The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1900-08-29
Magnificent Decorations, Fine Favors
and Delightful Music Were Among
the Features Of the Function.

Mrs. Ogden Goelet, whose husband left
her s250.00O year and the use of one of
the grandest villas at Newport, gave a
ball there last night and all society
flocked to her side. for all knew that 1t
would be a superb function, as II was.
Her villa "Ochre Court where the
function was held, is famous the world
over for its elegant architecture and cost
Iy interior appointments.
Then, too, her daughter, Miss May
Goelet. in whose honor Mrs. Goelet enter
tained. is at Newport for the first time
this season, after several years passed
in Europe. where she has had dukedoms
and principalities offered her for her hand
and her millions. all OF which, so the
story goes, were most respectfully de-
rlined.
fures, villa unsurpassed for grandeur.
n daughter who has declined more titled
foreigners than most girls born to afilu-
ence have an opportunity even TO see.
and numerous details, such as a vast for
tune alone could provide. II is no wonder
grandest formal event that Newport has
Witnessed for many year.
Another matter that lent especial In
terest and charm to the event was the
fact that the villa had never before been
opened for a general entertainment OF
any kind, as the late Ogden Goelet fell Ill
as soon as his house was finished, and
then after two years of suffering he died
and the family is just out OF mourning.
Thus Mrs. Goelets ball last night offered
to many their first opportunity of a peep
within Its palatial walls. and this I'm it.
self was sufficient to fill the magnificent
structure.
BEAUTIFUL DECORATIONS.
The decorations were most beautiful.
The natural charms of the place were
emphasized by the judicious use of plants
and flowers. which were in evidence
everywhere on the grounds and within
the house
All the way from the massive wrought
Iron grilled gates TO the port cochere
were huge standard boquets. from six
TO eight feet high, OF beautiful foliage In
terspersed with tiny electric lights. and
I'm among the groups of Towering plants
nearer the doorway were beautiful effects
In flowers and lights.
The beautiful view from Ochre Point
0Ntnue anu Otner points OF vantage was
enchanting, and will not soon be forgot
ten by. those who were fortunate enough
to witness IT,
Around on the terraces on the cnff side
Of the estate. the scene was more beauti-
ful. II II were possible so TO be. Here
were placed with most artistic and real
istic effects several huge Australian tree
ferns none Of which were less than Is
feet high.
On the trunks OF these were hanging
specimens OF rare orchids in flower, stag
horn ferns" and anthudlum flowers,
among them being numerous electric
light bulbs I'm colors TO harmonize with
the orchids.
Extensive groups of handsome palms
were 20 be seen all about the place. es-
pecially at the main entrance. and on
either side OF the stairway leading 10 the
main hall, where two Immense trees OF
American beauty roses stood out well
against the background OF white marble.
On the several antique tables through
out the hall were large masses OF orchid
plants In full flower.
FAvoRs FOR coTILLoN.
The Eilded ball room is so beautiful in
itself that II apparently had been decided
not 70 do much decorating there. but
n WAS noticed that the musicians were
clevcrly screened behind border OF
palms and rose trees. leaving spaces
through which their gray uniforms could
be seen and through which the leader
cou'd chsrrvc the course OF the dance.
especially The cotlllon. for which there
were gone very pretty floral figures in
trodurcf.
On each of the several small supper
tables yrctty centre piece OF American
brnuty roses with rose Foliage only.
vofc placed. Gardenias were found I'm
each OF the many finger bowls. These