Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1901-01-05
THE WHITNEY BALL.

The chief event In New York society
last night was brilliant ball given by
Mr.. w. @. Whitney at his reconstructed
mansion, 81 Fifth avenue, In honor OF
bis niece, Miss Helen Barney, debu-
tante OF this winter. AS result the
audience at the opera was brilliant. the
elegent gowns and jewels adjoining the
double row of boxes and orchestra
stalls finding later superb setting in the
artistic surroundings of Mr.. Whltney's
home.
It was "housewarming," too, for
the Whitney mansion has been seen by
comparatively few Of the hosts wide
circle OF friends, and the interest of the
assemblage was not conferred altogeth-
er in the pleasures of the dance. Aside
from the throng of beautiful women,
there was much that appealed to the
artistic eye. Mr.. Whitney's recently
acquired art treasures came in for much
admiration.
His house Is admirably adapt
ed for entertaining on large
scale. The guests were shown to
dressing rooms on the lower floor,
especially constructed for such oc-
casions. Ascending board marble stair
way, after leaving wraps below, they
found themselves in the grand hall and
were shown into the banquet hall.
where Mr.. Whitney, his sister, Mrs.
Barney, and Miss Barney were receiv.
ing. The room opens into the conser.
vatory, which separates 1t from the
ballroom.
After paying their respects to host and
hostess the superb ballroom was sought
out by some, while others wandered
about inspecting the art treasurers.
There was plenty OF music. la the
grand hall WAS stationed tgo orches.
tras, an Italian and q Hungarian, play
log alternately, while In the ballroom
Lsnder's orchestra and another led by
Nabsn Frankie played for general
dancing.
The dancing continued until late at
night, when there suddenly appeared 9
procession OF men bearing tables al
ready set and decorated with fowers,
fine linen and silver. These were plsc-
ed in the banquet room, the grand hall
and the rooms adjoining. An elaborate
supper was served by Sherry.
After supper there was a cotillon, led
by Mr.. Worthington Whitehouse and
Miss Barney. The favors were I'M.
usually beautiful. There were eight or
ten favor figures and some of the favors
were as follows: Sashes OF liberty
satin OF different colors, with jeweled
clasps; gilt lanterns, wi h electric lights
and old English watchman's rattles;
bags OF antique velvet, bound in gilt;
herald's horns, with colored banners,
inscribed with the gilt figures 1901"
and bouquets of French flowers, tied
with gauzs streamers. For one figure
the favors were OF silken flags of all
nations.
A decidedly sportive element was
lent by a racing figure, which intro
duced three lads on hobby borses, rep
reseuting Mr.. Whitney's famous racers
French Charles, Kilmarnock and Bally-
hoo Boy. The fsvors for this included
riding crops.
Much merrimeut was produced by
some surprise figures. 10 one OF these
the men appeared 10 balloons OF differ.
ent-colored tissue papers, from which
they broke loose when claimed by fair
partners. There was also fan screen,
from behind which the partners we're
chosen. 1t was altogether q jolly CO.
tillop.
Mr.. Wbitney's mansion has lately
been reconstructed at great cost and
is now one Of the most magnificent
homes 10 America,