The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1894-03-06
1 PALACE OF TRADE.
The Rialto Opened, Gay With
Light, Art and Music.
WHERE AL WANTS CAN BE MET.
Rerfy stores Combfn Cd, where Keor-
smy Reduces Prices hat Mot
Ouaifiy-Brflliast sesns.

eesttie. following the lead Of other
suaaiiy progressive cities. had . little
worlds fair opening OF iss own At the
fkmocs Ratio last evening. The affair
VS. rot quite so extensive ~ that in Chi.
esso. bat IL was equally choice and at
srscsed IS many people comparatively.
The event had been eagerly anticipated
for some time, and the deep interes. mani
tested in the undertaking BY the people OF
SEATTLE was best evidenced BY the multi
sude, principally women. that crowded
the Sidewalk waiting for the opening OF
the doors and the stream Of humanity
that flowed in and out of the building from
! O'Clock until the hour Of closing. 1t was
scene of life, beauty and enterprise that
viii always mark new and bright era in
tie commercial history of Seattle 1t was
IN ovation from first 10 last. the great ex-
tensive building being almost too small TO
sceom modate the amending crowds that
thronged floors, aisles and stairways, and
fair estimate places the number az peo-
pie Who passed in and out Of the building
st fully 1000
Every floor and every department Of the
brilliantly lighted place received personal
attention. and Notwithstanding that many
OF the departments are rs yet incomplete
the Intention was clear, and the succession
Of Complimentary remarks and criticisms
heard on all sides from the women must
have been gratifying 10 the men who
formed the Rialso company, and whose
brain, energy and capital had carried to q
successful completion such . vast and USE
BAT he rx,ue. - a.
lighted men, women and children. rs seen
from IN elevation. presented an animated
scene of Kaleidoscope changes in cotors
and beauty. enhanced by the music Of tho
Rialto band and the rich and costly fabrics
that greeted the eye in every direction.
The exterior of the building along Second
street, bright with lights and coiors, pre-
ssntsd an equally attractive scene. both
sides Of the street being crowded with peo-
pie watching the twelve large, handsome
plate. glass windows filled with their won-
dsrful aggregation Of choice goods, artist
cally displayed In attractive shades and
colors and enhanced by Ferris wheel in
motion. srticuiated wax figures. stuffed
birds and wild animals and many pic
turesgue designs used a. settings for the
display Of the goods.
The twelve show windows facing Second
street have been placed In charge Of .
corps of professional ''dressers" and the
artistic taste displayed in each window.
the blending of shades. novelty In de-
signs and general effect made the exterior
attraction almost az interesting as the
inside decorations and kept the bread
sidewalk In front OF the building crowded
with admiring people up to the hour when
the LIGHTS were put out. The window dis
play, on the whole. Is the most unique
ever seen In Seattle aud reflects great
credit on everyone connected with the
arrangements. In detail the twelve win
dows contained the following exhibits:
First window. at the corner of Madison
Display Of rich dress goods, Iaces and
fancy goods, with large Ferris wheel In
motion, dressed Oft with lace handker-
chiefs, and with dolls rs passengers in
each little car. This proved great at
traction for both women and children.
Second window going north-Gentle-
mems furnishing goods. with latest novel;
ties in ties and linen. A large cross some
six feet in height graces the center of this
window with iife-sixs figure in . white
robe clinging to 1t. typifying "The Rock
of Ages"
Third window from Madison street.
Boys fine clothing of all sizes and texture.
center bronzed piece. well proportioncd
20 the size OF the window. representing
"The Gates Ajar." and makes handsome
and attractive ornament
Fourth window from. Madison street
Millinery, with latest novelties In spring
hats and bonnets, ribbons and flowers.
These are reflected by large mirror on
the floor Of the window. intended TO
represent water. with the effect heightened
BY q large white swan. The artistic ar
rangement OF lsces aud ribbons and the
happy blending of rich shades with arti-
fetal flowers OF every conceivable hue
give iairy-like touch to the whole setting
and makes this the brightest and most
picas.ngly attractive of nil the windows.
Fifth window from Madison street
women's and children's fine shoes and
slippers. being display of the latest
novelty in foot wear in and out of doors.
Sixth window from Madison street and
adjoining center door entrance-.Devoted
TO boots and shoes for men. with a hand
soine fountain in the center. its spraying
waters tinted by electric colored lights
changed at short intervals.
Sixth window from Spring street. or
first north OF the center door-Queens-
ware. porcelains. glassware. Two Ameri-
can flags drape the rear of this window,
with large stuffed American eagle on
either side OF the window. A stuffed ami
nal group. representing a cougar attack
iag deer. forms an attractive center piece.
Fifth window from Spring ssreet-Con-
dictionaries
Fourth window from Spring street
Joint display of fine stationery in the rear
and fancy drug store goods IN the front
tie rear Of this window.
Third window from Spring s,reet-Faney
groceries. A novelty is exhibited in this
window in the shape Of tower built In
the center Of the window with a.oo cakes
Of soap. the product Of Seattle factory.
Second window from Spring street and
adjoining north end entrance 10 building
Carpets. rags, silk drapcries. large
ssCiion Of a rich Wilton carpe, forms .
background 90 this window.
Wialow at the corner of Spring street
Furniture The window representing
bed room complete ia al It's furnishings
ard details. with cherryweod set insaid
With pearls. This set costs sra
This gives an idea OF the outside display
seen through heavy French plate gsass.
covering al area of as square feet, ard
which OF itself Is vel worth . long WAX
to see and study.
EnsegirS the building on the Madison
agrs.f F-.,r - - faurf .+{yfAai ,nkn parA..
lei DEPARTMENTS running east and west.
wlih two broad easy stsirways going 10
tie aext door. one on each eCa OF the