A Washington socialite who knew how to leverage teatime

Courtesy of Library of Congress

The Library of Congress never fails to intrigue me with its tea-themed papers and photographs, and this one from 1937 shows Louise Leahy, at left, taking tea with "fellow hostess Helen Griffin Swift at a fundraiser for the American Red Cross."

This article details how Leahy, wife of William D. Leahy, chief of naval operations, used her hostessing skills to help advance her husband's political career. The article says, "At the Leahy family’s inaugural tea, strains of the navy band drifted down from the second floor as Louise and William mingled with notables like Lulie Swanson (the navy secretary’s wife), an assortment of naval officers, and diplomats from far-flung locales like France, the Soviet Union, Japan, and Peru. The Leahys received guests in the home’s drawing room, with blue coverings on sofas and chairs marking the room’s 'dominant color note' while 'palms and ferns and bouquets of pink roses added to the attractive setting.' Tea was served in the dining room across a red-carpeted hall…"

Wouldn't you love to have been invited to one of those soirees? I sure would have! If you're as interested in history as I am, you can read the full article here.