A reception in honor of Mrs. David R. Francis followed on May 9, to which 500 guests were invited.
On May 17 a brilliant company of 500 was entertained at an afternoon reception in honor of the representatives of the Army and Navy in and near St. Louis. Ladies of the Army and Navy assisted in receiving, and many distinguished persons were present.
On May 19, immediately following the Louisiana Purchase Day exercises of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, a luncheon was given by the board of lady managers in honor of the delegates to the General Federation.
Miss Alice Roosevelt was the honoree of a luncheon given on May 31, to which 600 guests were bidden. The affair was most charming and successful.
Having thus during the opening month announced itself, the board of lady managers continued during the exposition to contribute its quota to the social life of the great fair.
The distinguished foreigners whom it was the privilege of the board to especially honor were the representatives of foreign governments, with a reception on June 17; Prince Pu Lun, to whom a dinner of 52 covers was given on July 10, and Prince Fushimi, for whom a reception was held on November 22. Receptions to the Interparliamentary Union on September 12 and to the Congress of Arts and Sciences on September 20 were also international in character, a number of distinguished foreigners being present.
Among the special functions given, none was more successful or more brilliant than the dinner in honor of President David R. Francis, on November 12, to which 140 guests were invited.
The building of the board of lady managers, with the changes made by the board, was, both in its appointments and location, admirably adapted for the purpose for which it was set aside, and in itself was a tribute to the necessity and advantage of cooperation on the part of the board.
The whole lower floor of the building was beautifully fitted up for the reception and entertainment of guests and the upper floor was reserved for the private use of the board, being divided into board room, secretary's room, reception room, apartments for the president of the board, and quarters for all members of the board who wished to avail themselves of the hospitality of the home while in the city.
The house was conducted as any well-organized household under the direction of the rotating committee, composed of the resident members in St. Louis, and the members rotating each month. They were ably assisted by a very capable hostess.