Evening star., 1945-12-30
District Makes Plans
To Greet New Year
with Big Blowoff'


tions to welcome l946 amid predic-
tions of 'big blowof" after years
of war austerity.
Many hotels and other night spots
already are booked solid for celebra-
tions tomorrow night, while count
less private parties in homes
throughout the city are being
planned.
For those who have lost loved ones
during the war. 1t will be a period
of prayer. Numerous churches
planned New Year Eve watch serv-
ices and special services again on
New Year Day.
Because walters asked for higher
prices at hotels planning special
parties, most establishments were
not making elaborate preparations
but will charge regular prices similar
to any other night. However, the
traditional noisemakers, paper hats
and streamers are expected to be
distributed in some places.
OPA Prices Effective.
One of the largest Distributors OF
novelties reported it had sold out
it's stock two days ago, with night
clubs and hotels the biggest Gus
| toners.
Walters had demanded a fat SIC
fee for the nights work, plus g
percentage of the proceeds for par
| ties. Accordingly, hotel parties in
private dining rooms will be held
to a minimum. One large hotel
nevertheless. was charging $40 q
plate plus the Federal tax.
Thanks to the OPA, prices charged
tomorrow night will be about the
same as in l94l. Since Washington
had few New Year Eve parties SC
soon after Pearl Harbor, it was
necessary for the District OPA to
compute prices from April, l943
when all prices in eating places
were frozen.
Long Federal Holiday.
An official OF the Washington
Hotel Association reported a plenti.
full supply Of liquor for celebrants
Unlike some New York night clubs
repeatedly insisting on formal dress
hotelmen say dress is optional here
Bar closing time will be the regular
2 am. for a week night.
Government workers, meanwhile
last night began q holiday which
ends Wednesday morning. Agencie.
were operating yesterday but ar,
closed tomorrow and Tuesday. Fed.
eral of11ces will be open next Sat.
urday under the plan.
| For most OF the city, tomorrow
will be work day, with a day O.
rest on Tuesday, when banks, de.
partment stores and most othel
business establishments will b,
closed. Coal yards will remain oper
half a day on Tuesday. Mems cloth,
ing stores and number of jewelr,
stores plan to be closed tomorrow.
Special Midnight Shows
Most of the downtown theater
will hold special midnight shows to
morrow, with time out at midnish
w 81 ecu tiiC IiCW year.
New Year Day receptions also ar,
scheduled by numerous groups, an,
for many it will be the last Of holi
day cocktail parties.
The Ellen Spencer Mussey Ten
No. l, Daughters of Union Veteran
Of the Civil War. will have its an
nual reception from 4 tn.S 7, m q
its headquarters, 2ols Massachu
sets avenue NV.
r. The YMCA will stage a l5-hou
program-from am. to midnight
including sightseeing conducted b
USO hostesses, formal reception
OF visitors at 2 pm, motion picture
in the boys building. quiz show
numerous sports contests and
musical concert starting at s:3
pm. George r. Titus is chairn,a,
OF the Open House Committee.
A New Year Day open house an
reception will be held from 3 to
pm. at the Central Union Mission
613 G street NV. A part of tn
program will be conducted tou,
through the mission every so min
utes. The Women's Guild will serv
tea. members Of the Evening Aux
iliary will act as hostesses and tn
younger women's group, the Jea
/, Bennett Guild, will assist. A mum
Der of religious leaders are expecte
to attend.