BELLEAU WOOD MEMORIAL BENEFIT HELD AT NEW WASHINGTON AUDITORIUM
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On February 7, 1925, The Evening Star reports Mrs. Calvin Coolidge "was patroness for the Belleau Wood* Memorial benefit" held at the New Washington Auditorium here in the Nation's Capital last evening.
While the First Lady was unable to personally attend, the Presidential box was occupied by White House guests including Secretary of the Navy Curtis D. Wilbur** and his wife.
A game of Mah Jong*** was presented at the benefit.
JFK+50 NOTE
Curtis D. Wilbur was the first appointee by President Calvin Coolidge.
*Belleau Wood was a major battle fought during the German spring offensive, June 1918, near the Marne River of France in WWI
**Curtis Dwight Wilbur (1867-1954) was born in Boonesboro, Iowa & graduated USNA 1888. CDW became a California lawyer & judge before serving as Secretary of the Navy 1924-1929.
***Mah Jong is a tile-based game developed in the 19th century in China played by 3 or 4 players & similar to rummy.
