The Washington times., 1902-06-19
Oarsmen Sweep the River
in a Blaze of
Light.
NOVEL, FAIRYLIKE SCENE
The First Affair of Its Kind in This
Vicinity Decided Success-Tdous-
ands Viewed the Pretty Spectacle
Thirty Boats Paraded Last Night.

The Potomac Eoat Club during its
existence of nearly third of a century
has afforded pleasure to thousands of
its friends In hundreds Of different ways,
but none CT its entertainments ap-
preached in beauty OF conception and
in novelty CT plan the carnival 1t held
or the upper Potomac last night.
1t was the first aquatic parade at
night ever attempted in this vicinity and
was cor9lete success in every way.
This was not only due to the excellent
work Of a good committee but because
each member of the old club felt per-
sonally responsible for the success of
the initial effort in this direction. The
clubmen We'd with one another in
their efforts to produce novel effects.
all harmonizing in the grand color and
light scheme planned by the manage
ment
A Scene From Venice.
1t was a merry carnival; revelry Of
light. color and music; light hearts. gall
AeAe 'OesSA-NA oho P4Ss'y 6hAASs q
veritable scene from Venice transported
to our own historic Potomac. weird and
novel. but beautiful and fairy like. The
gondolas with their gaily-clad gondoliers
and their sleepy strummings we're not
there, but in their stead. gallant oars
men who knew as we'll how to coax
weird sweet music frcul mandolin and
guitar as to propel their fair freight
over the moonlit stream.
AS viewed from the Aqueduct Bridge
and the lighthouses and the long line of
wharves, the scene presented was one
which will live long in the memory of
the thousands who had the pleasure of
it.
Was Well Planned.
Mr.. W. W. Stevens was captain Of the
parade, and much of the success of the
rovel event was due to his efforts and to
his able assistants. Messrs. Slaybaugh.
Eberbach and Whipple. The
affair was well planned and the plans
carried out to the letter.
At o'clock nearly all the boats had
been slipped over the float and were on
their way to the wall south OF the An
house, where all assembled.
From this point. after some little delay
caused by difficulty in lighting the can
dies, the wind blowing strong across the
river. the procession Of gaily decorated
craft moved proudly up the river in col
umn of fours, with the handsome old
ten-oared barge. Frank NJ. Jones, in the
@1ly 81 1y Nv ha nractdont'c
gig. Little Marie, containing Mr.. John
Hadley Doyle.
In all there were thirty odd boats
In line, comprising barges, whitehall
boats, gunwales, outriggers and canoes.
All were decorated, some more eiab-
orately than others. Nearly all the
boats, including the barge. had spar
set in the middle, from which lines led
to the bow and stern. and from which
we're suspended the colored lanterns.
Saluted the Boat Clubs.
AS the line approached the Analostan
boathouse it wheeled around. saluting
the old club in boating fashion with up
raised oars and swinging lanterns and
a hearty cheer. The Analostans re-
sponded with burst Of red fire. This
ceremony was repeated as the parade
passed the Potomac and Georgetown
University lighthouses. which. like the
Analostan were packed from float to
roof with throug of young people and
olecr ones. too, who came to enjoy the
novel display.
Cheered by Crowds.
As the column moved majestically to-
ward the Aqueduct Bridge. which, like
he wharves en- route. was crowded with
of sightseers, it was enthu-
.a.tically cheered, and this demonstra-
lion was repeated in even greater vol
ime upon its return trip from near the
Three Sisters, where the line made
oop and started on it's journey TO tho
ooathouse.
All the while the boats were keeping
rood alignment at a distance of about
, boat length apart, each platoon fol-
owing the movement of its leaders,.
Arrived opposite the boathousq the
,latoons went through several ,naheu-
,ers and filed slowly to the feat. and
we're called off by numbers so that there
vas no confusion in landing Not Z sin
.lc mishap marred the pleasure Of the
.venins. and 1t was unanimously agreed
hat not only was it a grand success al
novel entertainment, but that 1t was
,ne of the best managed affairs the club
las ever undertaken.
In addition 70 Mr.. Stevens and his as
;istants given above, there was a COM
nittee which rendered valuable assist