Fascinating Details of an Astor Ball

A gilded age depiction of the fickle and oft-engaged, but only once married, Miss Van Alen. She was great granddaughter to Caroline Astor

NEW YORK, Jan. 18.-Mrs. Astor gave a ball last night and when Mrs. Astor gives a ball, society has something to talk about. In view of the splendor of the house the floral decorations were comparatively simple.

Scarcely more than the usual number of palms lined the foyers and tall vases filled with American beauty roses in the drawing rooms and clusters of orchids on the supper tables were the principal flowers used.

The guest of honor was Miss Van Alen, the eldest daughter of James J. Van Alen and a great granddaughter of the hostess. This is the second grand ball given by Mrs. Astor in honor of her young kinswoman. 

Another guest, who practically shared honors with Miss Van Alen was Mrs. George Haig of England, formerly Mrs. J. Coleman Brayton, the favorite daughter of Mrs. Astor, and who, to gether with Mr. Haig, will sail for England on Wednesday.

Nearly all the guests came from the opera, so that it was well on toward midnight when the carriages began to roll up to Mrs. Astor's door. The picture galleries of Mrs. Astor's house and John Jacob Astor's house, which are also the ballrooms, were thrown into one.

Supper was served at sixty tables in the dining room. Mrs Astor presided at a large table of ten of her intimates and Mrs. John Jacob Astor at another of twelve. The remaining tables were smaller. 

When the company returned to the ballroom a litttle before 2 o'clock this morning, it was bordered with gilded chairs for the cotillion which began at once. Elisha Dyer, Jr., was the leader, with Mrs. John Jacob Astor for a partner. But so vast was the assemblage that Craig Wadsworth was requested to lead at the old end of the double ball room. He danced with Mrs. Orme Wilson.— The Associated Press,1898 

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