Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1881-07-08
BOAT CLUE ENrERrAINMENT,
A Delightful Evening on the Island


For several weeks past the social circles of
st. Paul, and more especially those who take
lively interest in such matters, has been agita-
ted over the Fete Champetre to be given by the
members of the Minnesota Boat club. Three
years ago the lady friends of the club
gave fete, at the club house on the island,
and the memory of that delightful oc-
casion will end only with the lives
of those who were present. Since then there
have been many less pretentious but equally as
delightful gatherings beneath the shadow of
the bridge, all of which are remembered with
pleasure. It was reserved, however, until
last evening for the crowning fcte of all. For
weeks past preparations have been in progress
for the joyous event, and many young heart
has beat in happy anticipation of the occasion.
The spring flood, almostamounting to deluge
so far as the island was concerned, damaged
the grounds to such an extent that the club
was subjected to quite large expense by way of
repairs. The generous people of st. Paul. who
are always ready and willing to assist in any
enterprise which adds either to the good name
of the city or the encouragement of merit,
conceived the idea of aiding the members of
the club by contributing toward the expenses
of grand fete champetre by subscribing for
number of tickets. The idea was no sooner
conceived than the preparations were COM
menced. The matter was placed in the hands
of Messrs. J. N. Granger, G.. X. Monfort, J..
N. Speel, G. H. Ranney, Stewart Rice, c. B.
Getfort and F. j. Gibson as committee of ar
rangements. In this they have been ably
seconded by the lady members of the club, and
all these preparations eliminated In one of the
most delightful social occasions ever witnessed
in St. Paul. A GLOBE reporter visited the
island about O'Clock last evening, before the
crowd began to arrive, and good opportun-
ity was given to see just what had been done.
All that portion of the island west OF the club
house had been transferred into bower of
beauty. A covered dancing room or pavilion,
60 by 81 feet, occupied the center, and this was
gaily decorated with flags, Chinese. lanterns,
evergreens and flowers. Immediately ad-
joining the club house and forming part
of the pavilion was raised platform
used by the orchestra and the flower stands.
Along the north side was situated the supper
room, 70 by 20 feet, filled with small tables
just large enough to accommodate cozy
cred with canvas, and, in addition to the Chi
nese lanterns, was lighted with four large
headlights, which gave splendor of MONDAY
to the scene. The whole space was lighted up
little before O'Clock, and from any point of
view was presented fairy scene of rare beau
ty. Net only the bridge, but all along the
bluffs, were thousands OF spectators who gazed
with delight upon the beautiful and enchant-
ing spectacle.
happy jewellers began to arrive as early as 8
O'Clock, aud by 9 o'clock there was perfect
procession of stair ladies and brave men,
streaming down the long flights of stairs and
through the Club house to the grounds below.
At 10 o'clock nearly all had arrived, and the
fete was at its height. 1t would be simply
impossible to give pen picture of the scene
then that would do justice to this spectacle of
surprising beauty. The mellow light of the
moon skimming across the placid water, the
bright and varied lights from the lanterns, the
soft music, and, best of all, the large collection
of the beauty and fashion of the city whirline
in the giddy mazes Of the dance, all combine
to make the occasion one never to be forgotten,
In bringing about so pleasant termination
of the joyous festival too much praise cannot
be awarded to the ladies who took an active
part in the preparations. The GLOBE would
like to mention them all, but has only room
for the following: The president was Mrs.
George L. Becker, assisted by Mrs. George A.
Hamilton, Mrs. Fred. Bird, Mrs. DR.. FIsge. o.
Mrs. Freeman James, Mrs. Edwin Becker, and
by Misses McLaren, Knox, Blakely, Schur-
meier and Perkins.
The flower stand was presided over by Mrs.
Geo. 8. Acker and Mrs. Capt Bunker, and the
flowers were the generous gifts of Mrs.
Girart Hewitt, Mrs. Capt. Blakely and Mrs.
81. L. Moss.
The lemonade, which was excellent in quail
ity and abundant in quantity and free to all,
was furnished by Mr.. Hugh G. Donnelly, as
his contribution to the club.
The music by the Great Western band was
THAR very best, and that is all that need be
said.
Refreshments consisted of ices, cake, etc.,
all of the very best. Dancing commenced at
Q o'clock and lasted until midnight.