Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-03-08
AMERICAN HISTORY.
'' ABOUT HOW Lent Used to Bs oh.
ssrved-Mnsic But No Danoinr-rh.
Philharmonic Cors.r.


ro'n's About How Lent Used to Bs Oh.
'Sed-Mns'c but No Danoing--Ths
Philharmonic Concert
The most popular fad of New York .o
10y snls winter has been the study OF
american history. The interest 30 an
Four Hundred in this subject is dps.to t .ho
patrfotic endeavors of Mrs. Grover Ci.ya'
iand. Deprecating the Ignorance az evon
educated Americans.of the history Of tbeir
own country. she determined 10 maLa
Americanism fashionable, and she has snc'
ceeded so well in New York that the ;nte-
rest IN the subject Is extending TO other
cities. Mrs. Cleveland's first stem wss 90
invite to her own homo a select c;rcie 80
friends TO hear Miss Jane Meade Welcb
read paper on Alexander Hamilton.
|. Miss Welch has made Amerioan b;storv
ner iife study. and is en- easy. GRACEFUL
speaker. Her hearers wero so deliehted
with this paper that they urged her 10 Give
series of Ienten lectures. She consent.
ed. and delivered a course of lectures at
the berkley Lyceum, embracing among the
s9nlests Inc War of 1872" The Making
OF New state COregon)," "" John Adams"
States" '"S oni'ou
FOUND Favor IN FASHION.
Now she finds herself the fashion 10
New YORK. The doors Of upper tendon
are all thrown open to her, and parlor Iec-
lures from her are eagerly sought for.
her success Is more than new fashion. for
her pubic lectures were attended by the
most cultivated men OF the CITY, the
iiterati, college presidents. &c. She in
vested her subjects with so much interest
that she created genuine enthusiasm and
1T Is to be hoped that the effects of her
work viii be lasting. The paper on Mary
the Mother OF Washington" to be read at
the Executive Mansion on Tuesday after
noon by Marion Harland is, il is hoped.
only the inltlatory step towards similar
revival Of Americanism in Richmond,
TIME FOR MEDITATION.
The ecclesiastical season of Lent is the
time when society RETAINING from the
gayeties and pomps of fleshly pleasures is
supposed TO and does mediate on more
serious things. Various degrees of strict
ness are observed. and whether or not il is
conformed to perfectly the influence is
most statutory to all classes.
IL would seem that Lent would only
affect the Catholic and Episcopalian re-
llgions that observe 1t, vet by contact all
denominations feel its influence.
THEY TOOK LESTEN WALKS.
Not many years ago there was certain
brilliant set in society who CLAIM to have
gotten far more pleasure and enjoyment
out of Richmond society than has ever
been equalled since. They often tell our
Jennesse Doree that what is now called a
good time" would hardly pass muster
for entertainment in their day." Even
in Lent their gay spirits were only slightly
trammelled by the rigor Of that austere
season. Early services were then largely
attended by all the young men and women
in society. After decorous observance of
the services each young man would join
the lady with whom be had an engagement
to accompany her home. Often if Lent
fell later IN the spring and the morning
happened to be especially lovely this walk
was much prolonged aud an invitation to
breakfast at the home of the young lady
would follow.
Lenten breakfasts were then extremely
popular. About eight or ten couples
would assemble by invitation at the home
OF some popular belle. A merry time was
enjoyed.
MUSIC BUT NO DANCING.
Since society must be amused even in its
time of penance a certain class of enter
tainments have been decided en- reQte for
that period. Dancing is of course rigor-
ously prohibited, as are also public amuse-
ments-stage plays.
Musical performances are largely attend
ed during Lent.
The banjo and guitar enter largely in the
home pleasures of Lent as do also cards
and all the new games.
Catholics observe Lent most closely. All
good Episcopalians attend service once. If
not twice, everv day during Lent and also
observe the fast days. 1t is largely the
custom TO deprive ones self OF Injuries
and pleasures at this season.
Young ladies frequently announce at the
beginning of Lent that they will not at
tend the Theatre or eat candy during
Lent.
Music has been the absorbing pleasure
of society the past week.
ON Tuesday afternoon Mr.. Leo Wheat
gave superb organ recital at Park;Place
church, which was crowded with fashiona-
BILE people. That evening he gave o must
Gale at the residence of Mr.. James Il. Pace,
at which there was brilliant gathering.
On Thursday evening DIR. and Mrs.
White gave most enjoyable musicale.
THE COMING CONCERT.
The Philharmonic concert which will be
Given on next Tuesday evening gives every
indication of being the most brilliant OF
the series.
Marie Decker, whose singing has created
a Juror of admiration in Boston and New
York. has also been the recipient OF most
flattering attention in society circles,
having had several entertainments given
her, comes again TO Richmond to sing at
the Philharmonic.
Signor Mama, celebrated baritone: has
also been secured. The appearance OF the
ladies attending these concerts In tuli
dress adds greatly to the brilliancy OF
the house. III,
II is erroneous TO suppose the Phli-
harmonic is antagonistic to any other mu-
steal organizations. The object for which
this series of concerts was begun was 10
raise funds for that worthy charity, the
Woman's Christian Association.
PHYSICAL CULTURE.
This is asubject that is absorbing large
amonnt of attention III society just now.
The classes at the Belvidere by Miss
Weeks are crowded with representative
voung ladies in society.
THE Literary Club held a meeting ut the
residence of MIR. James Alfred Jones on
Friday evening. After brilliant paper on
George Eliot, Dy Mr.. Phillip Bruce, was
read refreshments were served. Miss mary
Jones dispensed the hospitality OF the
evening most gracefully. Mr.. and 1Is
Thomas Seldom. Mr.. Wyndham Mereditn'
MIR. Philip Bruce, and others were present