THE VANISHING LADY.
“THE VANISHING LADY.”
An amplification of the foregoing illusion is called “The Vanishing Lady,” and we reproduce a picture of a window in which this effect was a recent attraction. It occupied but a small space in the center of the display, showing the bust and head of a pretty young woman, supported on a thin pedestal with a large bowl top. From the waist down the young woman was invisible; at the same time one could see all around the pedestal, which produced a startling illusion. At short intervals this young woman would disappear right into the pedestal (or so it would seem), and presently would reappear with new hat, waist, gloves, etc. This would continue, showing every ten minutes or so a complete change of hat, etc. The following diagram with description will explain the workings. A platform 2 feet 6 inches high is built in the window, with three frames around, 7 feet high, draped in green plush. Erect a thin pedestal, with two large wooden meat chopping bowls, one on top, one on bottom, neatly enameled. One-quarter of the bowls at back are cut away, two grooves cut in pedestal and two mirrors set in, as in diagram. The mirrors reflect the sides of frame, which gives the appearance of seeing all around. A trap door in the floor allows the girl to disappear down a simply constructed elevator into the basement, where she changes her hat, neckwear, etc., to again reappear. The elevator is balanced by two bags of sand. When the girl gets off, a bolt is put in the beam to keep the platform from flying up. This window was a great success. The second day the firm using it was compelled to put up an iron rail in front of plate glass for fear it would be broken by the crowds. The young woman was very pretty, and every hat was becoming; and her changes were many during the day.