The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-12-02
Society

For wears there has been no event in
social circles that has accustomed the
widespread interest as has the debut
reception ef Miss Helen Taft on Thurs
day afternoon. Certainly not since the
marriage of Alice Roosevelt has there
been an event at the White House that
has evoked such general interest. In
its account OK the reception the Wash
ington Post says:
"A new chapter in the social his
tory OF tno White House was opened
YESTERDAY. when Miss Helen Taft,
daughter Of the President and Mrs.
Taft. formally took her place in the
brilliant world of Washington society,
OF which the presidents home is the
center
.tThe White House probably never
WAS more beautiful than ii was yes
terday, decorated entirely with the
flowers sent 10 Miss TAFT. They be-
gan arriving early, ard made the day
a busy one for avery one on the White
Hnns- staff. They came from every
section of the country. while among
Washington florists the demands of the
DIZZY broke all records, They were in
every form. from the quaint bouquet
of rnsehuds- sweet rees. gardenias and
valley lilies finished with a frill Ct
r4'eated pink chiffon. to the exquisite
clusters of American beauty roses.
which found suitable place In the red
drawing room.
"F-ea, there tributes Miss Taft se-
Ieeted bunch of lilies OF the valley,
which she held during the reception.
She stood between her mother and
father 1T the south end OF the east
room. where tho guests sell naturally
fs.a NEr- t.Av
The debutante. ana finally the presi-
dent.
Captain Archibald Putt made the
presentations, and Colonel Spencer
Cosby, Lieutenant Commander Leigh
Palmer, C8ptain Graham Johnson and
the other aids on the White House
staff were ia attendance. In the cor
rider the NJ rine Band under the d.
reetion OF Lieutenant Santelnann, gave
"a program Of appropriate music. Many
of the guests. after passing through the
state drawing rooms and lingering in
the dining room for a time promenade
ed ia the corridor until the end Of the
reception.
1.-The Vice President and Mrs sher-
nafi. the cabinet circle, the diplomatic
circle. the Supreme Court circle. and
many from the army and navy and
resident circles were among the $500
guests who greeted the President and
Mrs. Taft and Miss Taft.
Miss Tafss gown was Of white
satin. with an overdress of rose pink
chiffon and u shallow yoke OF white
lace. II was made on simple lines, and
the whole effect was niriish and be-
coming III the extreme.
In the state dining room. where
pink hegenias and maidenhair ferns
her -e1 t.t a. .tta1-
and pin capped tapers added a touch
Of beauty To the long table. Mrs. Beck
man Winthrop and Miss Mabel Board
man poured tea ut one end Of the table,
with Miss Mnrgery Cotton and Miss
Mary Switzerland as vis-avis
.Nashincton society was never bet
ter dressed than II was for Miss Taft's
tea. Deautantes saved their most be-
coming costumes to appear In yester-
day for the first time. and matrons
wore the richest toilets in their ward
robes
Mrs. Taft wore gown of blue chif-
ron, With araped overdress. from be-
meath which hung a long black sash.
the ends finished with silver fringe.
There were also touches OF silver and
black on the upper part, and around
her throat she wore = band of black
velvet fastened with diamond clasps.
She carried white gardenias."
Among those calling who were noted
IN the account ware Senator and Mrs.
swanson.
Fur Mis- Parrish.
Mrs. W. Grandson Noseley. Of 1901
Grove avenue. will give an afternoon
bridge party on Tuesday, December 8,
in honor OF Miss Elsie Parrish. one
OF the seasons dehutantes.
Alfnn HaRGFnna Hner<,sas,rs.xH