The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-03-15

1
 folk.
 Steee-Smlth.
 The opening at the Steele Smith Dry Goods companys store was sgnally suc- cessful. and was one of the most beau tlful and elaborate in the history of Bir- mlngham. It presented a most tropical scene, as 1t Is rarely that the decorators art reaches such perfection. The long een- tral aisle had the appearance of leafy bower in midsummer. a canopy of south ern smilax extending the entire length ot the store. Rare exotlcs from the conserYa- 1 tories. tall white lilies, gorgeous roses, blended their perfume with countless violets and spring blossoms, and every mart of the store from the first floor to the third was artlstlcally decorated, an Interior of foliage with many blooming plants.
 l Directly below the immense arc light fin the center was tall Japanese vase filled with cherry blossoms, while about this were bowls and baskets of purple violets. At the rear of the store was an electrical dancing girl, which attracted hundreds of children
 HtQn OIaSS NONClhiOcs
 This firm, which has rapidly come to the front in short time, has one ot the most complete and elegant line Of goods in the south It carries many high class novelties and is prepared to sell to first class trade. The firm has added dress making department this season and dis- played yesterday number or styiish gowns made In this department. In ad- dltion to the silk shirt waist suits ana 1 the tub" gowns In the ready-made de- nartment. there is a complete line of beautiful lingerie from one of the leading manufacturers of this country and this attracted special attention yesterday.
 This firm, which started business less than year ago, has established itself as one of the most important in Birming- hams shopping district.
 Cooper Furniture Go.
 The largest crowds were seen at the Cooper Furniture company on Third ave- nue. It was almost impossible to gain entrance to the elevators and many per sons used the stalrways. There was an orchestra of several pieces on the second floor. and on the fourth floor, where the souvenir drawings took place. the crowds were immense. The store presented a beautiful appearance. On the first floor the mahogany and mission furniture, to- gether with many of the handsomest rugs were displayed. This line of furniture was superb. The remaining floors were devoted to almost everything in the house. furnishing line, from a hammock to re- frigerator, and the display was exceed- ingly handsome and attractive. The stock of this season is the largest and most complete ever carried by this firm, which is doing an extensive business.
 Canary Birds.
 The souvenirs included canary birds, pictures, calendars, baskets and hundreds of things. Every visitor to the store re- ceived a souvenir, and the drawing was very exciting. One woman drew the num- Der entitlng her to a set of furniture.
 The members of the firm expressed them selves as delighted at the great success of the opening and had every reason to be gratified at the interest shown. It could not have been greater success.
 At Louis Saks. | store yesterday and last night The dis- play at this large store is one of the most unique ever seen in Birmingham on the second flood in the ladies department, there Is a fac simile reproduction of the famous Casino, at Newport, one of the most exclusive club houses fin the United States The veranda of the club house at saks' is probably twenty-five feet in length, and all of the woodwork Is in white, with gilt trimmings. This scheme was conceived by John Simpson, the manager of the ladies' department, and A. D. Moore the decorator. pianola furnished music, and the entire place was decorated with palms. The electric dis play Is perfect.
 About 5000 was expended by the firm to reproduce the club house, this of course including the fifty handsome wax figures. The smart set dressed in the latest crea- tlons for the summer appear on the porch, the ladies in linen and the men in negligee On the inside there are sev- eral other handsome figures displaying spring styles.
 | rTiUCipdi
 The principal display at the opening consists of linen gowns. shirt waist suits and etamines and mohairs. One creation is a suit of linen and Cluny lace made with bertha and full bishop sleeves. The skirt Is of all over Cluny bands with white l linen bands running all around. Another lovely and exclusive creation shows the combining of the seasons new color and style. It is of helitropo trimmed with Egyptian insertion of white. The skirt | is of the tunic effect with white linen | piping further relieved by kilted flares | on the bottom of the skirt. Another gown | Is of white mercerlzed linen, embroderied | with red polka dots It is made with bertha and the dress Is piped over with | solid red
 | Still another creation is of cadet blue linen etamlne, with white crushed belt The whole Is plped with white linen and | trimmed with Clnny lace ornaments. 1 An evening gown is of white point de esprit, trimmed with Val. lace. and orna- mented with white baby ribbons full stitched to follow the design on the lace. | It has drop Japanese silk skirt. Another | is made of alternating rows of white Jap | silk and Val, lace. widths of same being about an inch wide 1t Is elaborated with tueks and baby ribbon, and has beautiful | flowing sleeves,
 There is department devoted exciu-