Whitaker, William I.

Scope and Contents From the Sub-Series: As the correspondents in this sub-subseries make evident, McIlhenny cultivated a social network that reached across noted names in all the arts, as well as titled gentry, royalty and political figures. Whenever celebrities of the stage, screen or concert hall were performing in Philadelphia, McIlhenny would invite them to his home at Rittenhouse Square, just a stone's throw away from the major theatres and hotels. Although they could not always accept the offer, invitees included Noel...

Scope and Contents From the Sub-Series: Covering the last decade of his life, this correspondence primarily documents McIlhenny's extensive social activities and the numerous friendships he cultivated in America and abroad. Many of the letters pertain to an exchange of invitations to dinner parties, cultural events, and vacation rendezvous, along with follow-up thank you notes. There are also numerous letters of thanks from McIlhenny for the many gifts he'd receive, ranging from a duck door knocker and jar of Col. Biddle's curry...