The age-herald., 1899-03-21
''OPENING DAY' IN BIRMINGHAM N
 Hundreds of Ladies ThFOnged the City'S
 ThOrOughiareS. SCENES OF GREAT BEAUTY Were the Magnificent Displays in Local
 Dry Goods EmpOrlumS.
SCENES OF GREAT BEAUTY
THE NEAR APPROACH OF EASTER
Caused Maid and Matron to Flock to the Millinery Establishments and the Entire Feminine Population
 Seemed to be Out Shopping"

The usual activity of the streets was in- creased to such an extent yesterday that Birmingham had every appearance of a metropolis. The thoroughfares later in the afternoon when the lights begun to flash along the sidewalks presented the familiar sight of midwinter afternoon when the feminine world surges forth from the theaters The brilliant springtime weather, the approach of Easter, the inducements offered by the merchants brought out maid and matron and one could say that all Bir- mingham was out shopping yesterday with out fear of contradiction. The prosperous condition of Birmingham is invariably shown by the extent to which the mer- chants go, at the opening of the season, in their selection of their stocks from north ern markets. It is the merchants who feel the public pulse and who from long ex- perience are able to predict either a dull or ! busy season. The heads of the large dry goods houses who sent their buyers east weeks ago were assured of an unusually busy spring season, and prepared for it. A well known merchant said yesterday that the season had opened even beyond his ex- r pectations, and that the majority of the merchants were encouraged and satisfied at the success of the early season,
 Loveman, Joseph & Loeb
 The magnificent establishment of Love- man, Joseph & Loeb was thronged through out the day with shoppers. as well as those on an Inspection tour. The shop windows were handsomer than usual, and attracted every passer-by along Nineteenth street. MT. sam Moses, of Loveman, Joseph & Loeb, devotes his time exclusively to win, dow decoration, and the beautiful arrange ment of the windows each season are the result Of his artistic ideas in the matter of colors and draperies. He is a master in the art of beautifying shop windows, and In the interior of the store much of the arrangement is designed by MT. Moses He has not an equal in the south, and the superb appearance of the shop windows in honor Of the spring opening added to his reputation. The spring and summer fab rics were displayed in the most attractive way The cotton goods in all the delicate colors and beautiful designs were shown weeks ago, but yesterday there was a be- wildering array of airy fabrics to tempt the Lenten shopper, regardless of any past extravagance. OrgandieS and dimities to be frilled and nsertioned and tucked to ones hearts content, and liberty silk frills and insertions and tucks to be had for the asking. Miles of silk strung out in gay and brilliant effects, and in the center a great arbor of ribbons, under which the Lenten maid passed with thoughts of Easter.
 The second floor was even more attrac- tive, for here the spring millinery was dis played. This department was crowded throughout the day, and Easter hats were discussed and admired to the exclusion of all worldly topics There were so many beautiful hats shown that details cannot be given. One of the handsomest of the m a a fuchia shade that IS so popular this sea. son. The trimming was a very effective one of roses Another attractive shape was of white straw with superb crown of applique. An artistic touch of pink velvet with yell low and pink roses and forget-me-nots un- der the brim gave a very Frenchy effect. Purple straws are very effective, and with the new fuchia shades are the latest nov cities. The shaded foliage is an effective trimming this season, and many of the elegant hats that were seen yesteray had the pretty trimmings of foliage.
 The shirt waist department and that of the lingerie and the tailor gowns were as popular as usual and were complete in every detail The carpet and curtain de- partments were handsomely arranged and the Turkish rooms were beautiful with all the richness of oriental color and fabrics.
 Hirsch
 The popular importers, f1lrSCn, repeated the successes of many years in their beau- tiful opening yesterday. MT. August Hirsch has recently returned from the fashion cen- ters, and the importations displayed yes terday were an evidence or his perfect taste in the selection of handsome fabrics and becoming millinery. The store was taxed beyond its capacity with shoppers. and the exquisite millinery which Hirsch makes a speciality is handsomer this sea- son than ever before. The satin straws, rich applique, imported scarfs, the colored ferns and flowers of every description were displayed in the most artistic shapes. A very striking hat was of yellow satin straw, with scarf of white moussehne drawn about the crown and a cluster of white lilacs caught at the side. Another hat which was greatly admired had crown of gold applique and white tip with swans down effect was curled over the brim. A toque of idlewise flowers was very lovely and a turban of black tucked tulle with jetted crown was one of the most charming hats seen. rather broad brim of leghorn and jet had a corn-colored crown with white and gold applique. Two .z white plumes were caught on the right and syellow roses were placed under the brim. S The other departments, including the ehirt waists, tailor gowns and lingerie were complete, and this popular firm demonstrated as on former occasions, their taste in the selection of beautiful fash  Ions and late styles.
 s. II. Barron & Company's spring open ing was In every way an artistic sue cess. All day the store was crowded, ana expressions of admiration were heard on all sides The archway connecting the two rooms was decorated with pink roses, from the centre of which hung floral bell The millinery was exquisite in color and decor aticn and the most elegant imported hats were shown. MT Barron adds to his repu- tation each season, and for the present season he is showing the most exclusive and beautiful styles. He always remains several weeks at the fashionable centres, and Birmingham women have learned to rely on his selections. MT. Barron is also showing a full line of plain and fancy waists and tailor gowns for the spring and summer season.
 Fer& Marx
 One of the most popular emporiums at all seasons Is that of Ferd Marx. This season has found Mir. Marx in very hand