The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-09-17
STEELE-SMITH co.
 HAS GREAT OPENING
OCCASION IN MANY RESPECTS ASSEMBLED A FASHIONABLE RECEPTION. STORE BEAUTl- FULLY DECORATED WITH PALMS AND CUT FLOWERS.

Hundreds of carnations palms, the Col man orchestra, a perfect day for shopping and throngs of Birmingham women were some of the features of the opening yes terday of the Steele Smith Dry Goods company on Second avenue, the crush at the elevator and the long line of traps In front of the store suggesting an early autumn afternoon reception. The occa- sion was a pronounced success and marked the addition of a new firm in the fashionable shopping district. The great success of the formal opening augurs we'll for the future of this firm. It is composed of two of Birmingham's prom inent and popular young men-James Ar thur Smith and George A. Steele-who en- ter the business world with capital, en- thuslasm determination and scores of friends throughout the city who predict that this firm will soon take its place beside the older and more established houses.
 The entire store was elaborately decor ated and from the big shop windows to the wholesale department on the third floor presented metropolitan appear ance. The wondows and for their back ground hangings of green and white panne velvet and this rich material was used in the interior of the store as an effective background for the soft light fabrics artlstically displayed An inn mense floral horseshoe, fashioned of car nations. was presented the firm by their employees, and occupied the place of honor. Further down the central aisle was another floral design. an exact repro duction of the front of the store. and sev- eral feet In height.
 The central decoration was a floral chariot suspended in the center of the arcade. More than a thousand car nations were used in it's decoration, the silver wheels being massed with them and delicate ferns White doves were suspended at intervals on the white rib- bons, the general idea of the designer, MT. Sims being to represent the "ap- proach" of the new store In addition to the elaborate arrangement of flowers, and palms, the decorators work was in evidence in the frieze ornamenting the entire length of the store. In the style of the First Empire the mural work was done in gold. into which were set at in-. tervals white cupids. Wild smilax was draped about the arcade.
 The autumn shopper was in all her glory. and the new walking suits, the autumn coats, the new hats the pretty waists were greatly admired. com plete line was shown In every depart ment. The new military effects In coats, the zibelines. cheviots and all the latest materials were shown while the ever popular short waists in all the fashiona- ble fabrics and dainty embroideres were displayed. In the millinery department the most stylish hats, at reasonable prices, were shown. the big picture hat of black velvet with plumes holding it's own with the new English beavers now so fashionable. The lingerie department is complete and elegant. and this firm also carries a high grade of gentleman's furnishings.
 With each purchase yesterday was given a, complimentary ticket to Vena- ble's place. The flowers used in the dec orations will be distributed tonight to the women visiting the store, and many at- tractive features will characterize the opening today