Article written by Cholly Knickerbocker from the NHS Collections
Before the days of e-news and Extra, Exra, Americans needed to wait for their weekly newspaper to find out the latest reports on society and celebrity happenings. One of the most enduring gossip columnists of the early 20th century was “Cholly Knickerbocker” of the New York American newspaper. The first Cholly was Maury Henry Biddle Paul (1890-1942) who wielded great power as a “make or break” reporter of social behavior status. In 1919 he reengineered Mrs. Astor’s and Ward McAllister’s original 400 list into a term he coined “Café Society.” It was an updated stratification of society based on public appearances, celebrity affiliations and a faster lifestyle. Inclusion in Paul’s gossip column was both sought after and feared by the old guard and the new rich. Edith Munroe of “Rockry Hall” on Bellevue Avenue succeeded in capturing his attention and provided a photo of herself.
Letter written by Cholly Knickerbocker from the NHS Collections