliant
rays over the vast dining hall, and gave
the banquet hall, the appearance of a
fairy scene. Toasts were offered and re-
sponded to by men who are noted for
their brilliancy and wit. Bach's Band
here also enlivened the occasion with
some Of its choicest airs. When popu-
lar piece was rendered the entire company
Joined in the chorus, and there was in
deed "a sound of revelry by night
Shortly after midnight there was per-
ceptable thinning out, but it was quite nc
ticable that the parties who took their de-
parture were either invalids or men who
had irritable and exacting partners at
home The more fearless and able-bodied
banqueters, and the poor but lucky edi-
tols, whoaahad not had a square meal
since the last editorial excursion, remain
ed somewhat later. The ceremonies
connected with the opening of the Cham
Der of Commerce will ever remain green
spot in the memories of those who hao
the good fortune to be present.