Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-05-14
THE FESTIVAL HALL.

The Exposition building and its surround
ings have undergone complete metamor-
phosis, A large force of men have been
busily engaged the past sevetsl weeks, among
them florists, carpenters, painters, decorators
and lsborers-all under the supervision of
the Committee on Building, composed of
Messrs. Fred T. Anderson, Miles Collier, E.
Lehman and S. J. Camp. These gentleman
could not have been appointed to work where
they would have been more efficient. The
changes neeearsry were of SO important nature
as to demand experienced minds to conceive
and adopt. But they were determined tha,
their work should be perfect and called 10
their aid the well-known architect, Mr.. ]. B.
Cook, whose skill in the science of archi-
lecture mzde him a valuable auxiliary, and
to whom il due large share of credit for
the perfection OF all the details dem anded in
putting the building in proper shape for the
great occasion.
TEE ENTRANCE.
The front yard or entrance 10 the court
has been changed into a psrk-like appear
ance. The old rickeiy fence and gateway
have been torn away, the ground leveled and
covered with tan-bsrk, the magnolia trees
trimmed up, and the enrance.wsy defined by
two large iren vSses, ten feet higb, in which
will be planted rare plants aud flowers. The
OUteT NesLlDulc nhs pstu ClroIcu Vi AL AuCI
unsightlinsss, the walls reprinted iu brig hit
colors, and such other repairs made IS to
give q generally new appearance. The littls
ticket-seller's psgoda has been similarly
treated The walls OF the outer vestibule sre
hung with scenic drspery in gilt aod bright
colors which will give pretty effect uader
the strong rays Of the electric lights in front.
Prominent points in and about this place are
ornsmented with plants and hoEers and
stands Of evergreen.
TIE INNER vEsTBULE.
There are two doors oil entrance, one Lead
| ing 10 the sisles, promeDades and .iairwAys
on the right, the other 10 those On the left
Neat and convenient arrangements are fixed
| on either side OF both these doors for the
ticket-tskeTs, SO situated a. 10 in no way
| cucumber the free entrance 10 the vesti5ule,
at the same tine be able 10 gather in the
| cards of admission and prevent intruderI
from gaining improper access. The walls oil
ths'inner vestibule have also been decorated
| with scenery, while the floor contains an
attractive arrangement of floral and ever
green display. Here the hsndivork Of the
| painter begins to add its pleasing features &c
| the scene of trsnsfeTmaiien. The old panel,
have been retouchej in fresh colors, broker
ceiling and flooring repaired, and all ths
surrou udings restored to a condition oil
freshness pleasing TO the eyesight OF the mos
| ssthelic visiior.
| THE VAST AUDITORIUM
On the right and left Of the inner vesti
bule are the grand entrances into the va.
auditorium Ct the building. Here the visieI
of those familiar with the former torn-dowI
condition Of the structure will be dszsd a
the complete changes that have been wrought
There is nothing left of its former bleaknes
til AZ would identify il a. the same place. I'M
hrst that strikes the eye will be the Profu
sion Of decorations with flowers, evergreen
and faEs Of sll nations, among the latter o.
Il which, OF course, that of our own land pre-
dominates Here several moments will b
required 10 take in all the attractive display
The stage itself, of which description will
be given in scother place in this article
presents = picture Of grandeur that the cold
est sensibilities TO art pictures can hsrdl
resist come manifestation OF delight, an
from the more Ssihetic elicit expressloAs Q
pleasure and admiration. The orderly n an
ner and architectural precision in which tn
decorations have been arranged, the aisle
.ss srsmenzdes defined and chairs placed
strikes the visitors eye, and at glsnc
gives some idea of the vastnsss Of the under
taking.
THE FIORAL Asp FLAG DIscRATIoS.
The pillars supporting the galleries o
either side, and which divide the sections {