The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1892-01-01

and where the hair was OF n blond tint the
effect was very becoming. Cosmetics were
little used, for several foreign noblemen,
who even thus early began to have Rec
objections of America" comment on the
fact that the women were pale and had lit
tic color
Beautiful as was the dress OF the belle of
century gone, the apparel of the contem-
porary beau was even more charming. If
man could not be courtly and handsome /
in satin, soft lace, gold embroidery and
Ieweled buckles, surely he was not worthy ,
the name White silk stockings seem to
have been the favorite envelope for the ex-
iremties, possibly because they apparently
Increased their size. Coats were Of every
color, even Of red. Indeed, the latter
seemed a notable favorite. The cooked hat,
enriched with gold lace and cords, was as
elaborate as the headgear OF n tailor
made" woman OF our times. The vest,
usually of white satin, frequently heavily
embroidered with gold, silver or colors,
always ornamented with noticeable and
often valuable buttons, had long flaps its
entire length, and was, after the coat the
most pronounced article Of attire.
Rufles of lace, fine us that worn by
fell about their we'll kept hands and ndown
their snowy shirt bosoms The widest
latitude in color and fabric was permitted,
and though General Washington, Mr.. Jay,
Robert Morris and other distinguished
men confined themselves to black, white
or scarcely visible colors, many of the
celebrities of the day wore hues rs vivid or
as delicate ms the most dainty debutante.
Mrs. Washington never requested her
weekly visitors to be seated. Indeed, al
the chairs were removed from the room
and only sofa remained, end before this
she stood. On this New Years day the
usual custom prevailed throughout the
afternoon. From 4 until there was n
temporary lull in the arrivals, and General
Washington and his wife improved the
momentary quiet by partaking of some
slight refreshment.
Shortly after 6 o'clock the stream of
callers began to flow again. and the guests
who now came in splendid attire, surpass-
ing that OF the afternoon, remained for
long periods, as the seats had been replaced
in the rooms. There was never music at
the usual Friday receptions of Lady Wash
ington, nor was an exception made on this
more important occasion. The subdued
tones of the courtly gallants, the pretty
ripple OF laughter from even prettier lips,
and the continuous rattle and rumble of
arriving and departing equipages alone
broke the silence But one innovation was
made in favor CT New Years. Refresh
ments were served at Z o'clock and though
to us who often "view with a critics eye"
party supper Of game, salads, terrapin,
oysters, ices, ETC., ad infinitum. the prof
fered entertainment looks very simple, its
simplicity provoked no comment. Tea and
coffee, plum cake aud plain cake were
served.
The Washington menage was famed for
its china, its silver, it's glass and linen.
The family plate, most of which descended
from the Custis side of the house, was
magnificent. 1t had been brought to New
York by Mrs. Washington, and on her ar
rival was all melted down and reproduced
in more elegant and harmonious forms.
Each piece displayed the arms of the Wash
ingtons, and much Of it is still in the pos
session of the Custis family. The massive
salver, 22N inches long and TX. wide, is
oval and perfectly devoid OF all ornamen-
tation save rim Of beading" at the outer
edge. Upon this were served tea and coffee
in cups of cobweb iineness, so thin that the
liquid within showed from without its
CNoSc hViSuo III thc cup. lWO Ilcu StTV-
ants, dressed in plain livery, passed the
cups that cheered but surely did not in-
ebriate. Though hot punches, sangaree
and wines of every sort were drunk in
great quantities and at all times, Lady
Washington seems to have beon as unwill-
ing to serve them as WAS one Of her recent
SUCCESSORS.
Imagination can scarcely paint more
charming scene than her parlors must now
have shown. On whichever side one
looked beauty and wisdom, birth and
wealth, bravery and distinction marked
the brilliant assemblage. There WAS q
stately dignity and breeding, IN indescrb-
able atmosphere Of elegance, that were
surely part of "the grace OF day that is
dead" for we never see them now. AL
though music enlivened the reception the
guests were not without occupation. Con-
versation had not then become lost art,
and on such occasions as this it reached its
highest perfection. AS o o'clock struck,
Lady Washington rose, and, stepping for.
ward with complacent smile, said, "The
general usually retres at o o'clock and
always precede him." and with the deep
and graceful courtesy that, with other
beautiful things, has fallen into the limbo
Of desuetude, she withdrew, and the first
presidential New Years reception was q
thing of the past.-Home Journal.