Birmingham age-herald., 1895-03-24
Society and Otherwise

The principal topics Of the day in society, now that Lent is on, are not what the women will wear nor the men tffect, but ccming social events in amateur musical circles. There are several events on tapis, among which are the entertainment for the benefit of the Birmingham Riff 8, che for a promin mt church, and last, put by DO means least, a complimentary benefit to one of the most charming young ladies of the city, who will soon don travelling costume, pack her trunks and bie herself away to the great m metropolis to add polish 10 her already exquisite voice.
 The fact having become known that Miss Ethel Houston, one of the most brilliant vocalsts of the city, would soon lesvs for New York to enter an academy of music for tue purpose of improving h,r voice, some of her leading musical friends and most ardent admirers got together aud sug- gesled that fitting testimonial was the proper thing. Miss Houston has ever been reauy to lend her assistance to any enter- tainmept of a beneficial nature and when ever called upon alway5 graclously re- sLonded. Whenever an entertainment was announced for a charita ble purpose and her presence sked for she wGs ever ready aud willing to do what was In her power 10 add to the success Of he venture. Miss Hous- ton has won fine record in thls city as vocalist, and her many friends and ad- mirers predict for her successful career in her chosen vocation. The testimonial, which has been suggested as tribute to this charming young lady, will be in the nature ol complimentary benefit concert. The work has already been taken in hand and some of the leading people of the city have consented to become patrons and patronesses on the occasion. Good progress has already been made in he matter, and successful affair IS promised.
 "Trial by Jury,' one of Gilbert & Sulli. van's celebrated comic operas, IS being put on for the benefit of one of the handsome houses Of worship of this city by local tal- ent, and is progressing nicely. The opera is under the direction of Prof. Fred l.. Grambs, and the cast is as follows:
 Judge. ...............s.... ......A A. Latady Piaintiff. ........ Miss Lottie Collin Council Tor piain,ifi. .......... Mir. J. H. Y, ates Usher..... :.....-........:. MT. Freo D. stowe Foreman of jury MT. Charles Brideweil
 The minor characters will be assigned at the rehearsal on Wednesday evening next at the Elks' hall. A fne drilled orchestra of augmented dimensions will furnish the music.
 'Chimes of Normandy, ,' tuneful and re- plete with beautifully melodious solos, will soon be rendered complimentary to the military. The first rehearsal is called for tomorrow night at o'ciock in the parlors of the Birmingham Rifles. All who have been requested to take part in the perform ance are requested to be present. A num- Der of leading society people have been as- signed places in the cast and the perform ance, when put on, will no doubt prove rich treat.
 The Lenten club, formed by half do zen of Birmingham's society young ladies, was entertained Thursday afternoon by Miss Kate Earle. Present as Miss Earle's guests were Misses Lucille Smith, Mary Clare MiIner, Madge Parsons, Alene Morris and Mamie Morrow. Miss Earle is delightful entertainer, and the afternoon passed most pleasantly. Green was the prevailing color of the decorations.
 Miss Alene Morris entertained a few friends at luncheon Tuesday afternoon. The decorations were neatly and tasteinlly arranged, yellow being the prevailing color. By each plate was a bunch of MaIechal Neil roses tied with yellow rib- bon, and the center table was adorned with bowl of jon quils and smilax. Miss Nor ris' guests were Misses Kate and Sarah Ro- gan, Mamie Morrow, Susie Howe, Deima Wilson, Matte Webb, Jennie Porter, Hat tie Hewitt,, Lucille Smith, Kate Eearle and Mary Clare Milner.