The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-09-23
COST OF DECORATIONS
VEHICLES CAN BE MADE BEAUTI-
Full FOR LITTLE MONEY.
Mrs. Travis Gives Some Valuable
Points About the Carnival
Floral Parade.

ut seems" said Mrs. H. Mccall Travis,
who is directing the floral parade, that
about two weeks ago there appeared in one
Of the local papers an article relative to
the flower parade in which the statement
was made that many of the vehicles were
to cost a thousand dollars and more.
suppose that 800 was meant, but 1 also find
that the COO idea has scared many out of
the parade. and consequently think de-
scription of various schemes and the ap-
proximate cost of each quite necessary.
1T isn't so costly to enter a floral parade
as one might think. and yet a great deal
more expensive than some have an idea it
is 1t all depends upon how much of the
work one does at home, upon the size of
the vehicle and upon the kind and color OF
the flower.
81 use artificial flowers, not only because
they are cheaper, but because they are
more desirable. have yet to see really
beautiful and artistic carriage in the nat
ural flowers, because they must be put
at the last moment. and even then invaria-
bly, fade and droop before the pageant Is
ready TO move. while with the artificial
flowers one can decide upon the color
scheme and work several days decorating
the carriage until every point is carefully
and artistically carried out 1 have seen
really exquisite things that cost less than
$40. have in mind now party of girls in
Montgomery, Ala, who decorated trap in
white chrysanthemums, driving to 1t pair
of horses white as snow. The trap was
first entirely covered with white cambria
until not speck Of the black showed. Then
the fluffy chrysanthemums entirely COW
cred every particle of the cam
bric,' the harness were covered
with cheap white satin. yet quite good
enough. The young ladies were gowned
In white organizes. with white picture
hats and white chiffon parasols, and the
whole thing cost less than $40. But one
must understand that the white French
tissue paper Is less expensive than any OF
the colors. and that the young ladies did
all the work, with my assistance, of course.
I'm the same parade was a tallyho coach
occupied by railroad officials which cost
$3.50. 1 sent to the School of Design I'm New
York, where / studied and fitted myself for
my profession, for a national design. IT
was a big flag emblazoned with the red
rose, white carnations and bachelor but
tons on one side and the state coat of arms
on the other. while the entire coach was
Il solid bed of white roses. II was mag
nificent creation yet no more effective in
the pageant than the dainty white equi-
page. OF course one must have the great,
massive coaches, necessarily expensive, TO
carry out a complete idea, but the public
must not confound the cost OF them with
that OF pony carts, phaetons and traps"
Mrs. Travis will be at her Headquarters
at the English Hotel each day this week
and will teach all who wish to enter the
parade not only to make the flowers but
of vehicles is increasing each day, fully
fifty having been planned up to date
Mayor and Mrs. Taggart will drive at the
head of the pageant.