Frances Glessner’s 175th Birthday and New Year’s Day Reception
Sunday, January 1, 2023
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
at Glessner House
1800 South Prairie Avenue, Chicago
“Frances Glessner was born Sarah Frances Macbeth on January 1, 1848 in Urbana, Ohio. Join us as we celebrate her 175h birthday with a traditional New Year’s Day reception. In the 19th century, New Year’s Day was the preferred day (more so than Christmas) for visiting friends and hosting receptions in your home. This is a rare opportunity to enjoy traditional beverages and light refreshments in the parlor, dining room, and main hall.
“Frances Glessner records in her journal that the day was filled with callers, and the receipt of flowers, books, and other gifts in honor of her birthday. She would usually attend the symphony, opera, or theatre, and on at least two occasions, members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra snuck into the house to serenade her.
“The extraordinary calendar presented for her birthday in 1906 will be on display, and this will be the last opportunity to see several figures from the miniature orchestra Frances Glessner Lee presented to her mother as a birthday gift in 1913. Curator William Tyre will play a few selections on Frances Glessner’s Steinway piano, and share highlights of birthday celebrations from the early 1900s.”
Seating is limited. Reservation deadline is Friday, December 23.
$30 per person / $25 for members