Dahlia: Blue Book centennial a history of prominence

Published December 26, 2005 at midnight

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In 1906, the U.S. Mint in Denver issued its first coins, the National Western Stock Show started and Mrs. Crawford Hill, known as "The Queen of Denver Society," began compiling names and facts for what eventually would become the Denver Social Register and Record.

The first record was published in 1908 under the title, Who's Who in Denver Society.

It included chapters on subjects such as "Worth Over a Million," "Pioneers in the Social Field," "Types of Denver Beauty" and "Eligible Men," to name a few.

Some of those chapters were republished in the 2006 Commemorative Centennial Edition under the title, "A Century of Society." They included instructions for up-and-coming socialites on etiquette, fashionable residential districts and breaking into Denver society, featuring the ins and outs - literally.

"What will keep you out: An evident desire to break in hurriedly; an attempt to buy social position; a lack of good sense, of good breeding or self-control; and an unfortunate disposition."

"What will get you in: proper introductions; attractive qualities of mind and disposition; knowledge and practice of social conventions; a certain amount of leisure; family affiliations; and influence (a social pull)."

Many of the rules still apply, although the Social Register has become a tribute to Denver's most philanthropic people, too.

The Denver Social Register and Record recently held its centennial celebration and its annual Champagne Reception & Tea, which attracted long-time register members and honored new names in the 2006 tome.

The historic Grant-Humphreys Mansion, built in 1902, was the site of many social affairs back when Colorado's third governor, James Grant, was in residence there.

It was also the site of the centennial celebration, where more than 200 members arrived to congratulate the register's editor, Renee Piper, joined at the fete by her husband, Jerry.

Piper follows in the footsteps of her mother-in-law, the late Kathy Piper Johnson, who edited the book from 1968 until her death in 2001.

Longtime assistant editor Anne Law is also instrumental in producing the annual publication.

"This is a historical record of people in our city and state, of what they do professionally, socially, charitably, what organizations they favor and what educational degrees they have," said Piper.

"In celebrating this anniversary, we honor families who have been listed almost from the inception of the record. And each year the present record welcomes new members with high tea."

Those new to the 2006 book include United Healthcare President and CEO Dr. Craig Keyes, who accompanied register members Edie and Mort Marks to the fete.

Edie sponsored Keyes for inclusion in The Blue Book, as the record also is known.

Other new members and their sponsors included Brandt Wilkins and David Alexander (Glory Weisberg); Marilyn and Andrew Benedict (Betty O'Meara); Mariette and Scott Blackett (Kitty Gregg); Virginia and David Boyles (Wanda and Larry Fanning); Susan Stiff and John Haigh (Adrienne Hayden); Mark White and John Lowe (Patterson Benero); and Louisa and Robert Jornayvaz III (Florence Ruston).

Ruston, like many other Social Register members, suggested a few other new members for consideration.

Ruston's new inductees also included Liz and Jonathon Lorenz; Mary and Bill Mahoney; Carol and Joseph Morgan; Sally and Gary Newcomb; A. Brett and Michael O'Donnell; Lisa and Richard Schaler; Helen and Richard Sims; and Tammy and Chris Marsico, president of Marsico Capital Management.

Additional new names in the 2006 register include Cindi and Keith Burge, who will co-chair the DCPA's Saturday Night Alive fundraiser March 4; Anne and Ralph Klomp, of Trice Jewelers; Mary and Kevin McNicholas, of K-M Concessions; and accountant Meyer Saltzman and his wife, Geri Bader Saltzman, to name a few.

Register members serving tea at the mansion were Wanda Fanning, LaFawn Biddle, Beulah Cherne, Sharon Whiton Gelt, Georgia Imhoff, Annie Achee, Helen Hanks, Susie Goodin, Kimi Porterfield, Ruth Keesling and Angela Alexis.

Other members spotted at the Centennial celebration included Judi and Marvin Wolf; Georgia and Walt Imhoff; Adrienne and Jack Fitzgibbons; Helen Krauss; Scottie and Kevin Iverson; and Helen and Warren Hanks.

Dahlia Jean Weinstein is the society writer. weinsteind@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-892-2882.

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