Evening star., 1922-01-22

Four thousand or more Washington
ians visited the City Club last night and
learned what the organization has done
TO make a real civic center for the
National Capital The occasion was
the clubs big open house" reception.
Beginning a little after 1880 O'Clock
and continuing until midnight. the visi-
tors arrived and were shown through
the new home of the club. While the
reception was in progress, about 400
couples danced in the big, new ball
room.
Many Non-Members Invited.
Invitations to the party were sent
out to nearly 5000 non members, in
cludirg the officers and governors of
the other leading local clubs, while
members also were invited to bring as
their guests any non-memberS to
whom they wished to show the new
club.
The clubs officers and governors,
headed by President f. c. Graham.
received the guests in the main
lounge. and other members aided IN
guiding the visitors about the build
ing. With the exception Of the
smoker next Friday night. to\which
each member has been invited to
bring one guest, the affair was the
last opportunity given non-members
to inspect the clubhouse.
Expressions of Admiration.
Many expressions of wonder and ad-
miration at the colorful scene presented.
both in the cozy lounge and in the
crowded ballroom above. were made
by the feminine visitors as they, strolled
through the rooms on their tours of
inspection. There appeared to be as
many ladies' present as there were men,
many of them in evening gowns. and
they were not backward in satisfying
their curiosity as to the appearance OF
rooms where husbands have been pro-
yided with the facilities for such recre-
ations as billiards, cards, etc. The
women appeared to be particularly de-
lighted with the rich draperies and
comfortable chairs in the lounge.
DIR. Frank w. Baliou and stephen
E. Kramer, respectively supeEintend-
ent and assistant superintendent of
schools, were interested visitors dur
ing the evening. as were many other
local and federal officials. A number
of Army officers and their ladies were
in evidence. The most popular place
toward the latter part of the evening
was the magnificent ballroom, where
a "jazz" orchestra was kept busy an
swering encores for the dancers. The
ballroom is said to be the largest of
its kind in the city. Punch was served
in the room adjoining the ballroom.
Mr.. Graham wore a radiant smile as
he greeted the guests and pointed out
to some of them special features of
the clubhouse. This building and its
facilities afford something different
from other clubs and. therefore, does
not compete with other clubhouses.
It fills long-felt need in Washing
ton" he was heard to remark.
Spaciousness is the dominant, note
of the new building. all the larger
rooms being nearly eighteen feet
high. This unusual story height has
permitted the construction Of mezza-
nine floors at the east and west sides
on each story, and also has given a
splendid opportunity for elaborate
window draping at the big fourteen
foot windows, which are feature of
all the larger rooms and halls.
Attractive I.obby.
Entering from the street, the guests
found a long, high-ceilinged lobby
done In black, white and gold, fur
nished in heavy oak and leather and
lighted by antique octagonal chan
deliers and elaborate fioor lamps.
Similar lamps cast their glow
through the rich greenery entwined
about the grilled balcony overlooking
the lobby from the broad marble stair
case. This note Of greenery was car
ried out throughout the building.
The rich window drape effects were
first evident in the big main dining
room, which opens OF the second floor
lobby, and Is equipped to seat between
$50 and 400 persons. At the three
banks of windows overlooking g
street the 1langings are q rich figured
maroon and old gold. over sand-col-
sand finish of the walls The pillars
and decorative friezes of this room
are in cream color, relieved by the
yeIlow-shaded side and table lamps.
The business ONCE and cashiers
counter occupy the northwest, corner
Of this floor, while OF the dining room
along the east side ara the mems