The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-14
the DINING ROOM

Notwithstanding the Oft mooted
question regarding women's sphere.
and whether higher education units
her for the duties Of that sphere. It II In
our homes that higher education has
enected the greatest changes.
The question Of q small inexpensive
nome must always be an important one.
out TO make such home harmonious
and artistic 10 the harder problem
given to many women to solve. So the
training OF the taste. the developing Of
the Faculties. Is not merely q matter OF
ornamental education, but has become
an undisputed essential OF practical i'm
portance In decorating and beautifying
the homes. Every room must bear the
imprint OF the mistress hands, must re-
veal her personality, and the character
istic originality Of her taste. In our
grandmother's times the best room"
received all care and attention. The
floor was covered with a green and red
carpet; slippery shining horse-hair
sofa was placed against the wall wh.le
In the centre of the room stood the
handicapped table and by II the pat
ent" rocker. The wall decorations
probably consisted of a religious en-
craving Of Mercy at the Wicket Gate" T"
and framed motto worked by little
fingers. This was the room shown to
visitors with pardonable pride. In this
aesthetic age, however. there Is no
BEST Room" Every room in the hous
receives the closest attention. and is
furnished and decorated in accordance
with Its use. in all things displaying
perfect taste. The dining room in our
modern homes demands much more
thought. 1t is true infinite care must
be used In the selection of furnishings
will t,,.e
ways for the time and energy expended
on II.
1t Is around the family board that the
little ones receive, in a large measure.
their education in refinement, so here
all the surroundings should be grace
full and mellow. and uniting light. shade
and sweetness, result in perfect har-
mony. Here it Is that friends meet 10
eat and be merry, and breathing the
atmosphere of true hospitality, their
enjoyment is heightened as they feel
the influence of the beautiful surround
ings, the quieting effect OF perfect
coiorings; they see reflected in each
Others eyes the sincere admiration al
ways called forth by truly artistic COM
binations. The room may be simple
or grand, large or small but 1t must oe
pleasant and homelike, artistic in color
Ing and design, and perfect in all its
appointments.
Let us close our eyes for a time, and
Imagine ourselves back In our child
| hood. back in grandmother's kitchen
which served for dining room as WELL
The floor Is bare and white, the deer
window opens on a broad low porch, al
one end Of which stands that Old-fash-
| ioned necessity, the woodshed. The
door Is open, and through 1t the fresh
NM Ia xx.tx = ~
apple blossoms and lilacs, with the
echo Of birds singing. and the hum OF
| bees. The room seemed always full OF
sweet fragrance and the table seemed
ever laden with the best Of things to
eat-light bread, golden butter, the
sweetest honey, and rich cream and
milk. When the curtains were drawn
at night. and the tallow dips were light.
ed, how we loved to watch the ever
changing shadows on the wall, and how
cosy the room appeared in that soft
fiickering light Truly this room makes
a striking contrast to the modern din.
ing room, with its highly polished hard.
wood floors and soft rugs, whose color
ings repeat or heighten the tones OF
decoration; with heavy appropriate
furniture, whose shining surfaces re.
fleet the other beauties Of the room
The sldeboard has its burden Of cut.
glass and rare china; the windows arc
shaded by delicate but substantial cur.
tains: the walls call attention to the
few and suitable pictures; and the
whole is softened by the odor of flow
ers. A stained glass window faces the
west, and the suns last rays, passing
through the colored glass. glorities the
room. Such q room Is indeed a picture
of harmony and elegance, and, lighted
by electricity, It becomes as enjoyable
at night as In the daytime.
It Is the Queen of Italy's pleasure te
have the state dining room-the great
Sala da Pranzo-left in total darkness
until she steps on the threshold. Their
the electric lights are turned on sud.
denly, revealing the magnificent splen.
dor Of the hall. thus making the brilliant
effect, Of which the queen never tires
We may have small dining rooms poor.
ly placed. and seemingly awkward tc
arrange, but with persistent effort anG
an honest desire for harmony in detail
and effect. wonderful results may be
obtained. A home, simple or grand, i:
only home when its surroundings are
attractive by their congeniality, arC
these things depend almost solely upor
the power end perfectness of the home
makers taste. Il. Il. y.