An (alleged) secret masquerade party for Chicago's old families
Since January 13, writer Thomas J. O’Gorman has been been writing a gossip/society column for Skyline community newspaper. He took over the beat after Ann Gerber, Chicago’s longest-running gossip columnist, retired late last year.
I said that there is never going to be anyone quite like Ann Gerber, and, to his credit, Thomas O’Gorman doesn’t try to be her. He covers a lot of the same ground, but he has his own voice, and it’s clear that some of his priorities are different.
In his February 3 column, O'Gorman looked at something I don't think Ann Gerber ever really touched on. At least not in the last few years. Supposedly, some of Chicago’s oldest, most influential families have a secret party. And not just any party.
WHO WAS THAT MASQUED MAN? Since 1905, fancy Prairie blue-bloods have been keeping the holiday fun going with their quiet celebration of “12th Night,” creating a Masque Ball that is awash in creativity and secrecy. Privacy is the by-word.
This column has no wish to uncover their very private gongs on except to say what they say. They have two rules - their motto: “Let good taste prevail to no avail.” Their rule: “No equestrians or mounted pedestrians.” So we won’t say where they hold their fancy shindig. And we won’t divulge who rules their roost. We are just glad they keep the traditions going that so delighted the Palmers, Fields, McCormicks, Pullmans and Roots. Keep the glitter going. Don’t let the uninhibited standards sink. But from time to time anonymous photos do get tossed over the threshold
That is assuming it’s true. If Ann Gerber wrote this, I never would’ve questioned it. But O’Gorman hasn’t earned that kind of trust. Not yet.
And if it is true… I think it’s probably not too wild.It’s probably just a party where rich people can get as drunk as they want and as loose as they want without society magazine cameras catching them.
But wouldn’t it be so fun if it was really real? Wouldn’t it be fun if it really was some kind of Eyes Wide Shut thing?
When you are a writer…. It sure gets you thinking, doesn’t it?