In Manhattan, 2,500 butlers, chauffeurs, chefs, valets, cooks, footmen ladies maids, parlor maids, chambermaids and scullery maids abandoned the houses of their socialite employers to attend the first Butlers" Ball at the Commodore Hotel. Its sponsor was Mrs. Marshall Field. Proceeds ($4 per couple) were earmarked for Bellevue Hospital charity. Beforehand, newshawks had cut loose with patronizing ribaldry about the "servants' night off," "Must the butler dance with the parlor maid?" and "We 'Awkinses and our gels." Hence newshawks were barred from the ball. Said Mrs. Combs, wife of Banker James...
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