Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-05-29
CITY OF AMUSEMENT
DOORS OF LUNA PARK THROWN
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
Brilliant in the Light of Scores of In
candescent Bulbs-Stream of
Sightseers.

Luna Park, the magic city of amusement.
opened last evening in blaze of glory
Through its beautiful gates, brilliant in the
light of scores of incandescent bulbs, poured
numerous throng of wondering and ad-
miring visitors. Not until late in the even
Ing did the stream of sightseers setting
thitherward diminish. Once within the con-
fines of the place of novel sights and en-
chanting visions the visitors were loath to
depart Many charmed in the maize OF at
fractions. fingered until near the midnight
hour.
II had been hoped by the management
that the new moon would shed its beams
benignly over Luna Park when It should
be formally presented to the public. Such
a wish II was thought proper in the fitness
of things to indulge, but when the clouds
overcast the sky and the rains descended
and 1t was seen that there would be no sill
yer rays from above to add fair omen to
the enterprise. the management confident
that the merits OF the new resort would
stand the test of adverse circumstances.
was not inclined to postpone the opening
until a more suspicious occasion. And in
deed the result proved that the confidence
was justified. In the deep darkness of the
gloomy night the myriads of electric lights
shown with a rare brilliance. casting
great glow OF radiance into the sky. Such
was the extent of the reflected illumination
that il was seen In all directions for many
miles seeming to beckon the eager votaries
OF pleasure.
Wealth of Architectural Skill.
Entering at the main gates. which face
toward the east the visitors found them
selves Ia the midst OF wealth of ARCHITECT
tural skill bathed In a perfect flood of light
Like the tabled palace of the sun the tenn
Piles of pleasure stood reared aloft on col
umns. sparkling with lights and glittering
with brilliant colors. The scene was truly
hou n
Irregular fashion about great oval center
ground. In which Is a lagoon. the buildings
stretch around both sides OF the high pro-
montory which the park Is constructed
The general scheme Is characterized by an
individual diversity OF design. Varying
types, covering widely separated periods,
are represented. Including moorish, Japa-
nese Arabic, Gothic. Byzantine aud Corin-
THAN.
IL is indeed dreamland city. Situated
picturesquely. with natures gifts In lavish
abundance. IL has, In addition, a wealth. OF
artistic skill and all so harmonized as to
produce a highly pleasing and soothing ef-
feet on the mind
Minarets, Spires and Towers.
The minarets. spires. towers and turrets
lend suggestion of oriental charm. Clothed
In their beautiful lights they portray the
bewitching visions of rich and elegant
cities famed 10 have flourished IN the times
of the Ara Oian nights.
Luna Park Is an elaborate example OF
the modern type of exposition parks. 1t
was built by Frederick IngersoiI OF Pitts
burg, Pa. at cost approximattng $SU.-
900 The season which opened yesterday
viii close September -. The park Is To-
Gated just four miles from Washington and
about the same distance from Alexandria
1t Is on the Washington. Alexandria and
Mount Vernon railway. the cars OF which
require only ten minutes to make the trip
between here and that place. In construc-
ton, this park is modelled after Luna Park
Ia New York. built by the same firm. A
feature OF the management OF the place is
that no liquor games OF chance are
permitted on the grounds.
The park covers fifty-three acres, the part