Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-02-11
'LIGE HALFORD's FAMILY.
Harrison's Secretary's
Wife and Daughter in Florida.

/ Orlando Letter to the Florida Times-Union.
| At present the "Hoosier's Nest is entertain
| ing some guests in whom the whole countr,
will feel an especial interest for the next foul
years because Of their being members of the
White House family in Washington. They gre
the wife and daughter of Mr.. E. W. Halford
private secretary Of President-elect Harrison
Mrs. Halford and her pretty daughter, Jean
nette, are happily and quietly spending the
winter months here, enjoying season of re-
creation before entering upon the scenes Of
public life at the national capital.
Your correspondent had pleasant visit tc
HOLSTERS Nest this forenoon, but instead of in.
| terviewing Mrs. Halford, the interviewer soor
| found himself being interviewed. and hereby
| acknowledges that the joke is on him. The fact
| is, that Mrs. Halford spent last winter here
seeking relief from bronchial trouble, and
was so greatly benefited and delighted that Mr.
| Halford bought a beautiful point of land jut-
| ting out into Rock'Lake, near the Fletcher's
upon which they are going to build a winter
home. Mrs. Halford questions eagerly those
who have experience in growing flowers and
fruits. as she intends that nature and art shall
conspire to make her retreat on Breezy point
"a thing of beauty" She is also interested in
| building-plans suitable for Florida.
Mrs. Halford has bright black eyes and dark
brown hair, and appears younger than would
of full health. She is the mother of grown
daughter. She is very intelligent and
bright, quick at repartee, and conversation
does not drag in her company. Her manners
are cordial and her dress simple. This morn
ing she was dressed in q sage-green tea-gown
OF serge with terra-cotta plush trimming The
same neat simplicity is observed in her daugh-
ter's dress.
From what Mrs. Halford SAYS of her husband
the love OF fashion is not family failing with
fhntr, l. Al
ventionalities Of Washington society as one of
the trials that will attach to his position, he
being not very partial to swallow-tail coats,
and would prefer intellectual endowments as
the distinguishing mark between himself and
the walters.
Mrs Halford and daughter expect to attend
Gen. Harrison's Inauguration, but will return
to their Orlando retreat within a week there
after, as Mrs. Halford is improving so rapidly
in flesh and strength. They are both very
fond OF outdoor exercise, and in pleasant
weather spend much of their time in driving
boating and walking. Mrs. Halford herself
gathered and packed crate of citrus fruits
recently to send to indianapolis friends, the
variety including lines, lemons, citrons grape
fruit, Mandarin, Tangerine and Florida
oranges.
Miss Jeanette enters enthusiastically into
her mothers plans for beautifying their lake
side home, where she can find recompense
for having to leave her indianapolis COM
panlons by inviting them to share with her
the pleasures of Rock Lake society and
sports. She has a friendly and joyous dis
position, and absorbs her full share of all the
fun that is going on. Among the sports the
young ladies enjoy is bird shooting, and Miss
Eliza Fletcher has SO far won the champion
ship by bringing down thirty reed birds at one
shot. Miss Jeanette is eighteen years old,
and fair type of the robust western girl Her
cheeks are rosy with the flush of health: her
eyes are deep blue her hair brown, and she is
quite pretty, but her wonderful voice is one of
her principal attractions. Her mother takes
great pride in her daughters singing, as she
inherited the talent from her. she having once
been the possessor of one of the sweetest voices
in indianapolis.
Last Sabbath morning large congregation
enjoyed treat in hearing Miss Halford sing
Ambrose's arrangement of lone Sweetly
Solemn Thought" Her voice has richness and
depth, with bird-like melody. She accom-
panied herself on the organ. One of the chief
charms of her singing is the entire absence of
''airishness' that mars the effect of so much
good vocal music. During your correspondent
visit the subject of recent article in the New
York World came up, regarding Elijah w.
Halford's courtship." 'Yes," said Mrs. Hal
ford. land it is every bit true But" she
added, laughing. 81 was not the girl -