Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-02-26
OF SPLENDID PROPORTIONS
An Adjoining Lot Bought to Extend
the Crowded Quarters.
THE GRAND ANNUAL MASKED BALL
Presenting GrOtesque Array Of Odd and
Charming Costumes.
JOLLITY AND CONvIVIALITI SUPREME

At the grand masque ball of the Central
Turnverein in their hall on Forbes street
last night DISPATCH reporters inquiries
ELECTED the information that the present
commodious quarters of the most prominent
society of gymnasts in Western Pennsyl-
vania are soon to undergo an entire trans
formation, which promises to make the hall
of the Pittsburg Central Turnverein one of
the largest and finest in the State, if not in
the country.
The number of members has of late in
creased at an enormous rate, and, thanks to
the efforts of Professor Oscar Scheer, the
children's class of gymnasts has grown to
such proportions that the athletic hall has
proved to be entirely too small for the ac-
commodation OF all the pupils. But this
will all be changed soon.
A few days ago the lot adjoining the
property of the society on Forbes street.
measuring 2Oxl32 feet, was bought, and this
addition to the present hall will, it is hoped,
make the place large enough for years to
come.
The entire lot will then be S0x132 feet.
Architect Josef Stillbury has been intrusted
with the task of
MAKING THE PLANS
for the improvements, and it is generally
anticipated that the result will be great
success.
The opinions among the members are as
vet divided as to what should be done. Some
think that it would be as we'll to save the
money and simply build an annex to the
present hall; but very large number of
members of the society, who take great
pride in its prosperity, are anxious to see an
entirely new building go up, with modern
improvements and such arrangements as
are not equaled by any other Turner Hall
in the State. A meeting will be held in
few DAYS to consider what is best to be done.
There was probably never a more jolly
and pleasant company assembled in the
Central Turner Hall than last night. Ever
since the announcement of the masque ball
had been made to the members, fertile
brains and nimble fingers had been at work
to conceive and create costumes that might
carry off the prize at last nights ball. That
the result of these efforts was, therefore,
perfect revelation to all the visitors, is quite
natural.
TWO HUNDRED IN THE MARCH.
There were about 200 couples in the col
umns of the grand march, and such vari-
etv of odd costumes was scarcely ever wit
messed here before.
Among those who received the most gen.
eral admiration were: A young lady ar
rayed in the garb of a nymph, with beau
tiful dress of sea-green tulle; two flower
girls in white muslin, festooned with gar
lands of natural flowers; two Pennsylvania
Dutchmen from Greene county, who styled
themselves Prohibitionists; two fellows in
the regular Chinaman's garb; an imitation of
John Bull, and another of a gentleman from
the West of Ireland.
The Toerge Bros. orchestra, represented
BY 80 musicians, furnished the music for the
entertainment, which lasted until early this
morning.
At u o'clock an adjournment for supper
was called. Covers were laid for about 300
persons.
The ball was decidedly select affair; in
fact, one of the committeeman at the door
said: "Anyone who wants to get in here
must show his naturalization papers and
also his tax receipts"