Evening star., 1937-08-29

The Democrats have taken
possession of the beautiful
- mansion at 1900 Rhode Island
avenue, former residence of the late
Levi Parsons Morton, stanch Repub-
llcan. Vice President of the United
States under President Benjamin
Harrison, Ambassador to France dur
Ing the Garfield administration, one
time Governor of New York and
member of Congress.
A group of prominent Democrats
from all sections of the United States
have formed. without fanfare. what
Is known as the National Democratic
Club of America. Its objectives are
political and social and the bringing
OF members of the Democratic party
into close contact with each other for
their own betterment and to advance
the interests and welfare of their
party.
The Democrats of the Nation have
quietly for its establishment Now it
is reality and no longer just an
ambitious prospect, a paper organiza-
ton dependent upon successful pro-
motion. The club is living, puissant
being and the club house is one of the
largest, the most conveniently located
and the best equipped of any in the
Nations Capital.
The club house occupies the entire
square, embracing 1l,700 square feet,
bounded by Rhode Island avenue. N
street, Fifteenth street and Sixteenth
street, with a frontage of 157 feet
on Rhode Island avenue. 1t is a four
story stone structure, with basement
and subbasement, and possesses all
the suitable equipment and appurt-
enances of a modern home for the
organization it houses. 1t was de-
signed by John Russell Pope, we'll
known architect, who has recently
been commissioned to design the
Mellon Art Gallery and the Thomas
Jefferson Memorial, and was erected
in an era when elaborate social enter
tainment occupied the attention of
those high In governmental affairs.
Included In its Accommodations are ~
rooms and II baths, all Of which have
been remodeled and reconditioned for
the purposes Of the club.
Approach to the club house man
sion is by driveway from Rhode Island
avenue. Through the huge wrought
iron doors, over which is inscribed,
Through this portal enter loyal
Americans one enters the handsome
reception hall, from which ascent to
the upper floors is by magnificent
red-carpeted spiral stairway or by
electric elevator. At the entrance on
the ground floor, to the left of the
reception hall, are the Offices of the
club, waiting room and cloak rooms.
In the hall is a sofa from the Boston
Museum, table from the Metropoi-
tan Museum, and other copies of work
by Americas masters. The beautiful
plaster frieZe, with delicate relief de-
TAIL is painted to resemble the work
of Wedgewood, and the walls are in
soft, off-white color, giving a back
ground that Is restful and dignified
The stair balustrade has welcoming
air, furnished with eighteenth century
masterpieces.
Beyond the entrance hall is the
dining room, which also has an air
Of the eighteenth century with its
delicate blue walls set off with the
sparkle Of crystal brackets and
chandeliers rejecting in the subdued
tones of the exquisite mahogany
Sheraton sideboard with its inlaid
knife urns. The mahogany chairs are
copies from one of the finest concep-
tions of Chippendale Draperies of
hand-blocked chintz, hanging with
straight fold to the floor, pick up the
colors In the especially woven carpet
in flowing design Of gracious curves.
THERE is a spacious ball room on
the first floor, wrich will also be
used as banquet hall, as it will
accommodate several hundred persons
Serving kitchens adjoin and are con-
nected with the cuisine in the base
ment by dumb-waiters. Private dining
rooms also are available.
In the main lounge the artistry of
the French details of the periods of
Louis XIV and Louis XVI are expressed
at their best. Against background
OF beautifully enriched paneling in
soft gray, picked out with white and
gilt, are examples Of furniture repro
duced from or inspired by original
pieces and covered in fabrics which
together blend to form harmonious
scheme Of coloring. A magnificent
marble mantel surrounded by a gilt
framed mirror marks the focal point
Of the room, opposite which are full
length windows shaded by soft cur
tains and flowing damask draperies.
On another floor Is an attractive
mems tap room and bar which Is
unique In that it Is not modernistic.
The quiet tones Of wood paneling,
with dull pewter color wall brackets,
give forth a note of peace and con-
tentment. Soft green draperies over
Venetian blinds echo the color in
the carpet which covers the floor,
upon which dull red leather seats and
gray chairs give the contemporary
accent without destroying the tradi-
tional keynote.
Adjoining is the ladies' cocktail
room, q little gem of Louis XIV artis-
try. A dull rose carpet covers the
floor, and the upholstery is Of light
blue and eggshell fabrics. The pale
gold damask Of the draperies COM
pletes the color harmony in this at
tractive room.
In the sub-basement there are nu-
nefous card rooms, grill and lux
uriously appointed bar. In one Sec
ton of the second floor Il q large