The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-02-02
PREPARATIONS FOR THE CARNIVAL


Preparations for the carnival of the Meen-
nerchor, on Feb. is, are going on apace.
During the past week $500 invitations were
sent out to the leading families in the city
and a large proportion Of acceptances have
already been received. The carnival this
year promises to eclipse all previous efforts
IN this direction that have taken place in
indianapolis. The decoration of the hall will
be unique. and I'm fitting the stage of Tom
linson Hall with special scenery for the &C.
casion, no expense has been spared. The
committee on arrangements have decided
not to have a long pantomime, such as was
given last year. In it's place there will be
given tableau, carefully thought out and
arranged. For the purposes Of the carnival
the stage OF Tonlinson Hall viii have to
be enlarged considerably, as during the
progress OF the tableau there will be nearly
80 people on the stage. The scenery, which
has been specially designed and painted by
John Rettig, of Cincinnati will represent
the facade and part of the grounds of the
Villa Borghese, in Rome Towards the GEN.
ter Will be the marble terrace and the grand
entrance to the palace, and the design is to
have the hall itself represent, in a measure
part of the park Enclosure belonging to the
palace
The scenery on the stage win be made
brilliant with hundreds of electric lights
artistically arranged, the vari-colored lights
being hidden. yet throwing out their rays
to illuminate the scene. There will be near
" five hundred extra incandescent lights
Iseq on 1ne carnlvai ,nignt and an extra
house TO the hal to convey the current
Much OF the success of the carnival con-
sists in the surprises IL contains for the
a IF Ha-
tails as II Is possible TO keep from the pub
lie Is kept secret until the very night of
the carnival. No carnival would be COM
plete without a Prince and Princess and
these are generally selected some time be-
fore the night but the committee to whom
the task Of selecting these temporary row.
altes Is Entrusted, are vowed 10 keep ST.
fence as 20 whom they have selected. The
Prince and Princess VIII select their own
large retinue ard the Tableau that opens
the carnival viii show the reception, at the
palace OF Rex. OF the Prince and Princess
by the faithful followers. This opening
scene VII be one of great splendor. The
doors OF the hell will be opened at o'clock
and at $50 TIE carnival will begin. Poodle
not in fancy costume will be required TO
take seats in the galleries, no one not in
costume being allowed on the floor OF the
hall until IL O'Clock. At the time for the
opening tabieau. the lights in the hall will
be turned OF and during the darkness the
crrtain viii be drawn. then the lights Will
be turned on disclosing the brilliant scene
at the reception Of the Prince. The stage
VIII be filled with maskers welcoming the
king OF the carnival. the ceremonies incl
dertal to receiving the Prince will be gone
through, followed by the evolutions preced-
Ing the grand march The grand march it,
self will be participated in by al the mask
ers. Ii will be led by a select corr1s of
Maennercflor members who have been irill-
Ing for the march for some weeks. After
tho march will come the polonaise opening
the carnival ball The music for the carni-
va, Will be furnished by two bands Cam
eron's band viii furnish the dance music
the Indianapolis Military Band playing the
promenade music. The decorations in the
hall will be elaborate. The galleries will be
hung with the colors of the Maennerchor.
interspersed with evergreens and trailing
smilax. Instead Of the four booths that oc-
cupied the corners OF the hall last wee
there VIII be four allegorical pyramids sur
rounded by palms. evergrecns and flowers
The corridors outside the hall will be
heavily carpeted and the windows Will be
decorated with panels. the center OF each
being a mask from which win spread dainty
wreaths OF evergreen. The downstairs door
OF the hall viii be fitted with storm doors
20 as 70 keep the hall free from draughts.
Everything that can be will be done to add
90 the comfort OF the guests Check rooms
Will be provided for superfuous wraps and
rsone viii be allowed in the hall. At mid
night a luncheon will be served.