Evening star., 1949-04-17
High Of 81 Due
City Marks
Bright Easter
Churches Expect
Overflow Crowds
Despite Chilly Doy
Pictures on Page A-17.J

w Wal o&NF~A%
ing of church goers and sightseers
was expected to enjoy an Easter
as bright with sunshine as it is
with spiritual hope today, but
perhaps a bit chilly for gay
bonneted promenaders
Even before the sun rises in
the heavens, remindful of Christ's
resurrection nearly 1000 years
ago. thousands of the devout were
expected to brave freezing tenn
peratures and travel to sunrise
services.
The Weather Bureau forecast
a low of 81 degrees in the city
early today, and from 80 to 81
in the suburbs. But the day Will
be mostly sunny. Yesterdays 20
to 80 mile per hour winds were
expected to slacken TO Is to 70
miles per hour, and by mid-after-
noon the thermometer should
register 81 degrees.
250,000 Visitors Expected.
For those who don't mind a bit
of tang in the air, all this should
augur well for the usual Easter
activities. All churches are ex-
pecting overflow crowds, and with
an estimated 250.000 visitors in
town. it should be a banner day
for sight-seers, egg-rollers and
camera fans.
One feature certain to attract
the latter is the double cherry
blossoms on Hains Point, regarded
by some nature lovers as more
beautiful than the single-blossom
Tidal Basin variety.
Even in yesterdays chill and
blustery weather many persons
went to the point, to admire
the succession of pink bouquets
the trees made. Park police said
a special detail will regulate traffic
there today.
Largest of the sunrise service
crowds was expected to gather
on the heights of Fort Lincoln
Cemetery. The United States
Navy Band was to play concert
before dawn, reveille was sched-
uled for 5;:28 am. followed by
prosecution Of colors.
Rail Traffic Up so Per Cent.
The Rev. DR.. Fred G. Holloway,
president of Drew University. was
to speak at the services. sponsored
by the Organized Bible Glass As
sociation of Washington. Senator
Flanders. Republican, of Vermont
was to read the Scripture. and
Howard M. Stackhouse. the asso-
ciation's executive vice president,
was to preside.
Traffic through Union Station
yesterday was about so per cent
heavier than for q normal Satur-
day. with the preponderahce being
outbound. Tonight WaShingto-
mans who spent the holiday else
where will be streaming back.
A new attraction was available
to Capital visitors this Easter
Woodlawn, the Georgian mansion
overlooking the Potomac which
George Washington presented to
his adopted daughter, Nellie Gus
tbs, and her husband, Mai. Law
renee Lewis.
The mansion, located on Route
I between Mount Vernon and Fort
Belvoir. was opened to the public
for the first time a week ago. In
anticipation OF many visitors to-
day, Woodlands volunteer hos
tesSes are treb]ing their staf.
Easter Shopping Brisk.
Yesterdays last minute shop
pers climaxed brisk pre-Easter
business period at downtown
stores. Managers said the trace
in department stores and speciality
shops equalled or bettered the
comparable period of last year.
Shopping crowds yesterday were
substantial. but some said they
were slightly under those Of a
week ago. Women shoppers still
sought hats. and all stores re-
ported accessories in great de-
mand. These included handbags,
hosiery. gloves and cosmetics.
One department store executive
said, Its the biggest Easter busi-
ness on record.
The ladies are sure dolling
themselves up" another remarked
fCaa EASTEP pape Ar