The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-07-18
The Deserted City.

NEW YORK, July 16.--A walk down the lower
end of Fifth avenue, from Fourteenth street to
Washington square, seems like stroll through
Goldsmith's Deserted Village" Not that other
sections of the city do not show signs of sum-
inactivity, but at this particular location in
winter there is not night that one or other of
the fine residences is not brilliantly illuminated,
and superbly-costumed ladies, with their more
soberly attired escorts, fit by the -half-open
windows / have seen nearly whole block
here whore in front of each door an awning was
spread to the sidewalk, before which carriage
after carriage stopped many of the guests Wis
iting the different houses one after the other,
having received cards for all. 1t is not an in
frequent occurrence for upper tendon to have
invitations to half dozen places on the same
evening or to pass the earlier hours at the opera
and end the evening, or morning, rather, at
some ball or reception
People who do not think the followers of fash
ion and society work may change their opinion.
Mrs. Clews, during the season, receives
one afternoon and one evening during the
week, also gives one dinner party each week.
She superintends the education Of her two boys,
keeps up the calls of at least five hundred peo
pie, attends the opera regularly, to say nothing
of incidental amusements.
Mrs. James Brown Potter, on one occasion
acted in 1.-THE Russian Honeymoon" at matt
| nee, returned home in time to dress for dinner
party, later attended the meeting of the Nine
teenth Century Club, after which her dissipation
was brought to close by attendance at the Pa
triarchs Bali. Ii is the correct thing to be seen
everywhere, If in 'sthe SWIM"
To return to lower Fifth avenue; as strolled
along, / paused before one of the houses gayest
in winter, closely barred. with boarded front en-
trance, and other signs that the house was un-
tenanted. 1t was q plain brick dwelling, made
rather conspicuous by marble trimmings, which
made decided contrast to the red bricks and
brownstone of adjacent residences This is the
home of Mr.. Charles f. Chickering, whose
name is known the world over, where melody is
appreciated Mrs. Chickering is now magDii-
cent-looking middle-agsd woman. Years ago she
was great Boston beauty and belonged to a
rather famous family, noted rare entertainers.
good story tellers, and bons vivants generally.
Her name was Garafelia Cakes An elder half
sister was also great Boston belle, Caroline
Battells. Together these two, then celebrated
sisters, seen at all the balls and parties of
the day. everywhere the center Of attraction.
They were so gay it was thought they would
never, like the Betty Martin" of historic fame,
find husband to suit their minds but they
both married in the height of their success, and
both married Chickering's.
Caroline Battelle became the wife of Col.
Thomas r. Chiekering, who lost his life in our
civil war, and Garafelia Cakes became Mrs
Charles F. Chickering She is one of New York 8
society dowagers; her life, with one exception,
has flowed on serenely. The one sorrow is q
son, charming young man, but alas. deaf
mute Mrs. Thomas e. Chickeripg has always
lived in Boston, her daughter, also a Boston
beauty, is the wife of young Mr. Prince. son or
ex Mayor Il. O. Prince.
Both of the Mrs. Chickering's have homes in
Newport, where just now they are entertaining
many New Workers. "Willowbankr is the pretty
name attached TO one of these residences. Mrs
Thomas Chickering's, while Mrs. C. F. CHECKER
ing's is Sunny Lee.n
Young and beautiful Mrs. lStaunton Whitney,
who has been a dashing widow, in Newport for
the last few seasons. is daughter of the late
Cornelius Sutton, and granddaughter of Daniel
S. Gregory. who at one time, owned most of the
Hudson river steamboats, Mrs. Whitney was
Miss Alice Sutton. and all her brothers and sis.
tiers are known for their gayety and good looks
An elder sister, Annie. now Mrs Goodwin, was
the former wife of Edward Stevens the only son
of Mrs. ADn Stevens, the celebrated authoress.
Mrs. Whitney was engaged to Mr.. Ely Goddard,
gentleman somewhat prominent socially in two
hemispheres; both are now in Newport, and Cos
sips are busy in noting the result
Mrs. G. E. HARyIER