Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1889-02-28
1M4GNIFIOENT pTsPLAY.
Hoe the Boston House WindOlcs are
Decorated for the Inauguration.

From Washington Star 201.
Fora week past travellers along T and 18th
streets have wondered why the curtains OF
the great windows of " oOdward & Lothrop's
Boston House were kept so persistently clos
ed. They VIII learn tomorrow morning
when. nj 10 O'Clock, the curtains will be rails
ed. revealing display of fabrics such as has
never been seen before south of Philadel-
phia. This firm, always eAterprising, some
time ago decided to give a treat TO the people
of Washington and those who might visit
the city for the Inauguration, and were for
tunate enough TO secure the services OF MI
:. b. Suits, one of the leading window dress
ers OF the country. They gave him the lib
ertv of the store, as it might be called, and
told him 10 spare no effort or expense IN hll-
inc the windows with the best effects
produced by the loom. He has succeeded,
and we are assured that to-mouOw's sun
will shine on fully $4,000 worth Of dry
goods arranged in pannels, drapings, tufts
folds. and delightful harnonies.
A NorrepOTter was givena private view
of the display this morning, the curtains be-
inc raised one by one, that he might get an
idea of the results of Mr. suits labOrs. But
only partial idea of the display can be Civ
en-. The goods in the windows are pracl-
callv "a catalogue of the contents OF the store;
each window Is a separate department., ar
ranged with exquisite taste, so as TO bring
out 10 the best advantage the true textures
and finish of the articles The llth-street
front is done i'm light tones, and the goods are
mostly linens, c0ttons, woolens, muslins, &c.
The first window on henorth is filled with
table linen. arranged i'm a background OF
three columns, the center one presenting a
half round surface Napkins are every
where-fOlded. fiat. and draped-the effect
being of a succession of rows of alternating
white and colorcd goods. The next window
contains handkerchieiS OF linen and lace,
finely embroidered and plain, also draped
over columns. \ long piece of yellow can
ton silk affords q bit of warm cOloring at the
bottom of the window, aided by several
pieces of art pottery placed here and there.
Smilax ftstooned over the white goods gives
pretty effect.
The third window Is finished like the first,
I'm fine table-damaSk goods. Numbers four
and five are practically one, the background
/ following a graceful compound curve, tlled
I'm with ladies underwear The picture pre-
-ented by this display Is exceedingly unique
and pretty delicate shades of pink and vel
low giving emphasis to therare laces peeplng
out on every side. In each window is cen
ter-piece, lay figures draped with handsome
evening gowns-one in pink, the other a
creamy white. The corner window Is OF an
odd shape and 20 drape ii cost much labor.
/ IL is filled with silk underwear and fine
hosiery.
Inside of the vestibule are two charming
corners. The window on the right, coming
ont of the store, Is an essay on gloves, short,
. long. light, dark, all gracefully arranged.
+ On the other side Is one of the prettiest OF
pictures. 4 little tea stand, furnished with
cups and sauccTs stands invlungIy I'M the
midst of q wealth of coloring. silks OF the
most exquisite shades. embroidered work,
drawn work with background of panels OF
alternating figured aud plain silk goods.
/ One wall Is covered with a magnificent por-
/ there. am embroidered piece representing the
sacred lotus of the Nile, costing nearly S4OO,
+ This window contains -, 600 worth OF goods
alone. though it Is one of the smallest
The I street front presents still handsomeI
I effects the windows on this side being hllcd
I with the richest dress goods, embrolderles,
/ lace~. aud other dclicacies that delight the
female heart. Sateens. ginghams, and chal-
/ he, I'm the first. with stands of umbrellas
along the front. The second contains q
number of drapcd dress goods, OF silk and
wool combination stuhs. each piece provided
with am umbrella 10 suit the style and shade
/ Inthc background are elegant evening goods
/ I'm the most delicate shades.
/ The next window. east of the small en-
trance. Is not vet draped, but will be to-
nieht. 1t win be filled with gentlemen
furnishings sop TO the sterner seX-thC
tor 10 be finished in medallion and the floor
I'm tile effects. The curtains OF the last win
I dow To- the east are still down, but when rails
ed will show probably the handsomest dis
piav of goods ever contained I'm Washing
tom window evening silks drapcd ON skirt
forms. lacc-. bridal veil of point NiennessC
and Duche~,e lace-, fans of the most delicate
texture. an drapcd in panels of the richest
col0red silks. The cream of the stock vii
De found I'm this window, and the picture II
presents viii be unsurpassed in ITS beauty.
The firm intends to keep the display IN the
. windows until after the Inauguration. IN or
der Co give those who come here the ldes
that Washington is not behind the times II
the way of fine stores. They will probably
! lose several hundred dollars worth of goods
used I'm the display through the fading inhu
ence of the sun. Mr. Suits, the decorator
who ha, a national reputation, starts in the
latter part of March for Paris, where he
will drape a number of exhibits at the expo
,idon. He considers thi, one of his greatest
achievement, mp to this time.
e
- L.. L.. u -n.r L..rr.. II of nnr