I was saddened to hear of the recent passing of the etiquette maven Letitia Baldrige. Her obituary in the New York Times pays tribute to her life as an etiquette advisor, author, and as the Social Secretary to Jacqueline Kennedy.
Ms. Baldrige surely lived a very interesting life...In this photo she is seen emerging from the limo to accompany Ms. Kennedy at the National Gallery of Art, in Washington, D.C. on November 3, 1961.
As Ms. Kennedy's Social Secretary, Ms. Baldrige was responsible for orchestrating many social and state events at the White House in the 60's.
Letitia Baldrige published 20 books in her lifetime and these are some of her books I recommend to those of you who wish to learn about proper etiquette or to brush up on your social and dining etiquette skills!
"New Manners for New Times," my go-to etiquette manual!
"More Than Manners," is a great book to use when teaching children manners at-home.
"Taste: Acquiring What Money Can't Buy!" This was the last book Ms. Baldrige published in 2007.
Ten years ago, I was honored to meet and have a sit-down with Ms. Baldrige at a Southern Lady Event...it was so very gracious of her to give of her time, even though I don't think she felt well that evening.
Letitia Baldrige
1926 ~ 2012
In this day and age this is what I loved most about her: she knew that as the White House Social secretary is was not about her. She was not a 'celebrity'. She was there to do a job and she did it well. No one even knew who she was until later.
ReplyDeleteWhich is my point: no one should know the name of the White House Social Secretary while he/she is the acting SS.
What a wonderful tribute. Thank you for sharing .
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting a wonderful tribute to a woman who was ever so classy, smart, and so knowledgeable about what a Social Secretary was supposed to do.
ReplyDeleteLove this post, Miss Janice!
ReplyDeleteWonderful tribute to someone who taught what is truly important!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great tribute. I was a big fan or hers.
ReplyDeletewhat a lovely tribute....we need more people like you two in this country. Class and manners are very important. I love your blog Miss Janice. :)
ReplyDeletethank you for your tribute! i love miss tish's books.... what a fabulous lady!
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