Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-01-11


Andrew jackson had French cook, and
he entertained profusely. The night OF his
inauguration he gave lunch to all who
called at the White House, and barrels OF
orange punch and lemonade were made to
supply the crowd, which came by hundreds.
Barrels of this punch were made, and it was
carried into the East Room in buckets.
Half of the people present were roughs, and
they began to rush for the walters as soon as
they entered the room. The result was that
the carpets were ruined by the punch which
was spilled upon them, and many a ladv's
dress was spotted. The punch was finally
crowd was drawn off from the White House.
Ruined by Big Cheese.
The White House furniture was again
spoiled during his administration at the
time that the big cheese was brought here.
This cheese was as big around as hogs
head. 1t was about yard thick, and it was
taken with great ceremony from the North
to Washington. 1t was cut with saw blades
made into knives and was served out to the
guests. The cutting was done in the East
Room and the greasy crumbs fell on the
carpet and were trampled in. 1t ruined the
furniture 10 such an extent that after this
time no luncheons were served at the White
House until the time of President Hayes,
and now no refreshments are served at an
ordinary White House reception.
President Hayes famous luncheon was
held in February, 1881, and it was given in
honor OF the diplomatic CORPS More than
1000 persons were present by actual count
and 4, 900 partook of refreshments. The ter
rapin used filled two large wine bar
rels. 1t took 400 chickens to make the
salads and there were great tanks of lemon
ade and 100 gallons of coffee. There were
1000 quarts of ice cream, which formed only
part of the desert furnished, and there
were bushels of cake and great store boxes
OF candy. This luncheon cost S. 900. The
guests were invited by card, but a number
OF the Congressman invited outsiders on
their own hook to 60 with them. and the af-
fair was one of the most mixed that has
ever taken place in the White House.
How Presidents Are Imposed Upon.
1t is not possible for any but the invited
guests to 60 to state dinner now, but the
invited receptions always contain many
outsiders. In Van Buren's day it is said
that persons came to the White House and
said they W uld vote against him at the
election II Lacy were not given good break
fast, and Van Buren's cook said that he had
the greatest trouble in satisfying them.
Washington entertained very well. His
cook was a negro, named Uncle Harkless,
or Uncle Hercules, who strutted into the
presidential kitchen under cooked hat,
clothed in knee-breeches and blue cloth
coat and ruf1ed shirt every afternoon, and
took promenade, carrying his gold-headed
cane. Washington paid him 5000 year.
Washington's steward was a man named
Fraunces. who liked good living and with
whom Washington continually quarrelled
about the marketing. One time he bought
a oh hod in Fohr nI
it coming into the dining room he was
charmed and asked what fish it was.
washington's High Priced shad.
"It is shad,' replied the steward. "a
very fine shad. It was the only one in the
market and bought it for you"
But what did you pay for it?" said
Washington sternly.
SIT is a very fine shad," continued the
steward, sand it is cooked to turn"
But want to know the price. The
pricel"
':It cost $3," stammered out Fraunces.
Take it away" said Washington, as he
raised his hand; stake it away. It shall
never be said that set such an example of
luxury and extravaganza.
And with that he drove the steward out
of the room, and the shad was eaten in the
servants kitchen.
" asulustOu ebdte ulunerS were very
sober affairs. His guests looked upon him
as little god. They laughed at his jokes
and did not frown when he played on the
table with his fork. The first state dinner
was given by Washington in May, 1779, in
honor of the arrival of Mrs. Washington in
New York, and state dinners have been
given regularly from that time to this.
How State Dinners Are Arranged.
Fifty-four is the largest number Of guests
that can be we'll seated at the state dining
table, and invitations are usually sent out
for some number between 80 and 80. These
invitations are engraved on fine heavy cards
about six inches long by five inches wide,
and they state that the President and Mrs,
Harrison request the pleasure Of Mr.. and
Mrs. Blank at dinner on blank date at blank
o'clock. This card bears the coat-or-arms of
the presidential mansion. It is put in a
fine envelope, and is carried by messenger.
The President usually sits in the center of
one side of the table, with the ladies whom
he likes to honor on his right and left, and
his wife sits opposite, between other hon
ored guests. Invitations to state dinners
are usually sent out a week in advance, and
they must be accepted or declined within
three days. As soon as guests enter the
room an usher hands the gentleman small
envelope containing card and bearing the
name of the lady he will escort On the
diagram the number of the seats be and his
lady will occupy are marked, and he looks
at this diagram as soon as he has been re-
ceived by the President, and then Joins the
lady whom he is to take in to dinner.
MISS GRUNDY, JR.