Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-02-17
THE BAZAAR BEGINS.
ASSOCIATED HOSPITALS FAIR
SUCCESSFULLY INAUGURATED.
LARGE AND FASHIONABLE CROWD.
superb Taste I'm Dccorations-some
of the Features OF the Exhibits
Arrangements for To-Day-Notes.

was gray ana dreary looking. Nlthin was
a different picture.
Under exceptionally happy circum-
stances. and amid surroundings full OF
brightness and color, charity again drew
Richmond society together 20 talk, TO
dance. and make life brighter for sea-
son. but with the deeper motive, also, Of
lifting UP the lives OF the sick and suffer
ing by contributing 10 five grand insii-
tutions OF charity-sacred work and bless
Cd legacy-which have been established IN
this city. What a divine good these five
hospitals have accomplished, and con-
tlnue to accomplish, does not need 10 be
illustrated here.
No more representative gathering has
been seen in this city for long time The
idea Of briniancy is always associated
with social functions. where flowers ana
decorations are displayed with a lavish
hand. but these. brilliant though they
were were simply adjuncts, making very
pretty background for the more essehtiai
features with which the occasion aoouhu-
ed. There was a blending Of color ana
n lack OF stiltedness that charmed, and
one had but to join the assemblage Tor
few moments TO feel that he was ENJOY
ing a pleasurable experience.
To enumcrate the names or those pIes-
ent Il would be necessary 10 run almost
the gamut Of Richmond's prominent cur
zens but the noticeable TACT was lhal
they were members of almost every Noed-
ton In life Lawyers. doctors, proies-
sional men Of every character, merchants
and businessmen. mingled together Inc
diversity OF dress brought out an exceed
inely pretty picture. Dress suits were nu-
merous but those less conventional were
many. There were sombre garments, ano,
an marked contrast. were the uniforms OF
members Of the First Regiment
The regimental band played livery music
during the evening. and there was a gene
raj stir and animation about the scene
which betokened large success for the
undertaking.
DECORATION OF THE BOOTHS
The huge drill han Of the Armory has
rarely taken on such a gay and festive
appearance as II did last night lliuml-
mated with ten great arc lights ana IN
Vulnerable electric lamps, with stalls De
corated in gaudy cOlors. and the walls
partly covered with huge ensgns' the
scene was positively radiant
To the left as you enter the hall, ana
occupying an immense space as tue
restaurant. It's frame is decidedly plain
business purposes only, and the tmbers
are somewhat appropriately draped win
yellow hangings.
MIR. Brannan's 'cyclo-cycle is the next
feature one meets with in a ramble rouhd
the hall. IT is the annex 10 the Eye Ear
and Throat Infrmary, and an Immensely
pouular feature, for II was Kept gong
almost without intermission the Whole
evening. The cost Of a ride is only
10 vrfa "
chance on q bicycle. The Eye ana Ear
Infrmary booth is a very picturesque
structure. The stall is surmounted with
two lofty minarets, from the SUBMITS OF
which wave the State ensign. The ora
peries. which are arranged with consum-
mate taste are of red and white, ana
an Illuminated sign, bearing the legehu
Eye and Ear" and lighted wien cleo
tricty, runs across the top of the booth.
The counters are crowded with the cost
Hest art work, laces bric-a-brac, lamps
together with fancy and useful articles.
A handsome cut-glass bowl and ladie'
presented by the Cohen Company, forms
a Conspicuous centrepiece. There are
bicycles and bicyce-lamps, and fttings'
and numberless toys, and costly manuo-
lin. In connection with this booth is the
prize Christmas-tree-a colossal specimen,
effectively Illuminated with colored electric
lights and hung all over with gilded wal
nuts. in one of which will be found a
gold dollar.
OLD DOMINION BOOTH.
Next I'm line across the east end Of the
hall is the CAL Dominion Hospital booth
1t was designed by Captain Dimmock
and carries out the idea Of a japanese
pagoda. The roof is covered with repre-
sensations of the sacred Dolphin, and the
cross-piecps are decorated with painted
nouldings Fancy articles, drugs, candles
two porcelain-lined bath tubs, and
water-meter are among the most con-
spicuous features Of the display. fac
smile OF hospital bed, with nurse In
regulation costumes, is 10 be voted 10 the
most popular child, and a set Of instru-
ments to the most popular doctor Miss
Mary O'Donough. of New York, has sent
six sofa cushions and beautiful mum,
which will be rafIled off, as also will
sweet-singing canary. The annex is
japanese tea garden, where, in quaint
Japanese chairs, beneath the shade OF
number of japanese lamps and a great
umbrella, surrounded by walls of ever
greens. one may sit at peace and sip tea
or chocolate served in pretty cups by
dainty maidens.
FOR THE JUVENILES.
The next point OF observation Is the !
Sheltering Arms annex which is delight |
10 the juvenile eye. IT is arranged for the |
special delectation of the children, and IS
loaded down with all manner Of toys and |
a little mild excitement in the shape OF |
a grab-bag and a fish-pond.
The Sheltering Arms booth is a repre- |
sentation Of a gala tent at a foreign fair.
The top is Of yellow and red stripes; a |
broad band of blue bearing the name OF |
the hospital surmOunts q red and white |
awning. supported by gold-topped poles |
standing out obliquey. The annex also |
represents a tent, and is covered with |
red and white material. The articles on I
sale include a great variety OF beautiful |
articles Of fancy work, together with |
number of useful articles. For railing |
there are sofa pillows, a set of silver |
spoons from Kirk of Baltimore; SILK |
umbrella, suit OF clothes, and a silver |
syrup pitcher.
OTHER ATTRACTIVE BOOTHS.
The largest booth In the bazaar is that |
Of the Virginia Hospital. Ii Is surmount- |
cd on the three sides with three fans The |
draperies are white, with wreaths of holly |
upon II, and over all Is the Virginia coat |
OF arms. Every description OF fancy work |
is on sale here, together with full line |
OF perfumes extracts, and druggists |
stores. with baking powder and other ar
ticles of domestic use.
There are four booths under the au-
spices of the Retreat for the Sick-the |
checking-room, where coats and hats may |
be left; the smoking-room. the tobacco |
annex, and the fancy booth. The fancy |
department, with the tobacco annex, are |
decorated TO represent Turkish bazaars, |
and the smoking parlor and check de- |
,.artxoanf ora draned in mink and male |