The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-01-02
NEW YEAR IN SOCIETY
Something of a Revival of the
Open House Custom.
General Harrison and Governor Mat
thews Receive-Reception by the
Mary Washington Association.

ING, there were many ladies. There were
several places where it was known that gen.
tlemen and their wives, as well as unmar-
ried men and women. would be very well
come. and so those who sat at windows and
watched those who were passing saw
couples by the score.
The Mary Washington National Memorial
Association has revolutionized the New
Years calling for the first day Of 1891, at
least, If never again. 1t is to be supposed
that anything so pleasurable as the recep-
ton by this association will not be allowed
TO drop, and 50 far as has been heard from
Indianapolis has set the style for a revolu-
ton in the fashion of New Years calls. A
few parties were driven from place to place
in carriages, and there were some groups of
gentlemen callers who numbered from four
to a half dozen. but the majority went
alone and by twos. Another noticeable thing
was the absence of the favor decorations.
The loading Of the coat lapels with all kinds
Of knick-knacks has about disappeared, and
at very few places was there music of any
kind. General good feeling dominated the
atmosphere, and the callers enjoyed the SUM-
shine and soft winds outside and the smiling
faces and good wishes of friends in the par
lors.
~ - a. pa "a NACAO fo2 ~
large party of ladies to do the honors, and
the young men Of the city who have homes.
and many who have none, took occasion TO
accept their hospitality. The parlors were
tastefully arranged with flowers and dra-
peries, and at the prettily appointed tables
the young ladies of Memorial Church pre-
sided and served refreshments. There was
great cordiality, and the hostesses showed
every attention to the visitors.
At the Cosmos Club the house committee
acted as hosts and they sat out all the good
things appropriate to the day for the pleas
ure of the members and their friends. 1t
was said that the men who went there did
not call but settled down and made a long
visit. The handsome quarters which the
club now enjoys and the tasteful arrange
ment. the pastimes furnished and the general
atmosphere is one for enjoyment. The club
grows and its entirely social features nal
it one of the most popular organizations in
the city.
General Benjamin Harrison with his
daughter. Mrs. j. r. Mckee. and the two
grandchildren were at home all day yes
terday TO callers and they received many
visits. TIE handsome home on North Della
ware street made one of the most delight
General Harrison and his coterie of charm
ing assistants entertained the callers with
their customary grace and hospitality.
the most brilliant event of the new year
was the reception given by the Mary Wash
ington National Memorial Association at the
home of the president of the organization,
Mrs. John Candee Dean, The Pines, No. 81
North Pennsylvania street. The quaint
home with Its long drawing room delicately
full pillars, its connecting dining room fur
nished in the old blue and white English
style, its library, with rich coloring max
ing a decided and handsome contrast, and
the three rooms Joined by a broad hail with
its blue and white tiled floor, made an adj
In addition TO the rooms on the drawing
floor there were the several rooms of the
upper floor which were also brought into
service and made a very delightful place for
the. serving OF REFRESHMENTS. Tne view
which the visitor had upon entering the
hall was as if one had suddenly been trans
ported into an animated picture. The hall
and rooms were filled with beautiful wom-
en- dressed in colonial costumes. There was
not a strict adherence to the style of the
time, but every lady wore an elegant gown
OF some rich Stuff, OF some pretty color,
and all wore kerchiefs OF lace, many of
them of great age and many Of rare value.
The ladies also had their coiffures pow
dered, and the effect was to make beauties
of every one. Many of them were queenly
in their attire and the guests had but to
stand and admire the visions Of l~ovliness
as they passed to and fro. Mrs. Dean re-
ceived all the company, and she wore a
rOSe-colOred gown of silk, with a dainty
kerchief and white hair. Mrs. w. H. Cole
IIlttu wore a magnificent gown OF due ana
white satin brocade, trimmed with jew
eled lace, and her white hair and the court
patches on her face were very becoming.
Mrs. John w. Kern was handsome in a
white satin gown, with light blue satin
panierS and a lace kerchief and feathers
in her hair. Mrs. George Jarvis wore an
elaborate gown of ~changeable yellow, blue
and pink satin, and her jewels were old
moSaics set in Etruscan gold: about her
neck she wore a wide ruff of illusion. Mrs.
II; 5, New wore white satin. with a scarlet
I'LL rnhfn NJ
brocade of black silk and a kerchief of
fine lace which belonged to her grand
mother. Mrs. G. f. Smiths gown was of
heavy lemon-colored satin brocade. and her
jewels were amcthysts set in quaint design
of gold. Miss Knippenberg wore a heavy
white MORE antique, trimm ID with silk
fringe and made with long scant falling
gray brocaded satin oddly fashioned, aid
carried a beaded bag, snuff box. and wore
= medallion, all of which have been i'm the
faTnily for many generations. Mrs. CT.
y. Christensen wore a black bro
caded gown, with a kerchief which
belonged TO her great grandmother. Mrs.
dun-colored silk of striped brocade and
white kerchief. Mrs. a. L. Mason was
h9ndsome IN a gown Of green silk and
rooms were crowded with the beauty and
fashion robed In the dress of q century
the white hair and the framework of the
handsome home, was a picture to delight
every one. In the rooms on the second
floor the ladies alternated in serving the
guests with a delicious supper. There was
chicken pot pie. escalloped oysters, corn
pone, coffee, served in rarely beautiful
cups which have been i'm the Christensen
family for a hundred years or more, DID
fe shioned punch and sugar cakes. The
pretty women, who waited on the guests
so charmingly, tempted the visitor with all
the delicasieS prepared, and the candles in
candle-sticks shed q mellow light over
the scene. which made ii more like fairy
land than ever. An orchestra was stationed
in the hall, and il gave selections for the
reception and the dance. The guests were
invited by the members of the association
for supper at 1870 and for the dance at
early candle light. The young people went
for the latter attraction, and IL was con-
tinued till a late hour. Nothing more beau
tiful. in 4 social way. nor a greater success
has been given i'm this city for many years.
Governor and Mrs. Claude Matthews were
at home all yesterday afternoon and even
ing, and many friends called TO pay their
respects. The hospitable home was thrown
open to all, and the greeting and the enter
tainment was all that that of the chief ex-
ecutive of the State should be. a number
of Mrs. Matthews's friends were of the num-
Der present, and they assisted in a very in
formal way at the reception. which was en-
tirely informal. a cordial welcome and good
cheer marked the visits TO the Governors
home, on North Illinois street.
Personal and Society Notes.
Miss Annie Stevens, of Kentucky, is the
guest of Miss Alfoa SawaH