“Tea & Charity” with Mrs. Arabella D. Huntington

by Nancy Armitage

“Tea & Charity” says it all for the ladies of the Gilded Age. In the early 1900’s, these ladies created something out of a daily tradition of tea – to give back to others. To have a sale, a lecture, a fashion show, art exhibit, or a tea event; while making money for a special cause. Where did they have these fundraising events? In New York City hotels & in San Francisco & Pasadena, California. Often, Mrs. Arabella D. Huntington either attended the charity event or she donated generously to the charity.

Many cities across America had “Ladies Aid Societies” (a group for charity). They formed committees, they would pick a community cause & work to help that cause with their time, money, & talent. They would compile cookbooks & sell them at fundraisers, etc. Some of the best cookbooks & recipes I ever seen have been published by the Ladies Aid Societies. They would have rummage sales & art auctions to make money for their special cause or charity.

The Junior League of Pasadena (1926) has always served to nourish & improve the Pasadena community. As it is with all other Junior Leagues across America. Junior League of New York City started in 1901, the original chapter was called New York Junior League (NYJL).

Mrs. Arabella Huntington as “Mrs. Collis P. Huntington” often attended these fundraisers (tea & luncheons) & charity events in New York City between 1880’s to 1924. Also, Arabella as “Mrs. Henry E. Huntington” after she married him in 1913. From 1913-1924 (the year she died), Mrs. Henry E. Huntington (Arabella) not always choosing to be on the charity committees, but often donating $1,000.00 to the special cause.

Mrs. Arabella Huntington supported the Women’s Suffrage Movement. She & other wealthy NYC ladies (Mrs. Alva Vanderbilt Belmont) might not have marched with the women, but they helped them in a big way. In a article called “Mink Brigade” published by nps.gov it stated Arabella Huntington by name that these influential women (Alva Vanderbilt Belmont, Florence Harriman, Anne Morgan, & Katherine MacKay ) donated money & food. They also paid & helped any women that were thrown in jail for fighting for women’s right to vote & to get higher wages in the work place. Mrs. Arabella Huntington was on a Paris committee that helped the Paris hospital after WWI. Mrs. Huntington was also a member of the “Entertainment Club” & the “Morning Tea Club of New York City”, also. She donated money to the “White Rose Society” [Assn.] & so many others.

In New York City, Mrs. Collis P. Huntington (Arabella) often attending these teas for charity with her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Archer M. Huntington (Helen). Helen was the 1st Mrs. Archer M. Huntington. Often, Mrs. Arabella Huntington was called a “patroness” to these charities. Mrs. Huntington wrote very large checks ($1,000 or more) to the club or group; whether she attended or could not attend the event. Often, regretting because she was out of town or out of the country. Over the Gilded Age years, often, Mrs. Arabella Huntington is mentioned in the New York Times as a participate as a great gift-giver.

Hotels in Downtown Los Angeles, California – Charity Events:

In downtown Los Angeles, there were many hotels used for charity events like Hotel Alexandria (opened in 1905 on 5th St. & Spring Street) the Palm Court was very popular, Hotel Van Nuys/Barclay Hotel (1890’s-1900’s) & Hotel Westminster (1887) Embassy Hotel & Auditorium (1913) & Ambassador Hotel on Wilshire (1921) & the Biltmore Hotel (1922-23) on Fifth & Main, the Biltmore “Crystal Ballroom” held 700 people & their entertainment was called the Biltmore Bowl, in the Biltmore Theatre holding 1700 people.

Hotels in Pasadena Calif in 1910-1914 – Charity Events:

In Pasadena, California (1910), there was the Hotel Maryland on Colorado Blvd & Green St. Mr. Henry E. Huntington invested in that hotel. In the early 1900’s, he often, houses his Huntington family there before his mansion was built on the San Marino Ranch (Huntington Library now). In 1910, they built the Hotel Green on Green Street & Fair Oaks in Pasadena. They had the Hotel Wentworth which began the Hotel Huntington. In 1914, renovated by Mr. Henry E Huntington & his company: Huntington Land & Improvement Co. in 1914.

Favorite Sandwiches [1921 – California olive & nut]

This nice tea sandwich is now out of vogue, but it is delicious. Other tea sandwiches popular in 1921 were: Sardine Butter, Parisian Sandwich [meat, poultry, boiled eggs, capers, mayonnaise, & watercress] & Cream & Jam Sandwich [Sweet sandwiches made with jam & cream] The recipe comes from the Homemaker Cookbook -The American Bank Building, Los Angeles, CA 1921. I found this rare book #479833 of Mr. H.E. Huntington or Arabella Huntington’s at the Huntington Library, San Marino, CA

One block Neufchatel cheese [Cream Cheese]

1/2 c. chopped nuts, (toasted pecans or walnuts)

7-8 large [black California] olives, chopped fine

salt & white pepper [or mixed peppercorns]

paprika

garlic (would add a little zing)

lemon zest (would add a little color)

Cream to moisten the spread sufficiently [to easily spread on white bread].

Hotels in New York City (1880’s -1911) Charity Events:

In New York City, there was the Plaza Hotel (1880’s), Waldorf Hotel (March 13, 1893), The Ritz Hotel (1911), & the Hotel Astor hosted lectures, clothing sales, concert, fashion show, Lace Exhibition & Lecture, or book & poetry readings. Often, these events were through the Presbyterian or Catholic churches. Events to raise money for the Opera House, Art schools, Hospitals, Kindergartens, or various clubs in the New York City.

These events often had themes like a “Butterfly Dance” or Seasonal themes like “Christmas Tea and Sale for Charity”, Spring Garden Event, “Violet Tea”, or an “Autumn Bazaar” in San Francisco. In San Francisco with Mrs. Henry E. Huntington (Mary Alice was on the committee and sent a letter to Arabella for money. ) Or a interesting lecture on “The National Music of Spain”– (Mr. Archer M. Huntington would have enjoyed that one) or maybe he was part of the lecture committee. In the Gilded Age, Mrs. Collis Huntington (Arabella) was a member of the “Entertainment Club” & the “Morning Club” located in New York City. It mentions these clubs & their members in the Social Register of New York City.

Waldorf Hotel opened in 1893 at the corner of 33rd & 5th Ave in NYC. At the Waldorf, the most elegant & largest room was the “Empire Room”. It was known for their fundraising dinners & special elegant balls. The maitre d’hotel, Oscar Tschirky was known as “Oscar of the Waldorf”. It became the best restaurant in New York City at the time, rivaling Sherry’s Restaurant & Delmonico’s NYC.

The Astoria Hotel opened in 1897 at the corner of 34th Street & 5th Ave. NYC, right next door to the Waldorf Hotel. Mrs. Arabella Huntington must have adored the ballroom at the Astoria, the theme of the ballroom was “Louis XIV style”.

Lace Exhibition & Lecture – Plaza Hotel, New York City, NY in 1910

This charity event was reported by the New York Times: Lace Exhibition & Lecture, Franciscan Missionaries of Mary – Plaza Hotel, New York City, New York (1910): [Sale for charity] An exhibition & sale of fine needlework, laces, & embroideries made by poor girls….taught to sew & are trained in all branches of needlework. In conjunction with the sale, (March 7- March 12) a lecture will be given in the [Plaza] Hotel on March 10, by Ronald Oliphant on “The National Music of Spain”. Among the patronesses are Mrs. Thomas Kelly…. Mrs. C. P. Huntington [Arabella], Countess Panchiatiza, Miss Georgina Iselin,… Mrs. Gallatin… Document: New York Times, Society Home & Abroad, March 6, 1910

The Plaza Hotel Supper Menu (1907 Luncheon – Tea Menu)

The Plaza Hotel Tea Room called the “Palm Court” opened in 1907, at 59th St. & 5th Ave. in New York City. These elegant tea foods were on their menu in October of 1907. Supper was served like this at “Tea Dances” in the afternoon to evening.

Oysters: On the Half Shell, Poulette, Fried or broiled on Toast, or Fancy Roast

Soups: Oyster Stew, Chicken or Beef Consommé, Hot or Cold in a cup

Poultry: Chicken Croquette, Timbale Rothschild, Golden Plover or Broiled Woodcock, Terrapin a la Baltimore

Game & Entrees: Pate de Foie-Gras Truffles, Game Pie en Bellevue, Artichoke Vinaigrette, Virginia Ham, [Tea] Sandwiches Assorted [could have been Chicken Salad Sandwiches, Deviled Egg Tea Sandwiches, Cucumber & Mint Tea Sandwiches, or Salmon & Cream cheese Tea Sandwiches]

Salads: Lobster*, Chicken Salad, Russian Salad, & Plaza Special

Pastry: Neapolitan, Biscuit Tortoni, Assorted Desserts, Assorted Fruits

Cakes: Petit Fours, Assorted [Tea] Cakes

Ice Cream: Vanilla, Pistache [Pistachio], Strawberry, Coffee ice Cream

Cheese Course: Camembert, Brie

Beverages: Tea, Coffee , Demi-Tasse. Coffee with Cream

Source: www. images. nypl.org (The Plaza Hotel NYC Luncheon Tea Menu – Oct. 1, 1907)

Lobster Salad Recipe (Lobster Salad tea sandwich or canape)

1 lb. Fresh cooked Lobster, cubes

squeeze of lemon juice

Fresh cracked mixed peppercorns or white pepper

2 t. mayonnaise

paprika for color

Mix in a bowl, served in a lettuce cup with egg, tomatoes & bell pepper decorating the plate. This salad is also used to make dainty tea sandwiches on white bread.

Salad Decor:

2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

quartered tomatoes

green & red bell pepper slices

Herbs: Parsley or Lovage (tastes like celery) or baby minced chives

Recipe: Nancy Armitage

“Spain, in Picture, Dance, & Song” entertainment at Waldorf Hotel, NYC (1912)

On March 17, 1912, the New York Times Newspaper informs society of a different event. “Spain, Dance, & Song” will be the subject on Saturday afternoon when the School Art League [NYC] will give an entertainment at the Waldorf [Hotel]. Patrons are Mrs. John G. Agar, Mrs. John Alexander, Mrs. Robert W. de Forest, Mrs. Howard Gans, Mrs. Randolph Guggenheimer, Mrs. Ben Ali Haggin, Miss Eleanor Hewitt, Archer Huntington, Mrs. Collis P. Huntington [Arabella], Miss Olivia Leventritt, Mrs. Alfred Meyer, Mrs. Heinrich Neyn, William Shepherd, James Speyer, Mrs. Charles Sprague-Smith, Mrs. Benjamin Stern, Richard Welling, & Mrs. Schuyler van Rensselcar.” Document : New York Times – March 17,1912

Gaynor receives at Fete D’Aviation (Entertainment for the New York Association for the Blind -Great Success. At the Hotel Astor in NYC- “The Butterfly Dance” (March 1910)

Journalist writes for the New York Times, “Given at the Hotel Astor [NYC] – Large Ballroom brilliantly decorated with Flags & Various Flying Craft Loaned by Inventors.” The article starts “Last Night’s Fete d’ Aviation at the Hotel Astor for the benefit of the New York Association of the Blind was far & away the most brilliant & the largest & the most profitable entertainment yet given for it. “

“The large ballroom of the [Hotel] Astor was brilliantly decorated with flags & various miniature flying craft, including the dirigible loaned by Capt. T. S. Baldwin, the balloon loaned by Albert Triaca, & the aeroplane through the courtesy of Glenn H. Curtiss.”

“The souvenir programmme contained verses & drawings by Oliver Herford, written for the occasion, & drawings were also given the association by Henry Grant Dart & Edward Blashfield.” [in 1890’s, Blashfield was one of the most celebrated artists in NYC, he also painted numerous murals in the Collis & Arabella Huntington Mansion at 57th Street & 5th Ave. NYC]. Now some of those murals are located at Yale University, New Haven, Conn.

“People began arriving shortly after 10 o’clock & were received near the entrance to the ballroom by the Reception Committee. Mayor Gaynor assisted in receiving, & the others were the Consul General of Japan, Mr. & Mrs. John Finley, Mrs. Edward Ringwood Hewitt,…..Mrs. Stephen R. Post.. Mr. & Mrs. Henry Waters Taft, Archbishop Farley,…Mr. & Mrs. Isaac N. Seligman & Miss Winifred Holt”.

“As soon as the boxes were filled the butterfly dance began. This dance was planned & arranged by Miss Winifred Holt,..”. & the dance included Mrs. Collis Huntington [Arabella], too.

List of Mr. & Mrs. Collis P. Huntington (Arabella) Donations & Charities:

This is a very small list of Huntington donations from charity receipts & ledgers entries; I found along my Huntington research. I know that the Huntington’s donated $100’s of $1,000’s of dollars to numerous charities. Sometimes this information was written in the New York Times Newspaper. This topic of the Huntington family donating money, to art, community buildings, like theatres, schools & hospitals could fill a large binder.

Metropolitan Museum of Art NYC, NY – 30-40 master paintings: Portrait of George Washington, Bust of Homer, Rembrandts, & Hals paintings (Donated by Archer M. Huntington; in the memory of Collis Huntington but Mrs. Collis P. Huntington (Mrs. Arabella D. Huntington), actually she bought some of these paintings in Paris in 1907 (Kahn Collection) as a widow – but she gets no credit). between 1924-1927. (CPH, ADH & AMH)

Hispanic Society of America, NYC, NY (Archer Huntington was the founder of this museum; he opened it up in 1904. Mrs. Arabella Huntington gave large check(s) to help build this museum. She also gave the museum a Velasquez & a Goya painting & several others especially to her son for the museum. (CPH, ADH & AMH)

White Rose Society, New York City, NY (ADH) which became White Rose Mission or White Rose Industrial Association. This was a society that helped young women arriving to NYC by train or ship; not to be taken advantage of by bad men. The 1st White Rose mission was founded in 1897 in NYC by Victoria Earle Matthews. This society would offer travelers aid to young girls, they also provides classes in cooking & sewing to help these girls get a job in NYC. The 1st White Rose Mission property was on East 86th Street in NYC , in 1918 it moved to West 138th St. NYC until 1984.

Chapin Home NYC, NY $25,000 (CPH)

San Francisco EQ Victor SF, CA $5,000 5-16-06 (Mrs. Collis P. Huntington – Arabella’s is a widow) ADH

Huntington Park, Nob Hill San Francisco, CA (Once the Huntington property & mansion of Collis P. & Arabella Huntington located at 1020 California Street San Francisco, CA) – during the great SF EQ-Fire of 1906, the mansion was totally leveled, along with many master paintings of art & sculpture & silver & plate ware, etc. In 1915, Arabella as Mrs. Henry E. Huntington & her husband traveled to San Francisco to the World’s Fair & she donated that property to the City of San Francisco as a park. (ADH)

University of California Spanish MSS (Manuscripts)

Children Industrial House, New Jersey, NJ $5,000.00 (for Mrs. Mansfield L. Hillhouse she was Arabella Huntington’s sister)

Hampton Normal & Agricultural Institute in Hampton VA – Collis Huntington paid to build the “Collis Huntington Building” Hampton University Museum now.

Tuskogee Institute, Richmond – VA $10,000 5-24-1903 (ADH)

Hampton Normal Institute Richmond, Virginia – Books $100,000.00

Huntington Chapel, Harwinton Conn. $50,000.00

Harvard University: “Collis P. Huntington Laboratory” of Pathology & Bacteriology Harvard University in Boston Mass. $250,000.00 (ADH in 1902 for the erection, equipment and endowment in honor of CPH)

Huntington Free Library & Reading Room Westchester Co. NY $60,000.00 (Mrs. Arabella Huntington was the President)

Huntington Cancer Research -Huntington Memorial Hospital Pasadena CA 7-19-1911 (ADH) $100,000.00

Mariners Museum Newport News, VA (CPH nautical & ship items, Museum built by his son Archer M. Huntington)

University of California

Washington Manor House Fund, Sulgrave England $1,000.00 (Ancestral home of the Washington family in England)

Yale University (Collis P. Huntington in his will stated that if Archer M. Huntington did not have “Issue” (children) that he would not inherit the Huntington mansions & paintings etc. after Arabella Huntington died. That those mansions & paintings would go to Yale University. Yale has some of the Huntington papers, manuscripts & Murals that were hand painted by great artisans from the Huntington Mansion located at No. 2 57th St. NYC, NY (Tiffany & Co. NYC)

American Red Cross

Archer’s Huntington charities (often Arabella Huntington wrote large check for them): Hispanic Society of America, New York, Numiatic Society, National Arts Club, and many more.

Soldiers of US Army coming home from war in 1919 (At-home tea gathering, coffee, teacakes sandwiches & to take away more sandwiches with money in their pockets at Huntington Mansion at No. 2 57th St. NYC, NY

New York Hospital, NYC (ADH)

Legion of Honor San Francisco & the Museum of San Francisco, CA (CPH & ADH) a large room filled with Louis XVI furniture, carpets, candelabras, French chairs, paintings, miniatures, bolt of ADH’s laces, Tortoiseshell combs, Mrs. Arabella Huntington long length portrait, etc.

Panama Pacific Expo San Francisco, California “C. P. Huntington locomotive” Menus donated & recipes for Lehner( World’s Fair 1915 Cookbook by Lehner)

San Francisco Hospital San Francisco, CA (ADH)

San Francisco Free Kindergarten (ADH)

Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce (CHP)

Document: HEH Collection HEH MS 19/5 (uncat) & HEH Coll MS NY Bill 1919

Charities of Mr. & Mrs. Henry E. Huntington (Arabella ) or Mrs. Arabella D. Huntington as widow before 1900 to 1913

Boy Scouts of America $1,000.00 11-24-1910 (HEH)

Good Roads Movement Calif. $500.00 6-9-1907 (HEH)

Collis & Howard Huntington Memorial Hospital – Pasadena, CA (H.E.Huntington’s will)

H. E. “Huntington Library”, Art Gallery & Botanical Gardens, San Marino Ranch, CA: 501 acres of land (HEH & ADH – in 1919 they both signed a document donating this property to State of California after they died.) Now called “the Huntington”. Also San Marino City Hall and Firehouse, Lacy Park, the Old Mill, & so much more land.

Huntington Memorial Library in Oneonta, NY July 1920 H. E. Huntington, where he was born & raised.. Gift to the City of Oneonta, NY

Huntington Park Mt. Rubidoux, Riverside, CA 4-27-07 (HEH) 300 Acres

Little Theatre 2-7-1914 [Location; could be Pasadena Playhouse, El Molino, Pasadena, CA]

Metropolitan Museum of Art NYC, NY 3-21-27 (HEH was a “Fellow for Life” member)

New York University (Dept. of Journalism) NYC, NY Nov. 1920 (HEH)

Pascal Institute School of Domestic Art & Science 2-7-05 (HEH) Mrs. Arabella Huntington is a director 2-7-05; Mrs. C. P. Huntington & several other ladies act as “Patronesses” at Charity Tea for the benefit of the Institute (ADH)

Presbyterian Church Los Angeles, CA $15.000 4-22-1905 (HEH)

$30,000 Professional Men & women Fund San Francisco CA after 1906 SF EQ-Fire also,

Professional Men & Women Fund SF, CA $10,000.00

Salvation Army Los Angeles area, CA (HEH)

Sherman Institute, Riverside, CA 2-19-1901 (HEH)

Tournament of Roses, Pasadena, CA (HEH)

Land for San Gabriel Country Club – San Gabriel, Hotel Huntington on Oak Knoll in Pasadena, the Old Mill San Marino, Huntington Grammer School, San Marino High School, Huntington Beach, Huntington Park, Tournament Park- Cal Tech – Pasadena, CA (HEH)

Southwest Museum Highland Park, LA, CA Director (HEH)

Tournament Park Fund – Cal Tech Pasadena CA $300.00 9-15-04 (Location of the 1st Chariot Races & New Years Day Football Games 1890-1900’s until they built the Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA in 1922.

Washington Manor Fund England (Ancestral Home of President Geo. Washington) $1,000 12-15-1920 (HEH)

YMCA Los Angeles, CA $1,000 (HEH)

YMCA $25,000 – Life time membership to Henry E. Huntington

Document: HEH Collection HEH MS 19/5 (uncat); Bill Ledgers; HEH Coll. MS NY Bill 1919