Elsa Maxwell

Elsa Maxwell reigned as America's top hostess in the mid-twentieth century. Born in 1883 in Iowa, she left school by 14 and spent her youth traveling the world as a theater accompanist though she had no formal musical training. In her travels, Elsa met socially important people, and began showing up at society soirees in both the United States and Europe. By the end of World War I, she had established herself as high society's premier hostess.

Elsa Maxwell reigned as America's top hostess in the mid-twentieth century. Born in 1883 in Iowa, she left school by 14 and spent her youth traveling the world as a theater accompanist though she had no formal musical training. In her travels, Elsa met socially important people, and began showing up at society soirees in both the United States and Europe. By the end of World War I, she had established herself as high society's premier hostess. See less