The San Francisco call., 1909-07-23
BIG STORE AGAIN
ON old LOCATION
ThrOngs View Elaborate Quar-
ters of City of Paris at
Geary and Stockton

Combining the elegance of the home,
the grace and beauty of an old Roman
gallery. and the practical richness and
variety of a modern establishment,
the City of Paris swung wide it's doors
yesterday morning with a greeting
to the public from its old home. 1t is
the old home in point of location, at
Geary and Stockton streets, but there
have been many changes. A new edi-
fee has been wrought from the old
and in its fashioning have entered all
that art and industry could bestow
The lofty dome, impressive in its
sweep, gathers the light in its golden
colorings and spreads 1t through the
interior, flood of cheer and hope.
Thus il interpreted the emblem Of
the City of Paris that is emblazoned
upon the glass that forms the dome.
Across the sea sails an ancient Roman
corvette. Below is the scroll in grace
full fold: "Fluctuat nee Mergitur,"
which has been freely translated into
the English sentiment, May it float,
but never sink"
Rejecting the spirit of the period of
Marie Antoinette, the gorgeous canopy
looks down upon a large central ro
tunda from which rise a succession of
galleries. Stretching to the arches,
acting as supports to the galleries, are
fiuted pilasters resting upon carved
pedestals of white marble, the col
umns, in a soft dress of ivory and
Etruscan gold, giving the predominant
ing coloring. Greens, potted plants
and palms, distributed throughout the
store, blend harmoniously.
GENERAL EFFECT PLEASING
The store in its adornment and ar
rangement has not been surpassed in
any city. Paul Verdier, the young
manager of the City of Paris, travelled
with his father through Europe to
gather ideas for the new establish
ment. and upon his return collaborated
with Clinton Day, the architect
The general effect yesterday was
particularly pleasing Handsomely
gowned women thronged the aisles or,
seated in the galleries, looked out over
the rotunda. Large floral pieces,
the gifts of well wishers, had been
placed in most effective positions. At
the entrance was a replica in bios
SONS of of the dome, the gift to Paul
Nerdier from the employees.
The City of Paris, with the opening
OF its permanent home, will continue
as an exclusive dry goods house. Its
equipment has been designed with that
end in view. The artistic idea pre-
walls throughout. The show windows
are of the French type. high. with back
ground of pure white. Above at the
second floor window are boxes, from
which creeping geraniums present
themselves to the public view.
Within. the arrangement is pleasing
in the extreme. The lower floor is
given over to the usual articles, but
in the rear is novelty that has al
ready attracted wide attention. 1t is
r huf
of light yesterday belied its name.
1t is an apartment in which are ex-
( hibited such fabrics as are worn at
dinner or in the ballroom. Hidden in
recesses that line the ceiling are cleo
trio rods which send out the glow of
the dining or ballroom. Milady may
here study the effect and coloring of
the fabric in just such a light as that
for which her gown is intended. The
room is furnished in white and gold,
the walls are brilliant with mirrors
and a rich carpet of Turkish rose
covers the floor.
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
On the mezzanine floor are the ad-
ministrative offices. An ample recess
lined with Circassian walnut has been
reserved for the manager. 1t COM
mands a sweep Of the entire store and
yet is far enough removed.
The second floor. forming the first of
the three galleries, is finished in
French gray enamel. 1t is devoted to
"nadeup" goods. A separate apart
ment has been reserved for the dis
play of French lingerie. The room
is finished in white with a carpet of
rich blue. Stretching toward the front
of the store are a series of fitting
rooms furnished in the same style and
made brilliant with the radiance of
mirrors.
On this floor the dark room again