PAGE SIXTEEN
T HE MICHIGAN DAILY
SUNDAY, DEJOEMBER 11, 1949
. 1 ! !}
t _ r
Old Time Customs Revealed
In Origin of Silverware Usage
Eating peas with one's knife was
not always uncouth.
Time was when banqueters held
their food in a napkin with one
band, while with a knife in the
other they cut it, and -so carried
it to their mouths.
It was the back of the knife,
which in polite society,' entered
the mouth, and the protuberance
on the back of old-fashioned
knives is a relic of this custom
which lingered long after the habit
Of eating with a knife had disap-
peared. Today, knives are so made
ot for the original purpose, but
as a matter of "style."
There being no forks in the early
days, the hosts at banquets were
particular to see that each guest
New Fabrics
To HitBeach
Women who are turning their
attention toward beach clothes,
either in anticipation of a holiday
vacation in the South or a more
remote summer vacation, are find-
ing that a variety of fabrics-
from burlap to velvet-are being
made into swimming suits.
One of the most popular fabrics
is nylon. Both nylon satin and
toff eta are being widely used.
wta -,made of everything from
burap to needle-point knitted
wool to watered velvet are ap-
pearing on southern beaches.
In regard to color, navy blue
seems to be one of the leaders in
the popularity race. It is even like-
ly that it will take over the place
on the beac hthat has been oc-
cupied by black for several sea-
sons.
Many of the new play clothes
feature the wrapped look or the
pleated look. Ultra-short pleated
skirts and long shorts are winning
popularity at the winter resorts.
The short skirts may be worn as
substitutes for shorts or they may,
be worn over swimming suits.
was served with water with which
to wash, one attendant served the
guest with a jug and basin while
another stood by with a towel.
* * *
KNIVES WERE seldom provid-
ed, as it was the common practice
peo ie toscarry their own
knives in a sheath attached to
the girdle.
Rich people had their silver
spoons then as now. The less
fortunate used copper or pewter.
The stems of these utensils, in
the course of time, became a ve-
hicle for ornamentation, and the
ends of handles were often en-
riched with a reproduction of per-
sonages and animals.
IN THE MIDDLE Ages, the us-
ual first gift which a boy or girl
received was one or more spoons.
Ihe Apostle Spoons were the fav-
orite - the twelve, with the Mas-
ter Spoon, making a full set.
No doubt this idea was gotten
from the heathen, who intro-
duced the figures of their gods
on almost every utensil. Thus
the Souvenir Spoon was born.
The use of forks was introduced
into England from Italy early in
the seventeenth century.This made
the table wash basin unnecessary.
However, oursfinger bowls are the
relic of that custom.
- *
HISTORY SAYS that Governor
Winthrop had the first table fork
ever brought to America. In 1633,
when forks were rare in England,
he received one from a friend who
wrote saying that he was sending
him a case containing "a knife, a
bodekyn, and a fork for the use-
ful application of which I leave to
your discretion."
From this time on forks found
their place, becoming popular,
and their use more general.
Spoons and forks during these
times were almost invariably of
the "Rat Tailed" design. From the
handle down the back of the bowl,
to about the middle, ran a ridge
shaped like a rat tail.
Qvr '(H E ______RD
Clasical". .
By AL SILVER
NCLUDED in the stream of Telefunken sets now being pressed in
America by Capitol is a performance of Schubert's Ninth Symiphony
by Mengdlberg and the Cencertgebouw Orchestra of Amsetrdam (P-
8040).
If you know the tonal magnificance and crisp playing of this
combination from their finer pre-war releases (such as Ein Hel-
denleben and Brahm's Third), you will find them somewhat faded
in this album. Not only does it suffer from the slight engineering
deficiencies marking most domestic Telefunkens, but Mengel-
berg's over-fuzzy onslaught on Schubert is more than irritating.
Egregious tempo distortions in the opening allegro alienate the
listener at once, while affectations which transform the delightful
second movement into a piece of pseudo-sophistication serve only to
prepare him for the further shock of Mengelberg's sherzo.
What Schubert apparently intended here as a fanciful play
of the imagination appears as a ponderous, heavy-handed affair in
which any fun making is distinctly of the beer-garden variety.
Mengelberg's dragging tempo manages to diffuse this "symphony
of heavenly length", into proportions hardly celestial.
The recording contains only some of what the Concertgebow can
offer in the way of distinctive tone, but is strong in depth. Surface
on the LP dubbing occasionally annoys, and clarity deteriorates badl3
at the end of record sides. Both Walter and Toscanini, in very differ-
ent interpretations, offer enriching approaches to this symphony in
domestic albums.
* * * * ,
4 NOTHER STAPLE of the orchestral literature, Mozart's incompar-
able Symphony No. 40, is undertaken by Erich Kleiber and the
London Philharmonic in a London FFRR release (LPS 89).
Any recording of this work must bear comparison with Beech-
am's masterful version for Columbia, now among the most res-
pected items in the catalogues. Kleiber's challenge is a thoroughly
meritorious performance, backed by the considerable advantages
of full-frequency recording and an extraordinarily skillful en-
semble.
Those of us who have lived this music a la Beecham may dislike
the silkiness of the opening, but Kleiber expertly avoids the question-
and-answer routine with which many conductors debase this theme,
and captures well the drama of the development
We may take issue with the adagio's quick tempo and its violent
climax, but cannot doubt its sincerity. And we may legitimately won-
der if Kleiber fully communicates the sinister, demoniac quality of
the minuet, or the mixed lightness, earnestness and' humor of the
finale
But it is difficult to cross batons with Sir Thomas on his home
grounds and not come out second best. Kleiber's product is clearly
superior to those of many with far better-known names, and his
success in gathering the necessary element of mystery around
this fateful score is striking.
Although failure to observe repeats in allegro and minuet is a
drawback, certainly this recording, and the Reiner-Pittsburg per-
formance on Columbia, are outstanding among attempts to compensate
for the lack of a recent Beecham edition. That RCA's currrent Fortieth
is a middle-aged, unidiomatic Toscanni set badly hashed up by the
engineers, gives us reason to hope that the gap will soon be filled.
jN TIME for the Christmas rush comes the inevitable Tchaikovsky
Violin Concerto, with Issac Stern and the Philadelphia Orchestra
under Hilsberg superbly reproduced on Columbia LP (ML 4232) This
set fails to match the clean lines and controlled fury of theclassic
Heifetz-Barbarolli RCA album, but that achievement is now badly
worn, and Stern's effort is by far the best since.
The unusually deliberate pace of the first movement permits
some of the seams to show, but does invest this display-piece with a
trace of dignity. Incisive playing and tonal richness are the chief
virtues of what will probably prove a best-seller.
Jazz".."
By JOHN OSMUNDSEN
ONCE A YEAR, some song writer goes berserk and composes a novel-
ty in the spirit of Christmas. Last year, we were plagued by a
Christmas wish for Two Front Teeth, but for the next few weeks, it
appears likely that we shall be forced to succumb to a crazy little ditty
entitled, I Yust Go Nuts At Christmas (Capitol, 57-781). Yust is sung
by Yogi Yorgesson-in Swedish dialect, yet-and is a lament from one
who is glad that the Yule Log is burned but once a year.
The lyrics are quite clever, and Yogi's short monologue should
give the listener a lot of laughs.
The reverse side is Yogi's interpretation of Yingle Bells which is
cleverly re-worded. Yogi is backed up on both sides by the Johnny
Duffy Trio, but it is best to omit a musical evaluation here.
* * * * *
NEW VOCALISTS come and go, and few stay long enough to gain
much recognition unless they take the public by storm-and then
it's all a matter of time. Mindy Carson is a new name in the ranks of
popular vocalists, and she falls into the category of the before men-
tioned lucky few who catch on fast.
One of her first discs is a pretty coupling of Lonely Girl and
You're Different (Victor, 20-3530).
On both sides, she exhibits an accomplished touch; her phrasing
is not new but somewhat different from her contemporaries, and her
lilting tone and good sense of rhythm give her a wonderfully relaxed
sound. Mindy is very ably backed by Henri Reni and his orchestra.
Both songs are possible popular sellers and well arranged with a vocal
chorus background aiding Mindy and Henri.
Campus florists have little hope
of filling their tills with money
spent by students on holiday blos-
soms.
"Most of our Christmas selling
is to town people as students are
shopping in their local stores by
the time that our busiest period
comes," one shop manager ex-
plained.
THE FLORISTS, however, noted
that they sell a considerable
amount of pine greens, holly and
ornate candles for house parties
the two weeks prior to vacation.
Biggest selling item is mistle-
Joint Dance
To Be Held
Celebrating their relationship as
brother and sister fraternities,
members of Kappa Alpha Theta
and Phi Gamma Delta will present
a joint dance during the pre-
Christmas rush.
Origin of the kinship dates back
to the founding of Theta, when a
headstrong coed refused a Phi
Gam pin unless initiation into the
fraternity went with it. The Phi
Gams refused and Theta was
born, the coed founded her own
fraternity.
Although brother-sIster fratern-
ity relationships on other campus-
es are quite common, fraternities
and sororities on this campus
haven't done much along that line
up to this time, although it is
traditional for many groups to go
caroling together around this sea-
son.
MISTLETOEREIGNS:
FloralBoom Not Expected-
toe. Flower shop proprietors re-
port that fraternities and sorori-
ties do the largest amount of
buying of thisrplant.
Flower dealers are looking for-
ward to Easter and Mother's Day.
"We do our biggest business of
the year at these times, telegraph-
ing flowers and plants home for
students," one store clerkpointed
out.
PANHELLENIC and Assembly
Balls, as well as J-Hop week-end,
are other high spots for the flor-
ists.
"We would do a lot more busi-
ness if it weren't for the Uni-
versity rule against men taking
corsages to women except for
girl-bid dances," a store owner
lamented.
Mrs. F. M. Sprentall, secretary
to Dean Alice Lloyd, however, com-
mented that the University has
made no such rule. "It is just a
student custom," she said.
Most students have no idea
what they plan to buy when they
enter the shop, but generally
leave with carnations, roses, or-
chids or gardenias, according to
the florists.
Men's Caps Sport
Flashing Checks
Bright, flashing checks aren't
limited to women's skirts or ker-
chiefs these days; male collegiates
now sport them on racy "rah rah"
peaked caps.
Beset with all the rainbow has
to offer, these wide, narrow-
brimmed affairs are a takeoff on
the common golf cap so popular
on the greens and fairways.
SPEC
Take Adv
STUDEN
4 Lbs. Minimur
Each Additions
All clothing laundered, f
The following articles are
as follows
SHIRTS, addition
(Starch or no starc
HAN DKERCH IEF
SOX, pair......
(Wool) .....
Tux shirts and silk or wo
PICK UP AND
MOE LA
Phone 2-0916
4I.4
Topcoats, dresses, two
suits cleaned and pres
. . . and trousers, ski
for only
A&PC
121 East Liberty
:IALS!!
antage of our
T BUNDLE
_....__w___._._.._ - ___ __. -°---- d
m . " .. .
s Pound .
.. 50c
. .12c
fluff dried, and neatly folded.
e finished at low extra charges
al excl
Ch exactly
as requested)
15c
2c
S . . . . . . . . . . . . .
..2c
..........5c
.I
ool sport shirts slightly higher.
DELIVERY SERVICE
AUNDRY
208 S. First Street
Chriiimai Car(IJ
Personal greeting
WE CAN END YOUR
CHRISTMAS APPLIANCES
WORRIES WITH OUR
Floor Lamps, Bed Lamps, Study Lamps,
Silex Coffee - makers, Hot Plates,
Electric Mixers, Irons, Toasters,
Waffle Irons, and Clocks
Ernst Electric Shop
4 205 E. Washington Phone 7776 l
H E LP Your
Mistletoe
Get RESULTS
Let us put
your wardrobe
in order,
and three piece 69c
sed for only
rts, and sweaters 39c
LEANERS
Across from the Pretzel Bell
S
I"
r
r
qf *W~3
with name
J
j
1
i
25 for $1.00 and up
. i
Box assortment . . . 29c to $2.50
GIFT WRAPPINGS - CARDS - SEALS
The Mayer-Schairer Co.
112 South Main
Phone 3-4515
... ..
sr
C/un4 t twz4
~peciS4!i
.. /
. "
-
--.
, r'
,, :,
\ ---
- : \
r , 'Sz., ,,,
"ate- h~.
Via;
F .r
r' r
f
ice'" : .: r.: '
. F . .' ::. '
1 , - .., ,
.<
,,, . ,:
_- _ _
#,! = '
_
{ ,
AS A MUSICAL GIFT FROM
HOLIDAY HEADLINERS
Phonos and Players for All Records
1. Children's AC Phone by Trav-Ler, for 78 rpm
records. Good tone; 2 tubes, easy to carry from
room to room. Selection of colors. $14.95
2. Columbia Long Playing Player. Columbia L-P
player attaches easily, plays Long-Playing rec-
ords through the speaker system of any radio,
phono or TV set. In trim, sturdy plastic case.
$20.95 value. NOW $9.95
3. RCA Victor "45". Easily attached to your
present set, plays the amazing distortion-free
45 rpm records-up to 10 records at the touch
of a button (up to 50 minutes of music). Easy
loading of the new 7" unbreakable records.
$12.95
3-
. ... 4 -11-1
Open until 9, Mondays
Dec. 12th & 19th, also
i
4
Wed., Dec. 21st
MEN'S
fine quality
CORDUROY
TROUSERS
$ 85
t/ Gray, blue,
maroon, green.
y' Alterations FREE.
,#
Come in today and choose a gift that
is always appreciated!
For the person whom you are still
in doubt about!
STATIONERY
hn, WP trrvmanjv attracietvles in avarietyof
We've an amazing variety of wonderful
fleords 6for C ristius!
Men's C
Trousers,
Gabardine
.. $4e95
1. Kiss Me Kate-Cote Porter's new
smash musical comedy with Patricia
Morrison and Alfred Drake singing
such favorites as WUNDERBAR, SO
IN LOVE, ALWAYS TRUE TO YOU
IN MY FASHION and others. columbia
C-200...................$6.34
Also available on one 12-inch LP
Columbia Record at $4.85.
2. Coppelid and Sylvia. Excerpts from
the enchanting ballet music of Delibes.
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra;
Fabien Sevitzky, cond. RCA Victor
DM-1305.................$7.25
3. Danny Kaye, "comic artist extra-
z
2.
G-E superheterodyne table radio;
5 tubes; built-in antenna. Ivory,
$22.95; Brown plastic, $19.95.
I ,
:< ' -U
i
e , ::. r... .. .
f _ 6 4 i - '.;i : w."'*'