The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-02-08
IN RETROSPECTIVE MOOD.

Decidedly. tho twentieth century world
OF society has been in Retrospective mood
this winter, for ono OF the great suc-
cesses OF the season in Richmond was
Mr.. and Mrs Dabncy s. Crenshnw's old
fashioned party at the Masonic Temple
last Thursday evening.
Every ono OF tho many who went Is
declaring that he or she mover had moro
enjoyment crowded into the Same space
OF time. Hereafter quadrllles and polkas
may BIO expected to have a place on ball
programmes. and people generally. es-
pecially ctaperones, will be required to
take hand, after Thursdays exhibition
OF grace and liycliness. The rather dead
alive airs which have seemed to be in
vogue for dance tones will LOSE their
favor after the gay melodies which repre-
scented tho tastes OF q generation or two
ago produced such inspiring results in
response to their strains.
Perhaps a beautifully decorated ball
room. tho draping and wreathing OF
which was due to the great good taste
OF Miss Willie Withers, had something
to do with the universal happiness OF the
company. Perhaps share OF 1t was
duo to the elegant old-time supper, with
It's faultless service. and Its delicious
Hands. skilfully prepared under tho SUI
pcrviston OF the Misses Wallace. and to
the fine wine and champagne. Nhich the
host himself selected. Perhaps the la
dies as they came from the cloak-room
to tho reception parlor. wore such sn1il-
Ing faces because they had Just been
waited on by a kindly, genuine "Vir-
glnia nanny" with snowy Kerchief.
adjusted with the art and finish known
only To just such Virginia retalners.
It is altogether certain that Mr.. and
Mrs CTenshaw. by their welcome gave
quite tho finishing touch needed to set in
motion the spirit which lent such charm
to what was rightly termed ''Sociable,"
where everyone contributed their share
towards producing the pleasure OF the
whole
The first toast Of the evening. to Ken
lucky and Virginia." drunk standing and
story and paid tribute which all were
glad to express. Governor Montague, later
in tho evening. In few well-chosen SEN
tences, voiced the good wishes and con-
ordinations OF the company to Mr.. and
Mrs. Crenshaw.
The costuming OF society on this occa-
sion was something to delight the eye
and crafty the artistic perceptions. The
hostess. Mrs. Dabney Crenshaw. was
very handsome IN an IN ported DlaCh !aC0
gown with diamond ornaments.
Mrs. Andrew ]. Montague wore black
and white silk net ever tatfeta with
hand-wrought embroidery. Mrs. Merritt
w. Crenshaw was in black lace, Yelling
black silk: Mrs. l. D. Aylett, In net
above plated chiffon, lace applique and
and chiffon ruchingB; Mrs. James
Augustine in a black jet robe, dia-
monds; Mrs. Stephen Putney in black
lace over white silk. garnitured in white
violets; Mrs. Junius Mosby in heavy
cream Bengaline silk, with low cut Louis
XIV coat trimmed with round point
duchesse lace and with silver buttons and
buckles holding in place crush girdle:
diamonds and pearls as ornaments; Mrs.
w. Fl. Urquhart In white silk, real lace
and pearls; Mrs. James Allison In white
panne crepe: Mrs. L. r. Dashiell in a
charming toilet Of black and white net;
Mrs Polk Miller. in black point d'esprit
turquoise velvet trimmings, diamonds;
Mrs Barton Grundy in an exquisite i'm
ported Paauin gown OF white Brussels
point lace. one OF the handsomest worn;
Mrs N. NJ. G. Ramsey. OF Westover. in
pale pink brocade, lace and diamonds;
Mrs James Hubbard, OF Norfolk, in white
lace embroidered with morning glories;
Mrs Otway Allen in white lace with ap-
'plique Of pink roses. and Mrs. Henry
Cabel, in white lace and pearls.