The social life of a great part of our community, in my opinion, hinges on this and similar organizations, for it and they are organized social power, capable of giving a passport to society to all worthy of it. We thought it would not be wise to allow a handful of men having royal fortunes to have a sovereign’s prerogative, i.e. to say whom society shall receive, and whom society shall shut out. We thought it better to try and place such power in the hands of representative men, the choice falling on them solely because of their worth, respectability, and responsibility. A GOLDEN AGE OF FEASTING. CHAPTER XVII. _A Lady who has led Society for many Years--A Grand Dame indeed--The Patriarchs a great social Feature--Organizing the F. C. D. C.--Their Rise and Fall--The Mother Goose Ball--My Encounters with socially ambitious Workers--I try to Please all--The Famous “Swan Dinner”--It cost $10,000--A Lake on the Dinner-table--The Swans have a mortal Combat._ As a rule, in this city, heads of families came to the front, and took an active part in society when they wished to introduce their daughters into it. The first Patriarch Balls were given in the winters of 1872 and 1873. At this period, a great personage (representing a silent power that had always been recognized and felt in this community, so long as I remember, by not only fashionable people, but by the solid old quiet element as well) had daughters to introduce into society, which brought her prominently forward and caused her at once to take a leading position. She possessed great administrative power, and it was soon put to good use and felt by society. I then, for the first time, was brought in contact with this _grande dame_, and at once recognized her ability, and felt that she would become society’s leader, and that she was admirably qualified for the position.