The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-11-03

In the spacious new ballroom of the Country club a cotillon was danced last evening, several hundred guests giving brillianey to the occasion which had been anticipated with more than ordinary pleasure For the opening cotillon of the season the entire clubhouse was thrown open and handsomely decorated The magnificent balconies were enclosed with canvass from the main cafe on the west ern side of the club to the end of the ballroom on the extreme eastern side. The many windows opening upon the galleries and the several entrances to the clubhouse made a charming picture from without, while within the brilliant lights and the big log fires made the clubhouse the ideal and comfortable looking place that every one has grown to expect as soon as the winter fires are lighted. And now the club veranda on the side of the ballroom has an open fireplace, where last even ing a bright fire flashed a welcome, while within the ballroom the large brick fire place near the entrance to the library had the great logs lighted, and at the other end of the ballroom another large open fireplace made the brightest of pie lures.
 The decoration of the ballroom was elab- crate. About the beautiful beams wild smilax was hung, giving a tropical touch everywhere and, where on the electricals the smilax was used with white wysteria, the effect was most artistic. A feature of the ballroom besides it's superb maple iG in, tbo ments. Instead of the chandeliers from which the lights directly over head are always trying and glaring, the ballroom is lighted entirely from the side. The elec- trical brackets, each holding twelve lights. form against the dark panels on the wall a beautiful decoration, while it's effectiveness In bringing out the gen eral beauty of tue ballroom was admitted by everyone. At the far end of the ball. room is a handsome stage, with foot lights, and here the Calman orchestra was stationed, the programme for the even ing being a brilliant one. Throughout the clubhouse the decorations were in smilax and palms. the mantels having their re- cesses banked in them while amid all the tropical decorations were cut flowers, chrysanthemums being used as the typical autumn flower.
 A buffet supper was served during the evening, and downstairs the perfectly equipped rathskaller with its furnishings harmonizing with the woodwork and in terior upstairs. attracted many congenial parties. The facilities for entertaining are so complete that the most fastidous club man could not suggest the slightest inn provement, while the ladies are equally as enthusiastic over the new additions to the clubhouse.
 No Country club in the south is more complete or ideally arranged for the va rious sports of Country club, the golf, bowling, billiards, while with the addi- ton of so spacious ballroom, the social features will be even more pronounced than in the past. The size of the ball room suggests that here will be danced the most picturesque balls of the winter brilliant costume ball, and that here some of the large banquets to distin- guished visitors may be given with every facility for enjoyment, while no one can even look at the stage with it's footlights, without picturing amateur theatricals as one of the most delightful features of Country club entertaining.
 The guests last evening were received by the president of the club. Mir. l. Douglass Kirkpatrick, and Mrs. Kirkpat- rick and the officers of the club. MT. Erskine Ramsay, the vice president and MT. Thomas Ward, the secretary of the club, while the several committees and a number of other clubmen together wi,h number of ladies assisted In receiving
 About 10 o'clock the grand march was begun, MT. Douglass Kirkpatrick leading it with his lovely young daughter. Mss Mary kirkpatrick. In a ball gown of white net oyer silk. hand embroidered and trimmed with real lace, Miss Kirk patrick made an ideal picture. she car ried chrysanthemums and roses
 Mrs. Douglass Kirkpatrick, handsome ly gowned in black net over silk, was with Mr George N. Shorey of Boston.
 MT. Culpepper Exum the former presi- dent of the club and Mrs. Exum. were ia the grand march, Mrs. Exum wearing a gown of white chiffon cloth, elaborate ly trimmed with lace and hand embroider- ed in pink roses. She carried American beauties At the conclusion of the grand march, dancing was general until 12. when the cotillon was danced. Mir. Yeatman