The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-01-02
The Day as Observed by Callers.

There never was a more beautiful New
Years day for calling, and the old custom
was very generally observed. There seemed
to be very little talk about receiving until
within the past few days, and persons
generally thought there would be very few
to do so, but the list published contained
the names of about 500, not including the
several clubs that were open for the recep-
ton of callers. There were fewer places at
which to call, the ladies congregating more
than usually. About o'clock carriages
began to make their appearance, and until
after dark there was constant stream of
callers.
Among the noticeable receptions was
that of the pine Lake party" who keep
together year after year, holding reunions
several times in the interval between their
summer excursions. The members received
with Mrs. Frank McCrea, on Broadway.
Their guests received flags of different ma
tions as souvenirs. Another large party of
ladies received at Mrs. L. c. Sewalps, on
Park avenue, from till 6, and for the
evening invited guests returned for pro-
gressive-euchre party: Mr.. and Mrs. John
C.. New had one of the largest parties, where
the ladies extended graceful Inequalities.
An innovation was the assistance of num-
receiving
There were more places with about ten
ladies in the party than there were with
larger numbers; A few ANNOUNCED
that thai they Would receive af bomn informally adis
We're ready to see their friends.
Some very handsome decorations made the
parlcrs more inviting, prOfusiOn OF flow
ers and plants, or flags, and in some places
both were used. There were fewer favors
Al @Iaxs fox.
favors began. A few had them, but as a
rule, the callers did not present the appear
ance of walking advertisement that they
have In years gone by.
Among thechurch, association and society
receptions were those at the Lincoln Union
and the Scottish Rite rooms, where the
members called and extended the greetings
to their fellows for happy New Year. The
day ended socially with many parties for
dancing, cards, games or conversation, the
most brilliant being held at the New Deni-
son. The ten ladies resident this winter
each invited friends to receive there from
$50 to IL. The parlor,. which was
so handsomely decorated for the as
used for the reception. The ladies brought
many of their beautiful dra peries and
lamps and placed them tastefully on man
tells and tables The halls were canvassed
and Harris orchestra, stationed at the north
end, rendered its usual delightful music
for the promenade and dancing. Refresh
ments were served in the ordinary. which
had been ornamented with flowers, and the
table was lighted with colored candles and
fairy lamps. Here the ladies took turns in
serving coffee, as in their own homes. The
party included many well-known and
popular ladies, and their costuming was
particularly rich and elegant, Mrs. Mckee,
the only lady of the President-elect's fam
| lily present, wearing an exquisite cos
tune of old pink faille, over a petticoat of
| pink and silver brOcade. The latter was
vandyked and the spaces showed fiounces
| of fine lace. A great many gentlemen
| called. Among them Rev. NJ l.. Haines,
| Rev. James Mcleod, Rev. III. A. Cleveland
| Rev. ID. +. Lucas and Rev: j. s. Jenckes,
new year ended one of the most generally
| observed and most brilliant reception days
| known for years.