Claudia Lea Phelps:
A Young Woman's Diary

Saturday November 2^nd 1912

Thursday we had lunch at the Dolan's. They seemed the same as usual. Mrs. Dolan was very nice and so was Mr. D We saw Allie's three hackneys and Rose [Claudia's cousin]met us in her new Pierce of which she had bent the axle. Rose had to go to a hockey game and El & I helped the family do Rita's Hallowe'en party. Then we saw the boys at St. Luke's and went on to Wilmington.

Friday night there was a dance. Grandmother had Newell Bannard and Clem Miller & Carol to dinner. Everybody was awfully nice to me and I had a very good time. Newell was very nice. Walter went much to swiftly but Marjorie Betts was not there for a dance she had with him so we did it together. He said that it was the"best trot" he had done & had the 2 encores to his partner's wrath. It was more or less unwillingly that that he did it but we both enjoyed it once started. The youths did their duty by me and danced valiantly so it really seemed a great success. There was a horrid thing called Smythe whom Walter introduced. He danced very badly and glared at me most of the evening though Mrs. Ramsay & Carol say he did it at them.

Sunday November 10^th 1912

Monday Mrs. Nields asked me to a small tea at the Country Club. There were several older people and plenty of old ladies while Aileen (dib.) & Bessie duPont, Mde. de Trégomain & myself upheld the honour of the younger generation. Mrs. Draper called for me in Mrs. Bissell's car & then Mrs. Bissell came & we went. In the evening Rita Rodgers brought Mr. Aiken Simons to call. He had very good manners.

Tuesday I had luncheon at Carol's and met Aileen duPont once more. Elizabeth went for her first walk since her 'pendicitis."

Wednesday Grandmother & I went to the Whittaker's tea. It was horribly hot & crowded so we got out soon. In the evening we had much excitement. Carol & I were given a small dinner by Mrs. Rodgers. I sat between Mr. Simons & our host - on his right. Mr. Simons had some good tales to tell. After dinner everybody split into two & I spent most of the evening talking to a Mr. Forgy. It was hard for both of us and at the first chance Newell took his place. I went home as early as I thought I could. The rest of the week has not been eventful. I called on Aunt nearly every day & otherwise amused myself.

This morning Undebill [?] & I took Lea, Corb. & Emily Spruance to the zoo. A strenuous but amusing performance. I am weary.

Monday November 18^th 1912

Monday Mrs. W. K. du Pont gave a dance on her new house. There were a few extra men and I had a very fair time indeed.

Tuesday Miss Ridgely & Mrs. Eugene duPont gave a buffet luncheon at which Grandmother, Mother & I nearly starved and went home afterwards to eat bread & butter. Aunt & Uncle came to dinner for Gramp's birthday. About 9 we all invited them to leave and let us sleep.

Wednesday we took the 2 Laird boys out to Mrs. Coleman duPont's supper & dance at the Mill. It really was a lovely place but I did not have a very wonderful time.

Fri. afternoon I shopped in New York with Mrs. Scott & went to Baby's.

Saturday we saw Helen married to Peter Hoguet and attended the reception and Sunday went to Mass & after lunch came home. During A.M. a man was badly hurt just outside the door & we had fires, run aways & ambulances during night

Tuesday November 26^th 1912

I might as well go in order.

Monday (18^th) Mrs. Sammrotl [?] duPont gave a dance for Aileen ^duP & Suzanne de Trégomain. It was awful. The floor was horrible though I had about 2 partners & went home, whole family at 11.30 too late for us

Tuesday Mrs. Biggs had a dance as near perfection as possible in that room. Mr. Leitch came to dinner. I had dozens of partners & it was thoroughly enjoyable but the floor is too awful for words.

Wednesday I called on the Aunts & then got Dossie. In the afternoon Aileen , Connie Moore, Mary Biggs & I assisted the Ramsay family & Marjory Lee to come out & had dinner afterwards. I sat between Mr. Leitch & Mr. Forgy. Then Carol at heart & on her left Mr. Ranken.

Thursday Dossie & I had lunch with Aunt. Barbara Vandegrift & Marjorie Betts were there.

Friday was a great day. Flowers arrived all day & everybody was immensely excited. Gramp said "Don't go rushing out" etc. but we rushed and the height of glory was readred when a messenger boy from Washington arrived with a lovely thing from Cousin Anne. A messenger from New York, one from Philadelphia and 2 florists automobiles from Philadelphia. The men unpacked everything on the front steps to the joy of the neighbourhood Mother (at the dance) wore her silver brocade and looked very well, Grandmother had a blue moire thing that was most superior, while & I my white satin & lace without a train. I thought it would be rather stupid but it really was fun to meet everybody & after a little while I went off for the dances a& came back to the sacred carpet between whiles.

Saturday & Sunday I wrote notes & Monday saw Dorothy off & I forget if anything happened for I am really writing the next Monday.