Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-01-30
HOW THE HOUSE LOOKED.
The Theatre Gaiiy Decorated and brightly
Lighted.

Lighted.
The interior Of the Theatre never pre-
sented more beautiful appearance than
last night.
In the twenty-nine years of its existence
this building has been the scene OF many
brilliant gatherings, for which great prepa-
rations were made; but on no former oc-
casion more thoroughly or completely.
The decorations were pretty, and IN their
arrangement marked taste was displayed.
They were not extravagant or gorgeous
but were abundant and rich IN their
modesty and simplicity.
They well represented the anciencdnys
of which they were intended IN part TO re-
produce. The adornmen of the hall was
under the charge of committee of ladies,
OF which Mrs. II. A. Tabb was tho inde-
fatigabe chairman. Yesterday she and
her assistants were at the building from
early morning until very sLort while be.
fore night, and gave their personal atten-
ton to every detail of the work. sparlng
neither time nor resource to give perfec-
ton to the branch Of tho undertaking con-
signed to thoir charge.
THE STAGE.
The old Theatre stage was hardly tpbe
recognized as it's familiar self. ~ tho
doors opened and the representatives or
tho good old days were ushered in thee eyes
rested upon a beautiful garden-sc~na .rep-
| resenting the season when the forests have
| lust taken ON their foliage and the noldD
are donning the summer-green.
| Away at the back ofthe stage was raised
platform of two terraces covered with
bright-red velvet carpet, where 1t was IN
tended that the ladies of the Reception
| COMMITTEES should stand and view the en-
troncing minuet. In the still further back
ground stood growing palms, ferns. cedar,
and other evergreen, and across tho front.
cutting of this private apartment from tho
rest of the stage. was stretched broads
yellow band.
point to the private-boxes were arranged
| groups of luxuriant potted plants ana ever
greens, which were fully IN keeping with
the rich scenery with which the stage was
set.
Across tho stage. Just in front OF tho
drop-curtain, wasstrecheda nroad s.easnes
of yellow bunting, on which was stampeo
| in large letters Of blue:
Association for Preservation
Virginia antiquities.
HOW THE HOUSE LOOKED.
The most conspicuous piece OF decofa-
ton was the large centre conopy siis-
pended from the ceiling Of tho house, from
which streamers ran at regular angles TO
the iron rod around the front OF the family
circle and TO a cord stretched just IN fsone
of the upper boxes. :, 80.
The colors used in this as well as all OF tho
other bunting decorations were blue, yell
low, and red. OF the two latter therewero
pale and deep shades. which blended INTO
combination entirely agreeable 20 tho eye:
| The red was taken from the British and
| the other two represented the true Colonial
colors. Under the gaslight tho blue
| looked like deep black. ...,
The front of tho dress circle was prettily
draped and festooned, top and bottom,
with bunting of the colors named, and e
shields of the United States, about ten in
| number Just at the bottom OF thas circle
there wasa twisted cord Of cloth In addition
| TO the loose festooning, and the ehectpro-
! duced was bright and egreeable. ABOUT
! the top only loose decoration was used.
The family circle was Less extensiveIy
adorned. being only draped and festooned
at the bottom. Its front was made con.
spicuous by the display Of oolon,ae
house. This was ono Of the most conspAcu-
ous objects to be seen IN the building. It
was furnished through the kindness OK
Mr.. Edgerton 3. Rogers and nj, sheppard.
The columns supporting tho dress CIRCLE
were entwined with yaliegated con, OF
bunting. and the stage railing was wrapped
m similar manner, only rod hnd yellow
colors being used.
THE BOXES.
The Governors box, which was thehrse
one reached on tho lsft after entering tho
front door of the house, was perhaps the
most lavishly beautified Of al. On itS
front was tackled q United States flag and
the drapery was very pretty.
Suspended from the front Of the ad-
Joining box, occupied by Major Branchs
party. was the old Heasian fng Of shrimp
pink or pale red with oid-goh border and
points and white crescent snd star:
From the front Of the dress circle boznn
this side foated the flag Of the Firstregt-
ment. Virginia volunteers, with purple On
blue ground and the coat-of-arms Of vf.
glnia In the centre. This boz snd tho 2n0
above it were filed with friends OF ~.
Blythe Branch.
The British fiag adorned The ffouto tho
! box occupied by Mr.. Roger A. Pryor, Jr.s
| and friends, and from the one Adjoining.
which held Mrs. Matthew Haryison's
friends. foated one Of ths Eisst regiments
stand Of colors. Tho upper boxes op this
side were also appropriately drnped ano
| festooned, as wexe tho pillars on eithsr slde
where the auditorium IL separated knpx
the boxes. A United Stsees shield VA
tacked ON tha fronkof Mrn Harri8on1 box