As you drive along the stretch of Lindell Boulevard, just east of Kingshighway in the Central West End, one can only imagine the history each home has to tell, especially the home at 4510 Lindell. It was there in May of 1917 that something happened that would change the way American’s celebrated life.
In 1917, 4510 Lindell was home to Julius S. Walsh, and it was there that his daughter-in-law decided to throw a party.
“Her name was Clara Bell Walsh and she was the first woman to organize a party, that we now know as a cocktail party,” said Christopher Gordon, director of archives for the Missouri History Museum.
Walsh’s concept? A casual gathering before lunch, serving finger foods and cocktails. “And this was eventually picked up by the papers as something unique.
“No one had had this Sunday afternoon get together over cocktails and at that point, it took off, not only in St. Louis where it spread apparently pretty fast, but after it was picked up in some Midwestern papers, it became a phenomenon across the United States,” said Gordon.
In 1923, the party ended with the Walsh’s divorce. The house was eventually sold to the St. Louis Archdiocese and today the house is the home of the Archbishop of St. Louis.
99 years later, the Central West End Cocktail Party will pay homage to the Clara’s cocktail party and everyone is invited.
The party is June 4th, from 5-10 p.m. along Euclid Ave. between Maryland and McPherson. Festivities will include two live jazz acts, dancing, a spirited cocktail competition featuring mixologists from the Central West End and around St. Louis, and, of course, drinks available for purchase from numerous CWE bars and restaurants. Cocktail or period attire is encouraged, but not required.
This event will be free and open to the public.
