Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-04-11
FAMOUS BALL ROOMS.
Those in This City That Have No.
table Social Records.
THREE ADMINISTRATIONS
Covered by the Picture Gallery of Postmaster
General wanamaker - Spacious Dancing
Rooms at the English, Mexican Chinese and
Russian Legations OtherH handsome Rooms.
MODERN MANSION NOWADAYS IN


and reserved for such purposes and no other.
Indeed some recent commentators upon past
social events agree that a spacious dining room
would more generally answer the needs Of those
who with hospitable bent set out to entertain
that large family known official society. But
call it what you will. the absolute necessity for
one large room. separate and distinct from the
usual spaciousness of the drawing room,
the library and the ordinary dining room. is a
powerful social factor which seems widely
recognized among those who have built them
selves homes here during the last decade.
Some call them picture galleries, others dining
halls and others ball rooms. As a rule they all
answer the same purpose and are but a sub
stantial expression of the generous ideas of
hospitality. which are part and substances OF
the latitude in which we live and which
naturally attracts people of the same tempera-
ment here to enjoy as well as offer such adj
vantages.
ONE NOTED ROOM AND ITS CHANGES.
When the Frelinghuysen family were at the
top Of the social ladder everybody seemed to
think that nothing more could be added to
make their home more attractive. Yet when
the Whitneys came and saw the field they con-
quered it by adding their since famous ball
room. The bellies of the Cleveland adj
ministration will tell their grandchildren
some day what the latter, looking backward,
may reasonably call legends of by-gone splen-
dor. If no other tales of festivity are remem-
bered OF those four years the Whitney bail
room "reminiscences will amply supply the his
torian-not only with facts but fancies. Mrs.
Whitney balls were dreams. No such lavish dis
play OF flowers, no such absolutely perfect sup
pers. no such complete detail in everything
which could conduce to the pleasure not only
of the favored few, but the great body In So
ciety, were ever seen here in a continuous
series. Outside of tie balls this ball room
witnessed the most notable occasions of the
period. The musicales. the readings both by
amateurs and professionals exerted the widest
influences. Mrs. James Brown Potter and
'.'Ostler Joe" made the big jump into fame
there which started the real theatrical career
for the former. Baby Dorothy's christening
festivities took place there. and these two mar
velously beautiful Christmas tree parties, the
one for the petted darlings of the West End
and the other just charming for Sister
Sarah s big family of orphan children.
CHANGES BY Mr.. wASAMAKER.
Another turn Of the political wheel and the
mansion and the ball room finds new owners
Postmaster General Wanamaker entirely trans
formed the house with newer and more elegant
furnishings and the Louis XVI ball room
became picture gallery or music room. which,
ever you like. There will be probably no
more dances given in it for another while.
Many OF those who were present the past win
ter, when Mrs Booth made her eloquent plea
for the Salvation Army, were also there when
Mrs. Potter electrified society by her daring
elocutionary effort. 1t was strange contrast
The Wanamakers are fond of their pictures
The subjects of them are all pleasing. 1t is a
treat, which many have enjoyed, to make the
tour of the gallery with either the host or host
sss. They are always adding new pictures or
other beautiful objects to the room. They are
as lavish In the use of flowers as the Whitneys
were, which expresses great deal in Washing
ton. The suite OF rooms from the drawing
room back are as luxuriously furnished as any
at the capital The walls everywhere are COW
cred with pictures. In the library the walls
above the book shelves are lined with old en-
cravings. which are looked on as very curious
by those who prefer modern art.
SENATOR sAwYER's BALL ROOM.
The ball room at Senator Sawyer's mansion is
decorated in the Moorish style. Mrs Howard
White brought home from Spain copies of bas
reliefs in the Alhambra, and these are repro
duced in the ceiling of her beautiful room. 1t
has eastern hangings at the doors. all richly
embroidered in gilt and it is lighted by cleo
trio lights, which shine through curious old
Persian lamps which are suspended from the
ceiling. In the bay window there is a cush-
Toned settee.
MR.. JOHN R. MEANS LOFTY LIBRARY.
Mr.. John Il. McLean's ball room is like every
thing else about his mansion. spacious and
lofty. Its coloring is rich and dark. The fire.
place at the south end Of the noble apartment.
is big enough for half dozen ordinary sized
people to find in its recesses a safe hiding
place. The massive carved mahogany mantel-
piece extends nearly to the ceiling and is al
most matched in general effect by the organ on
the west side Of the room. The walls all around
are lined with low book cases and above
that are hung with terra-cotta brocade.
The room for every day use is furnished hand
someIy. The beautifully carved old mahogany
tables and chairs are supplemented by COW
and luxurious couches and easy chairs. All
around the top shelf of the book cases are
ranged rare and beautiful pieces of china,
bronzes, with here or there portrait, a lamp,
DC. When cleared of the furniture and made
ready for ball in space it gives more dancing
room than any other private ball room in this
city. The spacious hall adjoining it on either
side and the wide staircase, which forms really
an annex, upon the festive occasions which the
room has SO frequently witnessed all contrib
ute to its artistic beauty. At the top of the
landing is a gallery for the musicians, from
which point beautiful view of the ball room
can be had. Those who were present at the
children's Christmas balls given by Mr. and
Mrs. Mclean for their Young son will remember
what wonderful feast Of color and beauty the
scene made. The room was transformed into
a mimic forest and the Christmas trees laden
with presents, the youthful guests in their pic
turesque dresses all made picture OF un-
rivaled charm.
Mrs. Mclean has about transformed her
beautiful Louis XIV drawing room into an
aviary. In gllded cages are all sorts and con-
ditions OF feathered songsters. To some of
them are given the freedom of the room, and it
is pretty sight to see the birds flying from
one corner to corner.
AT THE ENGLISH LEGATION.
Crimson and gold are the leading embellish-
ments Of the English legation ball rooms. The
walls are papered in gilt and the heavy hang
ings at all the windows and doors are of bright
crimson brocade. Three large crystal chande-
liers hang from the lofty ceiling. If they could
talk every crystal drop could tell tale of social
splendor or of international love making. The
last historical episode in which Cupid PLAYED a
part was when Hon. Joseph Chamberlain met
Miss Endicott there.
If not to be invited to an English legation
ball means utter despair and chagrin. what
complacent smiles Of triumph have been
showered across this noble apartment MANY of
the most notable balls that the capital in the
last decade have known have taken place under
the roof OF Queen Victoria's ball room Sir Ed
ward Thornton's splendid inequalities opened
it up, and after his term Miss West, the au,iable
daughter of Sir Lionel West, did its honors in
truly patrician style. The Thorntops COM
menced the Mi-Carene balls, which have since
held place in fashionable Lenten programs.
The balls at which Sir Lionel West in
troduced his two younger daughters to society
were each brilliant events. Sir Julian and
Lady Pauncefote have been equally hospitable.
The ball room during their first winter here was
the scene OF many gatherings. 1t has been