The Washington times., 1902-08-12
RECHABITE' LAWN PBTE
OPENS AUSPICIOUSLY
Times Newsboys Band Was
the Feature.
Dance Pavilion Proved Popular-Fete
Will Continue Balance of the
Week Brilliant Affair.

The citizens of East Washington have
participated in few prettier or more en-
joyable events In recent years than the
opening of the Rechabite lawn fete last
evening on Robertson's lawn, GAS Penn
sylvania Avenue southeast. The Times
ture of the evening. Several hundred
persons gathered to hear the youthful
musicians, as 1t was their first public
appearance on Capitol Hill. And that
the COMMITTEES in charge of the fair
found the presence Of the large crowds
highly profitable was plainly evidenced
by the liberal patronage accorded the
numerous booths. where fee cream,
sweetmeats, and all manner of refresh
ments were to be had.
The lawn fete Will continue through
out the week, with the exception of Sat
urday night, and II the patronage for the
remainder of the time equals that OF last
night the venture is already an assured
success. While the affair is being given
by Eagle Tent. No, 8, Independent Order
OF Rechabites, there were hosts OF per-
sons present. young and old. who had no
connection whatever with that organi-
zation. and a most enjoyable time was
neted out to all.
Crowds Arrive Early.
Before the gates had been open an
hour the big lawn. extending from Penn
sylvania Avenue across the entire block
to d Street, was thronged with people,
strolling about under the big trees
and bewildering array OF colored lamps.
listening TO the music. CT clustered
about the paddle stand or refreshment
booths.
Extending along the whole length of
the lawn were arranged the booths.
each beautifully decorated and lighted
by ,estoons of colored lights. Strung
between the booths and from tree to
tree were garlands of paper flowers and
attractive arches OF colored bunting
and flags. among which were hung hum
dreds of colored lights.
Beer Bottles for Lamps.
The temperance character of the
Rechabite organization was set forth
forcibly and appropriately by the fact
that the lights were formed of beer bot
ties with the bottoms broken off and
hung upside down with candles in them.
The ladies of the committees had ex-
pended a great deal OF time in color
ing the bottles. so as to give them
something of the appearance of small
Japanese lanterns.
\ gentleman was heard to remark to
a member of one of the committees that
it seemed queer for a temperance or
ganization to have its lawn fete il
Illuminated with beer bottles.
Not at ALL" replied the latter; I'VE
are merely fighting intemperance with
its own weapons"
At one end of the lawn large plat
form had been erected for dancing
Upon this. in the early part of the even
ing. The Times Newsboys Band was sta
toned. The little fellows made a de-
cided hit by their attractive appearance
in their natty white uniforms and by
their excellent rendition of highly pop
ular program. BY common consent they
were proclaimed the feature of the even
ing. One of their selections. Creole
Bellies" particularly pleased their hear
ers. and they were greeted by storms OF
applause. The Rechabite organization.
as we'll as the throngs OF visitors, spoke
in the most glowing terms of the young
sters. and expressed the hope that they
might be able to secure their services
at some other time during the week.