The San Francisco call., 1905-01-17
GOSSIP ABOUT
THE AFFAIRS
OF SMART SET
BY ZOE GREEN RADCLIFFE.

OAKLAND, Jan. 16.-Every winter few
members of Oakland's smart set take up tenn
porary headquarters in San Francisco. but for
some reason the exodus has been unusually
great this year. Many have taken their goods
and chattels and gone over the bay to reside
permanently, and in every instance Oakland
has been the loser for they have been among
our most lavish entertainers. Perhaps that ac-
counts for the dearth of important social func-
tions lately.
Small card parties and informal teas keep
social life stirring to certain extent but
of all the beautiful homes here that afford
ample scope for brilliant and memorable affairs
there are very few that throw open their doors
in the hospitable fashion of former days.
The Country Club is doing considerable just
now to revive a eommendable social spirit,
nearly every day witnessing dinner dance or
some other form of entertainment in the ele-
Smiths, with of the most beautiful homes
in Oakland. followed the fashion of the hour
Saturday evening and gave an elaborate dinner
at the Country Club. Their guests of homer
were Mrs. Harold Mason and daughters. Misses
Winifred and Mabel Mason. OF Sausalito
BY the by, the subscription dance that was
to have taken place at the Country Club on
the 20th has been postponed to the 25th. as
the first mentioned date would have conflicted
with the Friday Night Cotillon. Nearly all Of
the dancing set belong to the Friday Night
Club.
Among the latest to contemplate the desert
ing of the village Of oaks the gayer life OF
the metropolis are the willard Williamsons.
They are planning to leave this week for a
temporary residence on Washington street,
pending the completion Of the home they are
building out near the Presidio. Their going
will be distinct loss to the local smart set.
for Mrs. Williamson Is not only one of the
most beautiful young matrons IN society, but
her unfailing gracfousness and vivacious charm
have made her an acquisition to every social
function. She has been q frequent entertainer
and is an ideal hostess.
Last Friday afternoon Mrs Williamson was
the guest at informal Il o'clock" given by
Miss Maud Edith Pope, who has been enter
tanning considerably of late
Mr. and Mrs. w. E. Miles have also Joined
the ranks of deserters. and hereafter will be
found domiciled at the Luxor, in San Francisco,
where Mrs. Miles win be ready to see her
FIRST that Mr.. and Mrs. Miles had gone for the
winter only, but the Montell TayIors have pur-
chased their artistic little Webster-street home,
SO it looks az If they had made up their minds
to stay.
This season seems to be very lucky one for
since the winter began the social columns have
recorded them as being prize winners and now
tertained by Mrs. Churchill Taylor last week
and the two handsome prizes were won by
Mr.. and Mrs Dallan:.
A romantic engagement has just been an
nounced that is of interest not only in prom
principals sre well. known here and in San
Francisco and Sacramento as well. The en-
gagement is that OF Frederick Kahn of the
well known firm of Kahn Brothers and Miss
Helen Lavenson. The bride is a sister of A.
s. Lavenson, vice president of the II. c. Cap
we'll Company. The Lavensons are large
ard hlghly esteemed family and their many
friends will learn with pleasure of Miss
I.averson's approaching happiness. for Mr..
Kahn is not only popular merchant but is
said to be ''fine fellow
The afianced pair met under distressing
circumstances while travelling in Europe. Miss
Iayenscn was suddenly bereaved by the death
of her mother while in Frankfort. and as Mr.
Kahn and his sister. Mrs. Zeimer were there
at the time, they promptly took charge of the
orphaned girl The warm friendship that
began then will soon culminate in the mar
riage Of the happy. couple
Mrs. Henry A. Melvin will be hostess at
the meeting OF 500 club next Wednesday.
Miss Jean Gift entertained card club at
her home on San Pablo. avenue to-day.
Mrs. william Hamilton Morrison entertained
a merry party OF friends to-day to say good by
to Miss Mahony, who leaves soon for Santa
Barbara.
Mrs Oscar Luning is planning a pretty af-
ternoon affair for next Thursday in honor of
Miss Sallie Woriey, whose engagement was
OF the pleasant surprises Of last week