[X184B3], Letter from Margaret Storm (Mrs Francis R.) Upton to Helen (Mrs Edward) Storm, August 20th, 1889
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Title
[X184B3], Letter from Margaret Storm (Mrs Francis R.) Upton to Helen (Mrs Edward) Storm, August 20th, 1889
Editor's Notes
[Hotel du Rhin, Place Vendome, Paris] My dear Mother,-- ### After writing you last Wednesday I went out to the Exposition and met Mr. Dyer and we wandered thro various departments, among them the Russian, which ended in my buying two of the handsomest side board covers you ever saw, of Russian embroidery on white linen. At five o clock Frank met me, and after dining we spent the entire evening in the wonderful Cairo St. which is one of the features of the exposition. We went into the dance houses and saw in one an Egyptian dance just as given in Egypt. In another a [-----] dance, the most weird barbaric affairs you can imagine. Thursday we spent at the Exposition and remained all the evening there. Friday I went out for an hour with Mrs Edisons sisters to their dressmaker, thinking I would order a gown as Frank suggested I should, but I was'nt much pleased. I did'nt do it, as it takes so much time from sight-seeing, the moment one begins on clothes. In the afternoon we went to the Exposition and at Seven o'clock to an elegant dinner, given by Mr. Eugene Lewis of New York to Mr. Edison. The diner was at the Bignon, which is the Delmonico's of Paris. Mr. Lewis came for me in his carriages. The party consisted of Mr & Mrs Edison, Frank and myself, Miss Miller and Mr. Lewis. The table had superb flowers on and the diner was magnificent, as only the French can produce. After dinner we went to the theatre, where Mr. Lewis had taken two boxes and had the partitions removed, so we were all together. Each lady was given a superb bouquet as we left the dinner table. Mr. Lewis invited a few more of the Edison people to come to boxes, and we had an elegant time. At ten o'clock Mr. Edison and Frank had to leave us, as both were invited to a soiree at Prince Roland Bonaparte's. It was a gorgious affair Frank says, and he enjoyed it very much indeed. We think it a great compliment that Prince Roland invited him. Only men were present, and they the most distinquished in Paris. He and Mr. Edison returned to the theatre for us, and we all came home together. Every where Edison goes the people stand in groups to stare at him, and we have some funny experiences. Saturday, we went to Notre Dame, the Salon Carre of the Louvre, and drove thro the old part of Paris. In the evening our party all attended the Grand Opera, on the invitation of Mr. Rawl, one of the Edison Company of Paris. He had the three boxes directly opposite the stage made into one, and festooned with a garland of Laurel leaves intertwined with roses--running all around the box inside. At the back of the box, were the American and French flags, draped together, and on the sides--Lovely flowers, ferns and palms, in pots, and incandescent lamps all thro them to illuminate them. A beautiful buffet of Champagne lemonade, bon-bons and ices was in the back of the box, and two waiters to serve it, all the evening. After each lady removed her wrap, she was presented with a lovely bouquet of pink roses tied with lavender ribbon. We went in a little late, and at the end of the first act, the grand orchestra played the Star Spangled Banner, and every one in the house rose, and turned round to face our box. Edison rose first and bowed in acknowledgement, then we all rose and bowed. Then every lady turned their glasses on us and stared to their hearts content. After that the Opera went on. The manager came to the box and offered Edison the use of his own box at any time. Between the next act we were all taken out and shown the Grand Staircase and Foyer--a staring crowd following. It was however a most gorgeous and beautiful affair. Sunday we were lazy till noon. Then we again went to the Expositiion, and at night found Curtis Perry and dined him, spending the evening at home. Yesterday it poured, but in the morning we accepted an invitation to go all over the Grand Opera house and were taken where visitors are never allowed. We saw the ballet lessons going on, the dress-making department, the private rooms of the performers, all the machinery of the place, and went on the top of the roof where we had a superb view of Paris. Then we spent the remainder of the day at the Exposition. Curtis Perry and Dr. [Swazey?] dined with us at our rooms. We had a delicious dinner and delightful visit. Your letter came and were so glat to get it. I hope you will save any thing the news-papers may have [--] about our party or me,. And let [S---y] and Susie hear about our good time. We received a cable from Henry Rice last night saying another boy had arrived safely. I must not write more as I have losts of things to do. Give my dearest love to father, and accept a great deal for yourself--from us both.XXXLovingly your daughter, Margaret A. Upton.
Recipient
Mentioned
Date
1889-08-20
Type
Folder/Volume ID
X184B-F
Document ID
X184B3
Publisher
Thomas A. Edison Papers, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University