The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1921-03-31
The Japanese Garden Party
Drew Record Attendance and was Sue
cess IN Every Particular.

The Japanese garden party held in the
Armory last Wednesday under the aus
pices of the Universalist League was the
most delightful of their many social sue
cesses. 1t was generally conceded that
the hall never before looked so artistic as
it did in its transformation of a veritable
garden scene in festive array. A erfect
canopy of Japanese lanterns were strung
from the balcony rails to the center
chandelier. from which hung inverted a
large and beautiful Japanese umbrella
Umbrellas were spaced on the balcony,
| while lanterns, fans, etc., were on the
| lockers In the floor center was a large
pale green lawn table with beautiful
linen cover and centered with a rustic
basket filled with cherry blossoms. The
sales tables, including those of the boys
and girls, an unusual innovation, were
covered In white bunting decorated with
sprays of pink roses and green leaves,
while at either end were small cherry
/ trees in full bloom. Each table also had
a bunch of Easter lilies. The regular
drop curtain on the stage with its white
center panel formed very fine back
ground for a dado of cherry trees of a
lighter tint. Trees galore were used on
the stage, in front of it and at its Sides
The most artistic feature of this veritable
garden scene was the handsome white
pagoda, having its frame completely en-
! tWlned with wisteria sprays. The tea
table service In this was perfectly ap-
pointed in real Japanese style and pie
sided over by Mrs Cecil Clay in costume
| All who served at the tables or were on
the program dressed in approved Japan
eSe style.
The afternoon program opened with
| piano duet by Misses Verna Jellison and
Margaret Eaton. Then came the cutest,
dearest parade ever thought of when
/ twenty or more babies in their decorated
doll carriages and strollers appeared, led
! by little Miss Martha Bowker, herself
only baby. Chrysanthemums were
used, giving fluffy effect, and the little
ones seemed like kings and queens in
their attitude of monarchs of all they
surveyed. A few children in costume
/ walked in the parade and added material
| ly to its effectiveness. 1t was greatly
enjoyed and a very original and happy
hit, under the direction of Mrs Ralph d.
! Southworth. Mrs. Basil R. Allen, in
most becoming Japanese gown, sang a
''Maid from Japan" and was accompa-
MED in the chorus by bevy of little jap
anese maids. The boys carpentry class
brought down the house with their mo-
tlon song, and the surprise of the program,
Ten In One" presented by Rev. VIM.
] Vaughan, in an appropriate and compli-
mentary speech, proved to be the family
OF John b. Chalmers, including Mrs.
! Chalmers with her youngest child in
arms, her married daughter and the rest
ranging to the smallest. All were in cos
tune and their chorus was greeted with
cordial encore The vocal duet by
Misses ldres Rogers and Henrietta
Coombs, two attractive little Japs, was
cordially received. Miss Charlotte obi
orne of Bangor, the child solo dancer,
gave Japanese number and was greeted
with storms of applause. She is great
faVorite in Belfast, where she frequently
appears, always in new solo dances.
In the evening the booths, with the
exception of two near the front of the
hall, were removed to give extra seating
capacity. At least an hour before the
program began every available seat was
occupied, leaving only standing room for
the dancers, who came later. Mrs. AL
lens number was repeated, but this time
she came IN a genuine jnricksha, which
Mr.. Horace Chenery brought as souve-
mir of trip he took to Japan some years
ago. Miss Cdlorne also repeated her sue
cess of the afternoon and the boys car
penter class brought down the house by
repeating their motion song. They were
Eugene Hammons, Warren Southworth,
Thomas HoXie, Alfred Bradford, John
and henry Chalmers. The duet by Miss
Katherine E. Brier and Harold s Mckeen,
the former 10 becoming costume, was
most enjoyable and greeted with cordial
encore, to which they responded. The
Fan dance by Miss Caroline Havener of
Portland was as appropriate as 1t was
picturesque, and she was really charm
ing in her dainty Japanese gown. Al
ways a favorlte here for her natural grace
and modest manner, she won fresh lau-
rels and he comment was frequently
heard that a professional would have
found it difficult to surpa her efforts.
The president of the League, Mrs. Chas.
Bradbury, assisted by Mrs. Cecil Clay
and Mrs. V. H. Rackliff, designed the
decorations, and also did effective work
in their preparation. Others who had
their share in the work, besides the girls
and boys were Mrs. Vannie H. Rackliffe,
in charge of the distributing of the apron
table; Mrs. J. G. Paul and Mrs. l.. I.
Shaes, fancy articles; Mrs. Hattie L..
Morse, candy; Mrs. }. Lee Patterson,
Mrs. Albra j. Clary and Mrs. Elijah
Richie, food table; Mrs. Cecil Clay, the
cooking. The program closed with gen.
eral dancing by McKeen's orchestra. The