Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-23


affairs nothing has ever eclipsed the carnival
held ON the Avenue in 1871, just after the
completion of the block pavement in February
Of that year After considering several sug-
gested dates, Washingtons birthday was the
time selected for this great event. and The
Star, Is usual, carries fun account Of the
event, which was held on February 20 ana
II, 1871; since Washingtons birthday occurred
on Ash Wednesday Of that year. Just how this
great carnival was brought about, The Star
says:
while the work Of replacing the old cobble-
stones ON Pennsylvania avenue with an inn
proved wooden pavement was IN progress It
was suggested that when the work was I'm
1shed it would be . good thing to celebrate the
opening OF such beautiful drive by q days
holiday, when the laws in relation to fast driv-
ing might be suspended, and trials Of speed
take place
The proposition was favorably received from
the start and the anniversary of the battle OF
New Orleans, January g. was mentioned as q
proper time for the festival The original idea
rapidly expanded, however, 50 that 1t was soon
settled that there should be not only trials OF
speed, but q civic parade, procession Of
masqueradeTs, and q variety Of novel features
which would take some time 70 prepare ana
tnen came the suggestion that the most hitting
time for the celebration was Washington's
birthday, since he was the founder Of the CITY
which, bearing his name, should take the LEAD
IN keeping alive the memory of his great deeds
This was agreed to with unanimity but as the
22d OF February fen on Ash Wednesday, and as
the program had been so much enlarged that
It was feared one day would be too short n
time to get through, it was finally determined
that the 'carnivar-which name had been
adopted for the proposed celebration-should
De held on the two preceding days. and that it
should not only be worthy celebration OF
Washington's birthday and Of the completion
OF the first wood pavement in Washington but
also OF the new spirit Of enterprise which seems
to animate our citizens and prompt them to
improve and beautify the city, and make It the
great social center Of the country :"
FOR this great occasion, nearly all the houses
along the Avenue we are told were deco
rated In most elaborate and expensive way:
The Avenue was as clear as q parlor fIoor
and apart from the Thousands Of Chinese lana
terms reaching on both sides from the Capitol
TO the Treasury Building. and the numerous
nags, burgess and penants stretched across ak
brief intervals; every house along the line was
decorated with flags and evergreens and flowers
so that our noble thoroughfare never presented
. grander appearance. About noon, while the
wooden carTiageway was crowded with gay
equipages and the sidewalks were lined with
spectators, all In their holiday best and the
houses decked with gay colors, all Lit up by
the warm sunshine the scene was brilliant in
the extreme.
Commencing at the eastern end of the
Avenue. the gate Of the Capitol grounds at
that point was spanned by a massive arch Of
evergreens Then came Newkirk's saloon beau
tifully decorated; then Celtic Hall, in the same
manner, adjoining which was a saloon i'm
provised for the carnival, and appropriately
named Welcome House Adams express
ONCE was covered with flags from door to roof
and not content with that, the flag pole was
festoned to the top. Charley Mades' Hotel was
decorated with vari-colored Chinese lanterns:
BeVeTldQe,G alC and Taroep
the tournament headquarters. was beautifully
festooned over the whole 'front.' so was Lerchs
cigar establishment; and Joe Shilngton, not
content with the string Of lanterns along the
entire Avenue put up extra wire around his
corner, thus having double tier of lanterns
10 throw light on the decorations Of the build
ing, which were flags, both of miniature and
large size entwined in evergreens
"Wangemann's Arbeiter Hall, No 46S and
900, was very beautifully decorated with ever
green's United States and German flags and
Chinese lanterns, and during the day his
mammoth Orchestrion was attracting attention.
Brueggeman's Arbeiter Hall, opposite displayed
nags OF all nations. the United States Swiss
German and Irish colors being prominent with
the words FOOLS Headquarters with comic
faces at either end; and Joe PIatz had a pro-
fusion Of Chinese lanterns, miniature flags and
evergreens 1T his place; l.. G. Campbell had
his windows festoOned with red white and
blue; Mrs. Z. LAlleys place attracted much
attention BY the novelty Of the decorations,
several fancy rugs being employed; j. w.
Kennedy's establishment had o large streauner
and American fags on the front: Nolan d
Conroy had myriad Of miniature fIags from
their windows
In front Of Havenner q Co.'S once lover
National Union Insurance Companys Ofncel
was handsome painting, on which were rep
reservations Of $4,000 United States bonds ana
In the center the American eagle with colors
and the emblems Of commerce. agriculture, ETC.,
M ~ enNN~| m mAN
S75OOO on either end of It.
"From the store establishments Of M T.