St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1893-12-06
A BRILLIANT SUCCESS.
The Magnificent Holiday Opening
of S. e. Olson.

Enhancing visions of beauty and
vistas of rare things, such as Aladdin
never dreamed of in Falryland. was the
opening last night. 1t was palace
ablaze with light, whose rays sparkled
and shone on scene of bewitching and
bewildering beauty. AS i'll the old days
all roads led to Rome, so last night all
the broad thoroughfares of Minneapolis
led to the magnificent emporium which
Is at once an honor to the push and en-
terpriSe of the merchant prince who
constructed it, and pride to the city.
Out on the crisp air pealed strains of
sweetest melody from the DanZ Or
chestra, which were caught up
and commingled with the notes
of praise of the multitude that surged
in and out. 1t was an admiring crowd,
and we'll il might be, as the scene was
one of Oriental magnificence. MYRIAD
lights fell on rich fabrics from Persia
and the Indies. and the products of
modern art were there in all their
prodigal profuSon of wealth.
The gallery rails. posts and pillars
and windows were festooned and
wreathed In evergreens. the effect being
reStful to the eye and very beautiful.
and in marked contrast to the brilliancy
of the tout ensemble, which outrivaled
the opulence of Tadmor and Persep-
oils.
The broad windows on the Fifth
street entrance were the centers of at
traction, and they were whole show
in themselves, being symbolical of the
merry Christmastide. One window
| represented the rich mans parlor, with
ladies and children, life size. a
Christmas tree and all the Injuries
and charms that come with wealth.
In the adjoining window is the rich
| mans coach, with its pair of dappled
and prancing horses, the coachman
sitting erect. and the cutter and turnout
presenting most sumptuous appear
ance. Then there is happy window
| for the little ones. Here Santa Claus is
seen whisking across the country in his
richly freighted cart drawn by real
live pony.
In marked contrast is the humble
home Of the widow, with its bare walls
and the miserable suggestiveness of
hunger and want. Here is the mother
allowance of toys, and a newsboy in the
foreground, the figures being remark
ably realistic.
But these are only few of the
wonderful sights that called for the
admiration of the multitude. In the
afternoon Santa Claus arrived in real
chariot drawn by eight black chargers.
and before going to headquarters he
made tour Of the city, to the delight
of all beholders.
1t is intimated that fully $4,000 people
witnessed the display, and by all odds
it was the largest cOncourSe that has
ever assembled under one roof in Min
neapolis.
Columns of descriptive matter would
be required to do Justice to the contents
of the several departments ip detail. In
the basement acres of space are taken up
with holiday toys, musical instruments.
pictures, silverware, -bric-a-brac and
novelties i'll endle S variety. On the
magnificent main floor are carried
the novelties In imported silks
and dress fabrics, toilet sets,
handkerchiefs, and feminine lingerie of
all descriptions. On the second floor
may be seen the superb display of furS
and cloaks, including all the latest nov
pets from the finest looms, rare
ing goods of every grade and
variety. In short, the establishment
can only be compared to an immense
bazaar wherein are stored in matchless
profusion the products Of mans skill,
ingenuity and talent.
Refreshments were served by sable
attendants in livery in the meZZanine,
and the concert proved charming feat
ure of the affair, the programme consist
ing of both classical and popular num-
berS being rendered by thirty musicians.