The Washington times., 1936-08-15

FOR one tnlng, nowhere else IN
this country does one city possess
so many different cliques and sets.
Nowhere else are there the diplo-
mats, the officials, the "Old
Guard" known as the
"cave dwellerS." These sets may
mix and mingle, but they do not
combine. In New York, Philadel-
phia, Boston, or even nearby Bal
timore, it's much simpler matter.
Either you belong to the Four
Hundred-which has grown into
something more like four or even
forty thousand-or you don't.
Here in Washington you don't
know whether you belong" or not,
for there are so many things to be-
long to, and the Four Hundred,
as such, does not exist, apart.
Extensive Program
A debutanteS time is not her
own once she has announced her
debut. The social program is
long and formidable one, and her
time must be divided between ca
tering to it and getting ready for
the next item on the program.
Parties, teas, dinners, shopping,
dress fittings and hundred and
one other matters can occupy
pretty much of every day and eve
ming, leaving very little time for
the requisite sleep.
WaShington'S season reaches its
height very late in the year. Be
fore that the debutante-to-be may
as the society leaders dictate
have been a visitor to the other
spots ON the Eastern Seaboard
which form the social worlds itin-
erary each year. First, there is
late winter in Florida, Palm Beach
most preferred, where one leads
very dilettante, country-club life.
You don't have to be overly active
there, and there is plenty OF time
for sleep. In February begins the
Northern trek, which pauseS, dur
ing March and part Of April, at
Aiken.
Life in Aiken is athletic, vigor-
GUS, full of ''horsey" talk. Up at
the crack of dawn, down to the
stables, an atmosphere completely
filled with the show and the
steeds. From Aiken there is
Spring visit to the home city,
where, particularly in the Capital,
there is quite bit of activity.
Summer Spots
Then, in the Summer, it is New
mort. Bar Harbor or the Hamp-
tons. Newport is the top spot, but
can be very stodgy, very dull. Bal
ley's Beach, at the resort, while
exclusive and private, is not as
popular as the public beach, so
that our debutante may make her
appearance at Bailey's in the tore-
noon. then go over to the other
beach.
bar Harbor is a live1ler, gayer
place, where social distinctions are
often misplaced. South Hampton
and East Hampton and even west
hampton, too, are brighter spots.
After that, if she's wise and able
the debutante may HE herself TO
another small, unsocial resort 1or
a vacation without partleS anu
furbeloWs.
After the Summer it is home
for Faith Smith-Smythe. And IL
is then that the real work OF pre-
paring for a debut begins. Gowns,
gowns and more gowns are neceS-
sary for the countless parties. IN
yitation lists must be compiled
the debut party arranged.
In the Capital dinner is prob
ably the most difficult of func-
tions. A formal banquet means
brushing up on that bugbear OF
washington hosteSses - prece-
dence.
Rules to Observe
Such rules as "one cannot in
vite a foreign ambassador and the
chief Justice of the Supreme
court. or minister and an AS
xociate Justice to the same dinner"
must be observed and, unless you
watch your step, some difficult
situation is bound to arise. It's
all because we have in this city,
and must show respect to, diplo-
mats and officials.
There are the "at home" days
to be observed, cards to be left,
calls to be made, pictures to be
posed for, and, once the season
begins, an endless program OF
duties and entertainments dances
and receptions to attend. It's
fun, but it's also hard work.
There are the large affairs
Black and White Ball, the Debu-
ante Dinner Dance, the Tacky
Ball, the Christmas dance for
the Midshipmen and Cadets. Add
to this the debut parties of the
many girls who come out each
season, the entertainments Of
the younger diplomatic set, the
work in the Junior League, if you