History’s
Mysteries
The Mather-Smith Family
The Turkey Trot stormed America in 1910
and quickly became a dance sensation, raising
eyebrows in a world stubbornly adhering to
Victorian mores. An enthusiastic proponent of
the energetic dance was Grace Mather-Smith,
the young, vivacious wife of Charles Frederic
Mather-Smith – an enigmatic woman often referred to as the “Auntie Mame of West Orange
County.” The couple moved from Chicago to
quiet Oakland in 1910, and almost immediately made an impression which is remembered
today by many of Oakland’s older residents.
Frank Williams, whose family boarded the Mather-Smiths while they built their home, stated
in Eve Bacon’s book Oakland- The Early Years: “I
can still remember my mother used to tell of
Mrs. Smith shocking the ladies of the Oakland
Sewing Circle by giving them a demonstration on dancing the Turkey Trot in our living
room.” This photograph from 1916 portrays
Grace in costume for a production of Carmen,
a Chautauqua opera she performed while the
couple visited Chicago. Staring down the photographer, cigarette in hand, Grace appears to
be impatiently awaiting the Roaring Twenties.
Photo and details courtesy of the Winter Garden
Heritage Foundation
JUNE 2015
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WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE
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