Happy Hatters of Smithville: Mrs. Gould’s Thirteenth Annual Holiday Social

After a little drama, a half hour late, and some unwanted attention while I stood on Quail Hill Boulevard, hat, boa and sequins(trying to flag down our driver who appeared to be lost), we boarded our Atlantic County bus and hoped to make it to the show on time.
We arrived safe and sound with minutes to spare.

Mrs. Gould’s Thirteenth Annual Holiday Social.
The History of Georgian Court---
By the late 1800’s Lakewood had become a premier winter getaway for the wealthy elite of New York City and Philadelphia.   The likes of the Rockefellers and the Astors flocked to Lakewood in the winter months to take advantage of the fresh pine air and quiet country surroundings.
In 1896, railroad magnate George Jay Gould commissioned architect Bruce Price to create a regal country estate on a pine-laden tract along the north shore of Lake Carasaljo.   The 155-acre estate was completed in 1902.   Named Georgian Court for its extensive use of British Georgian-style architecture, the estate featured soaring structures, lush gardens, and inspiring statuary.
For nearly 30 years, the Gould family vacationed and entertained guests during the winter months at Georgian Court. During that time, George Jay Gould’s wife, Edith Kingdon Gould, became widely known for throwing parties of unparalleled opulence.
In 1924, the Sisters of Mercy purchased the estate to house the growing Mount Saint Mary’s College.   At the Gould family’s request, the Sisters agreed to rename the college so the estate could retain the Georgian Court title.
Thanks to the Sisters’ loving preservation, much of Georgian Court’s original gilded glory remains on display or in use to this day.
The cast included Mrs. Gould, Ruth Etting (a celebrity singer and former Ziegfield Follies showgirl) and Daisy, the hilarious Maid.   All were equally talented and sang many songs that the audience knew and loved.   Some we even sang along!    It was very well done and entertaining.    Our Tea Luncheon was equally good. We started out with Linzer Tarts, Warm Apple Cider, A selection of finger sandwiches and assorted pastries and hot tea.   No one left hungry, as sometimes happens with with Tea’s.    Georgian Court was generous in making sure that we had our fill of food.
Below is our beautiful group, with the cast on the beautiful staircase of the parlor.

This was our second time at the beautiful mansion and the show was equally entertaining.

Presenting------The Sexy and Gorgeous – HAPPY HATTERS!