The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1929-03-21

Sense of Values
Then she continued: 'FYou
know here in Washington one
meets so many women who seem
to be solely concerned with
where they are going, the
clothes they wear and the food
they eat. Mrs. Mitchell is not
like that"
All who know Mrs. Mitchell
would probably agree to this
abbreviated character sketch.
For her sense of values saves
her from being classed with the
"eat-go-wear" women. She is
unwilling to lose her life in the
merely material round, but in
sists on keeping some time for
her own development.
There are so many opportu-
mites for mental and spiritual
stimulation in Washington for
those who are interested. And
Mrs. Mitchell is quite certain
that her education is not yet
completed.
Music and Art
She likes to go to concerts
not because it may be the thing
the best people" do, but because
she has ability as pianist and
singer and appreciates beautiful
music.
She likes to wander through the
Smithsonian Institution and other
museums: visit the art galleries
and attend art exhibits; hear
worthwhile lectures, and still
have time reserved for reading
carefully selected newspapers and
periodicals to keep her informed
on the current events of the
world.
OF course, as Cabinet hostess,
Mrs. Mitchell will find her social
obligations more elaborate and
compelling than she has found
them as wife Of the Solicitor
General during the last four
years.
Since the elevation of William
Dewitt Mitchell to head of the
Department of Justice his ances.
try and history. and that of his
wife have been given closer
scrutiny than when he held his
former position.
The "Illustrious Bancrofts"
In speaking of Mrs. Mitchell,
the keynote seems to be that
she is member of the 'illustrious
Bancroft family" of New Eng
land fame. She was Miss Ger.
trude Bancroft and has Boston
ancestry and many relatives liv-
disclaims any but a remote relation
with the ''illustrious Bancroft"
and has little sympathy with the
snobbery that would insist on
this connection.
Mrs. Mitchell was born in Bos-
ton. but was taken back to the
home in St. Paul as soon as she
and her mother were able to
travel. And there she has lived
ever sfnce-save for vacations
and travel in this country and
abroad-until she came to Wash
ington nearly four years ago.
She was educated in the public
schools of st. Paul and had two
years in a private school.
It IL true that on both sides
of her family the ancestral tree
stretches back into New England
soil for generations. Her father
the late Frank Leslie Bancroft,
was the first to leave 1t and go
West. And this was largely be.
cause of his health. With him
went his new1y-wedded wife
Miss Caroline Churchill, Of Bos-
ton. He was with the Great
Northern Railway under James
william worcester Churchill.
artist. Of Boston, was the uncle
of Mrs. Mitchell. And on the
walls Of the Mitchell house in
Washington are many of his
paintings He came to- Wash.
ington soon after the arrival of
the Mitchells and his sister. Mrs.
Bancroft, who makes her home
with her son-in-law and daugh.
ter. And he died in his apart
nent in Washington a year later.
This uncle organized the Bos
ton Guild of Artists and was
a member Of the famous st. b.
tolph Club, of Boston.
Through her mother. Mrs.
Mitchell has among her forebears
such good old New England
names as Bartlett, Woodman Gore
and Summer, Deacon Samuel Sum"