Lancaster daily intelligencer. [volume] (Lancaster, Pa.) 1864-1928, 1882-03-07
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE.
THE PURIM BALL.
MASKS AND FACES AT EXCELSIOR
HALL.
The Hebrew Social Unions Most Brilliant
success.

MASKS AND FACES AT EACELSlOR
HALL.
The Hebrew Social Unions Most Brilliant
Success.
Excelsior hall, East King street, was last
night the scene of a festal gathering, the
occasion being the grand bal naasque under
the auspices of the Hebrew Social Union
of this city, in celebration of the joyous
Purim season, through which Judaism is
now passing. The Purim balls held iD
this city in past years have been univer-
sally creditable and enjoyable affairs, but
that of last night may in all truth be said
to have eclipsed its predecessors as well in
regard to the numbers present as to the
comfort and completeness fall its appoint
ments, the elegance and variety Of the
dressing, and in tho innumerable accom-
paniments that contribute so largely to
the full measure ofenjoyment on occasions
of this character.
The attendance was probably upward
Of one hundred and fifty persons, and was
distinctivcly Hebrew gathering. all the
prominent Jewish families of the city being
represented, while guests from Phila-
delphia, New York, Baltimore, York,
Columbia and other points abroad were
numerous. A large proportion Of the
merry makers were in costume, and the
scene upon the floor from ten o'clock on
till nearly midnight, was ono of striking
and curious interest, the gay and in many
instances brilliant parti-colored apparel OF
the maskers forming an effective coatr asst
with the soberer garb of tho "lookers on
in Venice" a number of whom were in full
evening dress. Only complete list of
the costumes worn would convey an &C.
TO ilna Of tho ,Sa1 f,1,o
sented, but there WIS notable degree of
originality and novelty displayed by
the maskers. A figure that attracted
vast deal of attention was that of an
organ grinder, the picture being true to
the life in the stopped form in tattered at
tire, that with unsteady gait shambled
around the room grinding out tunes on a
wheezy hand organ, with u couple of
youthful attendants playing the inevitable
tambourine and triangle, the effect
enhanced withal by the presence of a real
live monkey which the musician led around
by a rope. When the good looking features
of Al. Rosenstein were finally disclosed
from under the slouch hat and forbidding
aspect OF the mask, there was very general
surprise and amusement. Messrs. Harry
G. Hirsh and l. Levison, the latter stu
dent at Jefferson Medical College,
Philadelphia, strobe around in the
garb of prize fighters, and were designated
respectively as Sullivan and Ryan, heavy
weight bruisers; they created sensation
wherever they went. One young lady
was notable in dress hung round
with long tobacco leaves. A very pretty
costume was worn by Miss Bailey, of York,
being of white silk, which gave the
wearer a bridelike appearance that was
captivating. Mr.. Herman Astrich made
up cleverly as Oscar Wilde, and young
Mr.. Rosenstein was similarly effective in
aesthetic dress. Mr.. Bruno Astrich, who
ably filled the position of floor manager,
was gorgeous in the garb of prince, and
Mr.. Sylvester proved himself a pho
tographer of uncommon merit. A neat
costume was worn by Miss A. Strauss,
being of black velvet, the skirt and jacket
fringed with white fur. and pair of skates
completing the conceit. Mr.. Gershel, of
Now York, made up humorously in negro
costume. Miss Amelia Loeb as priest
and Mrs. Tobias as Sister of Mercy were
figures Of central interest. Mr.. Lee Rein
berg, of York, was most romantic
"Romeo." Mr.. Morris Rosenthal, of the
same place, dressed as school boy. Miss
Hannah Nordlinger: of Baltimore, mas
queraded in the demure garb of a quaker
ess. Mr.. Ed. Stuart, OF York, looked
grim enough in q conyict's dress. Mr..
Joseph Strauss in tho Continenal uniform
and Mrs. Strauss as tho "Goddess Of
Liberty" were patriotic pair, while Mr..
Louis Astrich was unique figure in the
attire of a chimney sweep. Miss Ida Cots
schalk, OF New York, was altogether
charming in the role of q school girl, being
attired in lovely pink satin Mrs. Julius
Ledermau, of the same city, impersonated
nurse in clever style both were greatly
admired. Notable among many elegant
faucy costumes worn were those of Mrs.
NJ. Wilson and Miss Pauline Wilson, of
Baltimore, and Mr.. d. G. Hirsh. Of this
city, Mrs. Cohn, of this city. Mr.. Abel
Gottschalk and MIR. and Mrs. Joseph
Lede1man and their two charming daugh-
ters, of New York, were also among the
guests from abroad.
The list might be extended indefinitely,
but it will suffice to say there were scores
Of knights and ladies of high degree, sail
ors and soldiers, spr;tes and fairies, black
dominoes and Mephisto's, Nights and
Mornings, princes ard beggars, nearly all
of the costumes being more than usually
striking, and the whole forming a credit
able array of ingenious conceits and novel
effects. After the unmasking had taken
place many of the maskcrs repaired to
their homes, only to reappear later, the
ladies in handsome ballroom toilets and
the gentlemen in regulation evening dress.
Supper was announced shortly after mid
night, the repast being substantial and
abundant, and served by George Wall, in
the front portion of the room. There were
four long tables which wero all occupied.
The menu comprised oysters, spring
chicken. cold meats, salads and various
side dishes, ice cream and coffee, while the
wine suppl iel by mine host, Schoenberger
was of admirable quality. During the pro-
gress of the refreshment there we're happy
little speeches from President Sylvester,
Vice President D. G. Hirsh and Floor
Manager Astrich, felicitating the assem-
bled company upon the signal success that
had crowned the affair.
The corps of officers to whom is due an
especial need of credit for so ably conduct
ing the ball are Messrs Lewis Sylvester,
president; Bruno Astrich, floor manager
A. Rosenstein and J. H. Solinger of New
York, floor committee A. Jessel of Col
umbia and D. G. Hirsb, reception COM
mittee.
The music was by Taylor, six pieces, and
it is needless to say was fully up to the re-
membered with pride and pleasure alike
by the managers and guests.
An Old Pensioner.
Alderman Wiley, for twenty years, has
regularly filled up every quarter the pen
sion papers of Mrs. Rebecca, widow Of the
L.