Eight horses, caparisoned in white, with large plumes on their heads, were attached to the float, and each horse was led by a groom in fancy dress. This float was one of the most successful in the parade.
One of the most novel floats ever constructed was that of Mr. Mahana, shown herewith. It was shaped like a large slipper, and completely covered the wagon truck on which it was placed. Silver foil covered the entire surface, and around the edge, or sole, was an ornamental border in white and gold. Underneath the big umbrella sat a bevy of pretty girls.
In our first picture is shown a clothing float, the star and crescent being adopted as the design. Although somewhat crudely carried out, the idea is a good one. While only one coat was shown on each side of the star, the float attracted much attention.
The Mercantile Co.’s float, was part of a floral parade. Float and horses were decorated in pure white, and five young girls, seated under the canopy, wore flowing white draperies. The relief to this was given by the mass of greenery in the interior of the float, and by the signs, which were lettered in emerald green.
THE SEASONS.
This float showed on the four sides the allegorical presentations of Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.
“No. 1.—Spring.—Front Section of Float.—Arbor and arch trimmed with artificial marguerites and morning glories, intertwined with foliage. Glass prisms hang suspended to represent dew drops.
“‘Spring,’ draped in pure white gauze; wings at shoulders. Butterflies and aigrette in the hair. She is represented seated on a large mushroom (made of a 24-inch chopping bowl). Before her are seated four large rabbits on their hind legs. On the spreading limb of the tree that fronts her are perched two big crows, a blue jay, an oriole and two small birds, all posed in the act of singing (beaks high and open). Spring is clasping in one hand a baton and in the other a piece of music. She is giving the birds and rabbits their first spring lesson. This section was called ‘An Ode to Spring.’
“No. 2.—Summer.—Right Side Section of float.—‘Summer,’ draped in light blue cheesecloth and silver tinsel. On head a wreath of pink and white roses, and on one shoulder butterflies, on the other roses. In her left hand she carries basket of roses. Arbor and archway are trimmed entirely with pink and white roses, three gross being used (artificial). Plums and peaches hang pendent from the top. At her feet (on the right) crouches a large white swan. At each corner of this section are two full size cranes, three feet high.