Evening star., 1922-02-12
Tales of Well Known Folk
In Social and Official Life
Distinguished Visitors Recently Here Heard In
, EXALTED Praise of>Nation' 5 Capital-Notes
Gathered Here and There

With the departure of many dis
tinguished guests sojourning during
the conference, it may hearten those
who have been striving to awaken
esthetic sentiments in the American
householder that many of these
strangers spoke in the most exalted
praise of the homes they had visit
ed. From the manner in which
Americans rush about the continent
buying every sort of furnishing and
ornament, the Europeans very natu-
rally concluded that nothing worth
while was to be obtained in this part
of the world. But they discovered
many things which their own coun-
try did not offer, and not alone the
utilities represented in electric de-
vices. but articles which are beauti-
full as well as useful. Lady Lee of
Fareham, being an American, acted
as guide for several women whose
husbands were among the delegates.
and they made a variety Of purchases
in the way Of lamps, telephone book
holders and some Of those dainty lit
tie electric stoves which, seeming to
be an ornament. will boil coffee,
toast bread. broil BACON ham and
eggs just with the turn of the wrist.
The wonders of the chatting dish
also have been revealed to some of the
visitors. and the toothsome way to
cook oysters. lobster and shrimp for
a studio supper or an after-the-play
bite. Some Washington women also
make fine intricate patterns of lace
for their napery, and their skill in
embroidery was 4 revelation even to
those familiar with the marvels
turned out in France. Italy and Bel
gium. In fact. The far-famed stu
dents of the Latin quarter can claim
nothing for their spreads and studio
adjuncts which may not, If the proper
guide be obtained, be more than sue
cessfully duplicated in some of the
modest-looking art retreats in the
alleys off Connecticut avenue and
along the quiet residence streets leading
beyond the State, War and Navy
building toward the river.
There are many busy hostesses in
Washington's official set who. like
to her biography, ever loved her
needle" Mrs. Miles Poindexter could
obtain a prize at any county fair for
fine darning, and though she is an
expert at this homely art, she does
not disdain to exhibit 1t on the hosiery
of her husband. Mrs. Poindexter in
the morning always is surrounded
by pile of mending, and. If an inti-
mate chances in, she is. if she wishes,
provided with sewing materials and
invited. to help. Mrs. Edward E.
Gam. sister of Senator Charles Cur
tbs and for SO many years a member
of his household. has lace window cur
tairs which would bring good sum in
Paris. They are to the last inch
handmade and were put together in
the odd moments after dinner or
luncheon and while the hostess chat
ted with her family or her guests.
There are SO many who can produce
those lovely vellum lamp shades that
the list would be long. And made
at home they cost few dollars.
while bought at the shops. and never
so artistic or shapely, their value
mounts into tens Of dollars. Mrs.
Mondell has always added to the
charm of her own apparel and that
of her daughters and of her home
by number of pretty things turned
out by her own fingers.
One of the impressive evidences of
changing standards in the amenities
may be cited in the reception which
the British ambassador and Lady
Geddes will tender rhe members of
Congress on February %. Ten years
ago such fete would have been an
extraordinary affair. for the d!plo-