Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-02-08
WHITE HOUSE FUNCTIONS
Colonel Bingham Describes Changes in Ar
rangements.
Position of the Marine Band Trans
ferred-ClOmk and Hat
Rooms.

Owing to the death of the Presidents
mother in December" says Colonel Bing-
ham, in charge of public buildings and
grounds, in his last monthly report 1.-THE
usual functions at the White House did
not begin until the 10Th of January, the
usual New Year reception having also been
omitted. Certain changes in the methods
OF handling crowds at the official receptions
at the Executive Mansion having been de-
ciGed on involved certain new work about
The mansion. In the first place. cloak and
nat boxes were placed in the front vesti-
bule and were increased in capacity up to
LOGS persons. Still further accommoda-
tons can be added in this vestibule in the
future. IL desired. Six light hatracks, &C
commodating IL persons. were also pur-
chased for use in various parts of the
house, needed.
Although the main vestibule is now pro-
tectef by an outside, we'll an inside,
storm door and by steam radiators, the
question of comfortable disrobing of guests
is not altogether satisfactorily settled, ow-
ing to the fact that the outer doors open
into the middle of the vestibule.
THE ante-room and private dining room
were also kept clear and arranged for the
reception of wraps. In order to gain fur
Their space the state dining room was also
entirely cleared except the southwest cor
ner, where q light screen was erected, con-
sisting OF pole on standards, from which
hung curtains. The urniture removed
from the main corridor was arranged
around the sides of this enclosure, and
served to receive the cloaks, etc. of those
who entered by the south portico
I'm order to hide the baroness of the hat
and cloak boxes velour curtains were made
and hung on pole entirely across the yes
tibule in front Of these boxes. This velour
had previously been used to decorate the
old Corcoran Art Gallery when used for
the convention of the universal postal con-
gress. and was bought for half price.
The position Of the Marine Band was
changed from the front vestibule to the
conservatory. just outside the state dining
room. This location Is very pleasant and
convenient for them, but involved consid-
cradle work in special disposition of the
plants in the conservatory and the tenn
pCrary removal of number of large ones,
which were sent to the pension building,
and are also carefully looked after by our
own men. The conservatory roof was in
such shape that 1t was necessary to pur-
chase large canvas covering and place it
one the outside over the glass to keep out
water in case Of rain snow. Some new
linen floor crash has also been purchased.
AS matter of record. 1t may be well to
state here that the route of passing
through the Executive Mansion for large
reception was made as follows: Enter at
the front door on the north portico; leave
wraps: pass westward through the ante
room into the private dining room: turn
south to the main corridor at the foot of
the private stairway; thence west to the
northwest door Of the state dining room;
thence east in a straight line through the
three parlors to the east room. 1t is true
that before the reception began many peo-
pie gathered in the east room and the main
corridor. but by conducting the line in the
direction indicated there was nowhere O
crossing of lines. Exit was as usually
the bridge at the window at the foot Of the
office stairs"