Stunning Event in the Gilded Age: Mamie Fish and the Monkey Causing a Social Uproar
In the Gilded Age of New York, Mamie Fish, a prominent socialite, was known for her sharp wit, humor, and unconventional entertaining style. Her extravagant parties often disrupted the traditional norms of decorum, as seen in the controversial incident of 1902, when she hosted a party in Newport that involved a monkey named Jocko, dressed as a prince.
The event, attended by the wealthiest families in Newport, was intended to welcome an actual prince from Corsica. However, the "Prince Del Drago," as Jocko was dubbed, soon became the centre of attention. Dressed in a tuxedo, Jocko handled his fork and knife like a gentleman of the old school, much to the delight of the partygoers.
However, as the night wore on, Jocko, who had become increasingly inebriated, started swinging from the chandelier, flinging lightbulbs at the assembled guests. This unexpected spectacle, while shocking, was considered by many as one of the most entertaining nights of their lives.
Mamie Fish's audacious move was seen as a jab at Newport society's kowtowing to aristocracy. Newspaper reports were horrified by the impropriety of the event, with some even wrongly attributing it to a local French church leader named Henry Lehr.
Mamie Fish, a staunch believer in earning wealth and status through hard work and wit, expressed disapproval towards American girls marrying European noblemen, stating it could lead to ridicule. She was not a pale, homegrown imitation of a European aristocrat; instead, she taught American women to have as much fun as their male counterparts.
Her Newport mansion, Crossways, was a novelty in high society. Mamie Fish's joke of hosting a monkey as a prince was devised beforehand on her yacht. The excerpt is from the book 'GLITZ, GLAM, AND A DAMN GOOD TIME' copyrighted in 2025 by Jennifer Wright.
Jennifer Wright, the Political Editor at Large at BAZAAR.com and the author of 'Get Well Soon: History's Worst Plagues and the Heroes That Fought Them' and 'It Ended Badly: 13 of the Worst Break-Ups In History,' reproduced this excerpt by arrangement with the publisher, Grand Central Publishing, a Hachette Book Group company.
In conclusion, Mamie Fish's party involving the "Prince Del Drago" was a testament to her penchant for stirring and scandalizing the elite with playful but controversial entertainments. Her daring antics and quick wit continue to intrigue historians and socialites alike, offering a glimpse into the extravagant and scandalous world of the Gilded Age.
- In the realm of contemporary media, one could find numerous online platforms that offer a wide array of content, from fashion-and-beauty tips to news about celebrities and pop-culture, much like the unprecedented party hosted by Mamie Fish.
- The extravagant party at Crossways was not only a testament to socialite Mamie Fish's unique style, but also a reflection of the lifestyle chosen by the wealthy of the Gilded Age, akin to luxury travel experiences and home-and-garden makeovers today.
- As the party continued, the monkey's antics mirrored the unpredictable swings of the stock market, just as the soaring prices of jewelry and art reflect the frequent fluctuations in the world of finance and investment.
- The controversy surrounding the event brought about a surge in newspaper sales, similar to how social media engagement spikes during heated debates on education-and-self-development or personal-growth topics.
- The misunderstanding over who was responsible for the party, leading to Henry Lehr being wrongly accused, is reminiscent of the tempestuous nature of relationships, where miscommunications and assumptions often cause unnecessary strife.
- The event served as a commentary on the arrogance of the European aristocracy, much like how relationships expert Mandy Len Catron's TED Talk on relationship advice challenges traditional dating norms.
- Just as Mamie Fish's party became one of the most entertaining nights of its time, the food-and-drink industry today strives to offer unique and unforgettable experiences, making culinary Del Drago-es out of humble ingredients.
- Mamie Fish's party demonstrated a love for pets that transcended the boundaries of segregation in society, much like the shared love for pets that serves as a bridge in connecting people from diverse backgrounds today.
- The dramatic scene of Jocko swinging from the chandelier mirrors the thrilling experiences one might encounters while driving a sports car, just as the act of taking the wheel symbolizes personal empowerment and growth.
- As more stories about the Gilded Age continue to be unearthed and shared, they serve as historical beacons of personal growth, much like how the stories of celebrities and their challenges with addiction offer glimpses into the human capacity for resilience and redemption.
- Centuries from now, historians will still look back at parties like the one hosted by Mamie Fish, pausing to consider the impact such audacious acts of playful subversion have had on the progress of social norms, akin to how we today marvel at the ripples caused by the birth of social media and its far-reaching effects on our lives and culture.
