The San Francisco call., 1905-01-04
MATRIMONY THE
NEW YEAR RAGE
ABOUT OAKLAND
BY ZOE GREEN RADCLIFFE.

OAKLAND Jan. 3.-There must be some
thing peculiarly conducive to matrimony In the
atmosphere of the city OF oaks, or else Oak
land girls are more than ordinarily fascinating
Personal experience inclines to the latter be-
lief, but, whatever the cause, certain 1t is
that the city is becoming famed for the num-
Der of important marriages that take place
here.
Although only three days old. the new year
has already been prolific of interesting an
nouncements. and still they come.
The latest to make known her approaching
marriage is Miss Leila McKillican, one of the
prettiest and most charming of Oakland s
maids. Her nance is Eastern man. Walter
Boyd Townsend. and they make a very ,attfac-
tive couple he is splendid looking fellow.
Miss McKillican is the daughter of Robert Nc
killican, time Sheriff of Alameda County.
Her nance is the son of Henry Townsend, gem
eral manager Of the Gould railroad lines in
st. Louis, and the young groom is also in the
same company's employ, being travelling
freight and passenger agent for the Denver
and Rio Grande, with headquarters In San
Francisco.
The wedding will follow close upon the an
nouncement OF the engagement, date In
February having been selected. and the newly
married pair will include ST. Louis in the very
interesting wedding itinerary they have
planned.
Miss McKillican's many girl friends will be
delighted to learn that Mr.. Townsend intends
building handsome home in Alameda He is
fond OF nautical sports and will probably man
pleasure yacht before many moons.
AS many another talented girl has done,
Miss Elsa Hunt has abandoned all thought OF
g. musical career to wed the man of her choice.
Clarence B. Munson, young business man Of
San Francisco, is the lucky individual who
has diverted the singers mind from music to
matrimony. Miss Hunt has a contralto voice
OF unusual range. and after receiving a good
start under the careful tutelage of Mrs. Bake
Alverson she went to Boston. where she at
tracted attention as pupil in the Conserva-
tory of Music there. For two years before
her return TO Oakland, few months ago, she
studied with William L. Whitney in the In
ternational School for Vocalists.
Miss Hunt is the only daughter of Mr.. and
Mrs. George w. Hunt of this city, and the
weddin.. tor which no date has yet been set,
will probably be a large church affair.
Nearly all Of fashionable Oakland partici-
pated in the charity tea at Mrs. Coghill's yes
terday afternoon. AS 1t a holiday, wives
took their husbands, and maids their
black coats in the assembly OF feminine tea
drinkers was pleasant and unusual sight
IL the men only realized how the women enjoy
these visits-which are really like angels .
they few and far between-they would
develop abnormal appetites for afternoon tea
Mrs. Coghill is charming hostess always
and her gracious efforts were agreeably
seconded yesterday by the coterie of ladies as
sisting. Music-and good music by Mrs Max
to the days pleasure, and the many guests
who contributed by their presence to the sue
cess Of the affair expressed their satisfaction
enthusiastically.
Some OF the smartest gowns seen this winter
were worn at the tea, Mrs. George H. Wheaton
looking very handsome in a black velvet
gown, and Criesie Taft was perfectly stunning
in black crepey affair trimmed with tiny
roses
The tea was for the benefit of st. Pau,.s
Guild fund. 1t netted a pleasing sum.
Some of the young girls who assisted the
ladies of the guild were Miss Gertrude Gould
Miss Jane Crellin, Miss Ethel Crellin Miss
Irene Bangs, Miss Maud Edith Pope Miss Ann
McElrath. Miss Letitia Barry. Miss Jessie
Fox. Miss Carmen Sutton. Miss Noeile de Co
liza, Miss Rose Kales. Miss Ruth KaIes. Miss
Marietta Ravens. Miss Pauline Fore, Miss
Gertrude Allen Miss Natalie Fore Miss (,er-
trude RUSSELL Miss Florinne Brown, Miss sal
lie Hampton, Miss Elsie Fry Miss Ada Brown
Miss Bessie Coghill Miss Violet Whiting, Miss
Allardt.
Another large New Years reception that at-
tracted a hundred or two guests out Piedmont
way was that. given by the Philura Club at
the residence Of Mrs. Arthur Moore
The Moores-Mrs Moore was Miss Helen
Haxar--have only recently moved into their
new home and wandering through the COW
apartments was one OF the chief pleasures OF
the visitors, for delightfully."- situated on the
hillside. the cottage is artistically planned and
furnished. The holiday colors adorned the
rooms effectively
The members OF the club who dispensed hos
uitality TO their many callers were Mrs. Ar
thur Moore, Miss Clara Brown, Miss Ella
Brown, Miss Gertrude Mansfield Miss Ger
Aphia Vance. Miss Hattie Higgins Miss
Louise Hager Mrs r. Horst, Miss Jessie
Benton, Miss Lou Magan. Miss Arlett Hughes
and Mrs. Henry Mowbray.