The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-01-10

the Native Sons Han, IN nouoF
of their daughters advent into
the world of society, was in every
sense a success. Despite the in
clement weather a host Of friends were
present to wish all happiness and Joy
10 the two young ladies. The event was
undoubtedly the social occasion Of the
season. 1t marked the formal debut
,of.the Misses Lillian and Grace Spreck-
els
O., The decorations Of the hall, while
modest in their pretensions, were yet
In such perfect taste that the effect was
more than pleasing. Around the walls
on a background of gray silver cloth
was fastened numerous palm leaves.
The .overshadowing color of the soft
green blended harmoniously with the
more striking silver. From the center
of the ceiling was suspended an i'm
mense canopy of tropical ferns and
uotted plants, while from the corners of
the hall were hung smaller canopies
iIled with rich tropical plants and rare
exotics. The galleries were hidden
from sight behind an immense bank of
palms, branches Of redwood and other
sweet scented plants. From the ar
cade, caught in graceful loops, were
bands of blue and pink silk. that ran
continuously round the hall. The eff
feet of this was most delightful to the
eye, as it was to enhance the richness
of the green.
The music; which was furnished by
ROsner's Hungarian Orchestra, was
hidden from sight on the stage behind
a bank of palms and ferns. These
plants. twenty feet in height, entirely
obscured the stage. Hidden among the
foliage were many incandescent lights
OF various colors. During the dances
the main lights in the hall were dark
ened and from the stage the effects of
the variegated colors filtering through
the foliage and casting their mellow
rays over the forms of the dancers as
they threaded their way through the
mystic measures of the waltz made a
scene beautiful in the extreme. 1t was
heightened by the aid of calcium lights.
These also were turned on the dancers
from behind the bank of foliage, and
n turn they were covered by glass
pdnels Of different colors, so that at
times it appeared as If the color was
the dominant factor in the scene Of
rare and rich beauty.
It was fully 10 o'clock before the
guests began to arrive and from that
toll,
uous stream Of carriages kept rolling
up to the porte-cochere, depositing
their loads of beautifully gowned
women and well dressed men. Mr.. and
Mrs. Spreckels arrived before their
guests and took their stand in the main
hall just to the right Of the entrance.
They were Immediately joined by the
receiving party proper While they
awaited their guests the time was
passed in pleasant exchanging of felici-
tations in honor of the occasion.
The decorations in the main recep-
ton room were in green smilax and
roses, while the foyer was in green with
a suggestion of cedar. Everywhere
there was color and light. Once the
assemblage had gathered the scene be-
came truly brilliant. The costumes of
the ladies were all that the art Of the
dressmaker could conceive, while
among the throng there were not a few
creations that emanated from Felix and
Dusee. 1t was generally commented on
that there has rarely been seen to-
gether so many beautiful women.
With the gathering of the guests the
festivities began. They continued to
pour in with volume of good wishes
and congratulations, and the two
Miss Spreckels were kept busy for over
two hours doing the honors-and most
gracefully and modestly did they de-
port themselves. That they achieved
such a gratifying success is due solely
to their own charm Of manner and in
nate sense of propriety. Mr.. and Mrs.
Spreckeis were the recipients also of
the Fluctuations of their friends. The
assemblage. embraced the young and
old alike, for it was but BETTING that
old age and youth should join hands in
merrymaking on such an occasion.
The dancing began at II o'clock. With
the first notes of the dreamy waltz the
floor became a scene of motion-beauti-
full motion in which the grace Of woman
and the agility Of man made a picture
crowded, but no one seemed to mind
that at all, and there was always room
for one more couple. Hardly would the
notes of the waltz subside before the
lively strains of the catchy two-step
would set every foot agoing and then
again the young people made merry,
while the more settled folks sat and
looked on at the enjoyment in which
they were co-eQual participants with
the dancers. To the eye the effects of
the beautiful gowns worn by the women
was especially noticeable during the
dancing.
It was after midnight when the col
lation was served. Covers were laid for
$50 guests. The banquet hall was on
. the first floor. In point of menu and
excellence of service it was one of the
most perfect feasts that has been
served in San Francisco for many years.
From the oysters to the coffee there
was everything that could tempt the
taste.
The scene at the supper was one of
festivity heightened by personal enjoy
ment that was not soon to be forgotten.