Page:Women of distinction.djvu/67

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WOMEN OF DISTINCTION.
27

December 13, 1887. The New York World, in a half-column sensational article, spoke of the marriage of the successful concert manager to the famous colored prima donna, and hundreds of papers in America and Europe commented on the bold defiance given to that almost universal American sentiment that says the races shall not intermarry.

One week after the marriage, in the presence of a large audience in Philadelphia, she was crowned "Queen of Song," and was presented with a magnificent crown and diadem, set with precious stones.

A month later, at Steinway Hall, in the presence of over three thousand people, she was presented with a superb diamond cut bead necklace by the citizens of New York City. In the fall of 1888, under her husband's management, she commenced a tour of the continent which covered nearly three years, singing with unparalleled success in nearly every city between the two oceans.

Flora Batson Bergen is a lady of medium size, beautiful form, modest, free from affectation; and it can be truthfully said of her, "Success has not turned her head." She cuts, fits and makes all of her magnificent costumes, not from necessity, but because there is no dress-maker in New York City who can do it as well.

The following are some of her many splendid press notices:

The colored Jenny Lind.—New York World.

The Patti of her race.—Chicago Inter Ocean.

The peerless mezzo-soprano.—New York Sun.

The unrivaled favorite of the masses.—N. Y. Age.