The Indianapolis journal., 1896-07-05
A USE FOR ATTICs.
In Chicago They Are Being Converted
Into Lounging Places.
Times-Herald.

1llneS-heralo
Last year there were possibly 10000 un-
used attics in the city OF Chicago. But
they are rapidly being converted into Bo-
hemian lounglng places on the most ap-
of the house who is seized by the romantic
fad. She frequently takes girl friend into
the scheme, and together they work and
plan like busy bees. and are unspeakably
happy in their pet craze.
Occasionally il is two soul-weary. ousi,
ness women. firing of the vulgarity and
commonplace life TO be found in lodging
houses and not having money enough 10
rent private apartments, they suddenly
conceive of the attic idea.
All the old trunks and papers and piles
of rags, after having reposed undisturbed.
II may be. for years, suddenly lind them
selves dislodged.
Ghosts of departed memories. II there
are any lying about loose. are disrupted
and thrust ruthlessly into darker corners
and further recesses. Sparrows fly squeak
nests disturbed at Matching time. Every
thing falls before the mighty ,upheaval.
Here is description OF such oen which
is rapidly neaHng completion on the South
Side now II is at the top-in the mansard
of an ordinary brick dwelling house in
Drexel boulevard. II has four windows.
and two at the front
A rough partition has been run across
the front, and this again has a partition.
making two rooms in the front and one big
square one at the back. A wide arched
rooms and a door also leads from each
course. and the brick walls are un-
plastared.
Tan cheese cloth at ten cents a yard has
been artistically gathered and stretched
on the walls OF both the small rooms and
radiated from the center of the ceiling,
Japanese umbrella concealing the center
where the material begins A professional
decorator was called I'm for this purpose,
this being the only extravaganza INDUCED
in.
A sort of stage has been built under the
windows into range with the green trees
of the boulevard below. This stage and
the whole attic floor he's been painted
soft shade of green. and green Porueres
some of bamboo and some of denim. are
draped at the doors. Two three-quarter
cots covered with bright oriental prints
and piled with cushions are placed in tho
rooms.
The bare brick walls of the big square
room have been entirely covered with ar
tistic posters gathered from the four cor
ners of the earth.
A sort of pagoda. constructed OF red.
white and blue bunting. occupies one cor
ner. and has been dubbed the Liberty or
Death room.
Another corner is partitioned of by q
quartet of luckless glass storm doors
which happened TO be found in the attic
Here is located a wide low table on
which are a chatting dish and numerous
culinary devices. Jute mats are thrown
promiscuously over the floors.
generous study table piled with books.
papers and writing materials stands in the
center.
An orange and red hammock. with a
wide curtain, rocks contentedly in another
corner.
Half dozen queer lamps are placed
about haphazard-some suspended from
TIE ceiling. A double lawn rocker is one
of the ,uxuries.
Other things that go TO make up a
mention, complete the abode OF these new
women loon attics-"