The Penn's Grove record., 1919-08-29
Mrs. Wilson Entertained War Cripple.

Mrs. Wilson Entertained war Crlpples
By the Penns Grove Records Own
Correspondent
Washington, D. c., Aug. 25.-Dur-
ing a newspaper experience, extending
over a period of more than fourteen
years, | have attended many social
functions where the guest list resem-
bled several pages from the blue book
of fashions slaves, but none will take
the place in memory of Mrs. Woodrow
Wilson's lawn party on the grounds of
the south gardens of the White House,
last Friday afternoon.
Those whom the First Lady of the
Land had hidden to the Executive
Mansion do not figure in the society
columns of the local newspapers from
day to day, but they have contributed
pages to the history of the United
States by their deeds of valor, for the
guests on this unforgettable occasion
consisted of $50 wounded doughboys
from Walter Reed Hospital, ITO battle
SCARED sailors and marines from the
Naval Hospital, fifty regular army
nurses in their natty dark blue uni
forms and about twenty-five Red
Cross workers in their light gray
dresses and head dress and veil to
match. / went in the capacity of a
Red Cross aide, as newspaper men and
professional photographers were not
admitted.
Transportation to the White House
and return was furnished by the army
and the Red Cross Motor Corps and
the procession of automobiles through
the city attracted no little attention
from the crowds of wal workers, who
poured from the big government build
ings just as the vanguard reached
Pennsylvania Avenue. Some of the big
army truck contained boys who are
obliged to get around in a wheel chair
through the loss of arms or legs; Red
Cross ambulances took a + of the ma
iority of crutch and walking stick
cases, while fashionable limousines,
sedans and seven seated touring cars
were interspersed with "jitneys" carry
ing the convalescents, the whole form
ing a miniature auto parade.
Arriving at the south portico of the
White House the absence of formality
was strinkingly apparent. One found
attendants-for all the world like
everyday policemen-directing the
guests to the green velvety lawn
where they were told to make them
selves at home, which they promptly
did by assuming comfortable positions
on the grass. At the foot of the slop-
ing plane the Marine Band welcomed
the pleasure seekers with lively airs.
Promptly at 5 o'clock Mrs. Wilson,
accompanied by the President, appear
ed at the head of the marbel staircase
leading to the lawn and descended
among the wounded Yanks. Mrs
Wilson, according to some of the ladies
present, who know her intimately.
never looked lovelier. She wore a
white chiffon afternoon gown, which
was draped with lace and trimmed
with tiny pale pink and blue French
bow knots. Her picture hat was OF
black velvet and satin trimmed with
similar knots of ribbon to match her
dress.
AS their hostess and their comman-
der-in-chief advanced among them the
boys started to struggle to their feet
and stand at attention." but their
hosts made it obvious that they were
not to disturb themselves. 1t was this
absolute informality that formed the
keynote to the most enjoyable affair
of it's kind ever held in the White
House enclosure.
Carefully threading their way
among the seated soldiers Mrs. Wilson
and the President proceeded to a spot
shaded by a clump of trees, at a point
alongside the west carriage drive
Here they were joined by Mrs. Thomas
R. Marshall, wife of the Vice-Presi'
dent, and l. H. Hoover, chief usher al
the White House. At a signal from
Mr.. Hoover everyone formed in line
to be presented to their distinguished
patrons. AS they approached the re
ceiving party Mr.. Hoover would as
certain the name of the guest and ther
present him OF her, the President, Mrs
Wilson and Mrs. Marshall shaking
hands with them, in order named, al
the same time adding a few words o.
welcome. Bringing up the rear came
the wounded heroes in the wheel chairs
propelled by pretty Red Cross girls
They naturally came in for a maJo,
amount of attention.
AS soon as the presentation Incl
dent had passed a corps of coloret
White House walters in full evening
dress began to serve ice cream, cak'
and grape juice punch, from Ions
tables set under the big trees. Mean
while Mrs. Wilson and the Presiden,
separated and began to mingle witt
their guests. The President, noting
that the immense crowd was not being
served fast enough, walked up to thu
refreshment table, picked up twt
plates of ice cream and cake ant
brought them to two legless veterans
AS he started to return for more Pri
vate Joseph Rychard, of New Yorl
City, hobbled up to him, camera Il
hand, and saluting, requested that h
be permitted to take a photograph o
the Chief.
Certainly" said the President
laughingly, at the same time assuming
a pose. RICHARD wanted him to ap
pear differently, however, and lndl
Gated that he wanted a picture of tn
;