The Social Side at New Orleans, Daily Racing Form, 1914-11-17

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THE SOCIAL SIDE AT NEW ORLEANS. New Orleans, La., November 10. One of the contemplated ventures designed to give the winter racing in New Orleans a touch of refining elegance and u quality superior to the old system is a splendid private clubhouse.- The clubhouse is more than a possibility: it is a probability in fact, its ussurunce lius gone to "the extent of preparation of elalwrate plans by architect Bathbone E. DeBuys, and the consideration of cohts and estimates by Thomas Campbell, manager of the Klaw and Erlaugcr local theatrical Interests, who is one of the leaders in the movement for the revival of racing -ihNeu-0r-leans. The private club is to be attractive in its architecture, and will be devoted cntrely to the entertainment of the guests of the Business Mens Racing Association. It will be the scene of many an exclusive social function during the race meet. The private club has aided materially in placing the successful race tracks of the middle west and east on the high standard that has made racing popular with every class of people, aud the business men of New Orleans, who are aiming at clean sport devoid of all objectionable phases, intend to leavo nothing undone that will make tlie Fair Grounds track equal to the best in the country. The clubhouse is to be erected about 100 feet west of tlie grandstand, and will rise to an easy elevation on a broad terrace, sloping away to the course proper. It is to lie situated so that it will in no way obstruct the view of tlie length of stretch from the grandstand, and every calculation is being made to obtain the serviceable with the artistic. It is planned to construct a building ninety feet long and fifty feet wide. It will be one story in height, with an ornamented- tower in the center, and the exterior will- have all the finishing necessary to charm the eye. There will be a broad veranda running tlie entire length of tlie building at an elevation sutlicicnt to give tlie guests a clear view of every part of the track. The veranda will accommodatte from 400 to 5C0 guests. Tlie Interior of the clubhouse will be finished in hardwood of up-to-date pattern, with polished floors, and siccial decorations iu the ladies retiring room. Besides tlie ladies retiring room, there will be a ladies parlor, a gentlemens smoking room, a grill room, a buffet and a restaurant. Some of the best-known men in the city are identified with the raising association, and they intend to exert every effort to emphasize, through the club house, the brilliant social side of racing. For that reason the club Will be equipped for teas, lawn parties and other functions. Mr. Campbell hones to have the club house" under way aud completed before the season has run its course. The project is generally considered as one of the best yet proposed, and all agree that the club house will be toniothing of a Mecca for the citys most exclusive people. The idea is to make provision for dinner parties after the races, with the dance feature and buffet supper to close the function. When the club is built, the program of diuncr-dances, teas and cotillions will be arranged by a special committee. Mr. Campbell is in consultation witli one of tue best-known landscape gardeners in the city, and plans extensive decorations for tlie immediate surroundings of the club. These decorations will consist of stately palms, ferns and flower beds. The garden will slope to the side and the rear. Through the garden will wind a gravel road, from the gate to the automobile porch, which is to be built at the clubs rear entrance. Much care and attention will lie given to securing the proper service for the club. "I am quite sure that racing in New Orleans will prove successful." said Mr. Campbell iu discussing the outlook, "aud I am also certain that the club house will be a feature that will add mightily to tho?c uttracions which make the city the nations most logical winter playground. We are working on the club plan now, and are sparing neither effort nor expense in- tlie endeavor to accomplish the best in that direction and give New Orleans something tlie city should be proud of." Mr. Campbell hopes to be in a position shortly to anuouce a definite date for the beginning of tlie work, according to the plans Mr. DeBuys has prepared.


Persistent Link: https://drf.uky.edu/catalog/1910s/drf1914111701/drf1914111701_1_11
Local Identifier: drf1914111701_1_11
Library of Congress Record: https://lccn.loc.gov/unk82075800