The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-03-30
FAIR WOMEN In ECSTACY.
THE CITY's FEMALE POPULATION
OUT IN GREAT FORCE.
a Perfect Stream of Them Filing Into
the Palatiai Establishment of Menken
g. Company and Rapturousiy Admir-
ing the Brilliant Display.

II is safe to say that every lady in Men,
phis who was able to leave home yester-
dav. and feels an iote OF interest in lavish
displays Of feminine finery, visited tho
mammoth and paiatial establishment OF
Messrs Menken q Co. But it is not alone
as fayortes in the line of everything ad-
mired and needed by ladies that the firm
stands in the front rank, but the assort-
ment OF goods embraces nearly every
thing that goes TO make home complete
and attractive. There are the substantials,
the ornamentals, novelties unlimited,
books and full line Of gents furnishing
goods. The elaborate display yesterday
being designed mostly for female inspec-
ton and fancy, the lines most suited to
them were given more careful attention.
Had this not been the case not a fraction
OF those who visited the establishment
would have been satisfied.
The day being unexceptionally fine for
such events, the tide set in early and con-
tinued until the sun had disappeared be-
hind the western horizon. As the ladies
entered the broad and handsome doors,
they were received by polite and studious-
~ attentive ushers, escorted and directed
TO every one OF the various departments,
and urgently invited to make themselves
thoroughly at home. This invitation was
so gracefully and sincerely extended that
the visitors felt its force, and underworld
to act upon il. II was easier attempted,
however, than accomplished. AT home
they were, but at ease, no. Long before
they had inspected the display in one de-
partment, elaborate and conspicuous dis
plays in another attracted their attention,
and il was almost impossible TO contain
themselves while trying to admire any one
article or set Of articles.
OF course the silk, satin and finer dress
goods departments held the most rapt at
tention Tor II there is one thing lady adj
inres more than another IL is these lovely
and expensive fabrics. The arrangement
OF them yesterday was particularly attrac-
tive and established the expert attendants
ms primo favorites. They have, in fact, al
ways been such, MS the members OF the
firm, being skilled and tasteful business
men, schooled in pleasing the public,
could be content with none other. "Di-
vincly beautiful" was Il frequent verdict
from the fair beholders, as their eyes least
ed upon the bewitching shades beautifully
blended in the display.
Up and down the broad stairways, from
story TO story, poured continuous streams
oi ladies' Tho roomy and coy elevator,
though kept constantly in motion, could
not accommodate ALL and there was no dis
position on their part to lose time in wait
ing. The utmost good feeling prevailed,
however, among those who resorted TO the
steps. They did not, indeed, realize any
fatigue until the gorgeous sights bad been
enjoyed TO the fullest extent and they had
made no their minds 10 retire and give
place TO others who crowded after them.
Mr. J. s. Menken, who returned TO the
city expressly TO welcome and entertain
his numerous friends, was picture OF ami.
mated delight, and never once lost the
broad smile that took possession OF his
face in the early hours OF the day. So II
was also with his genial and thorough
going partners, Mcssrs. Andrews and
Horgan. The small army OF lady and
gentlemen attaches seemed 10 find es-
pecial pleasure in the heavy demands upon
their time and energies, being entirely
unmindinl Of the WEAKNESS that must in
evitaby ensue after the day'sclose. They
realized one fact, however, that their ON.
ployers were men Of gratitude, appreciated
their wcl-directed efforts, and in the end
demonstrated those qualities. Allaround,
then, there was complete pleasure both
among the attaches Of the magnificent EN-
porinm and those who prohted by the
broad invitation TO visit and tour Il.
Mcnkens is deseryedly one OF the few
institutions to which Mcmphians refer
with pride when asked by foreigners,
"What have you here 10 see?' In yes
terlay's event Il more than sustained the
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