Kings & Queens

In the Autumn, when the harvest is over and the pumpkins are growing ripe, U. S. farmers have time to go to the cities, to make merry and to buy. To lure them many a city holds fairs, carnivals, sporting events; some cities go further, stage elaborate celebrations, make of them affairs of great social significance. Last week two such affairs were held in the chief cities of two great Western States.

Ak-Sar-Ben. In Omaha last week was held Nebraska's great State celebration -- Ak-Sar-Ben. Nebraska spelled backward, the name has another significance: Syrian Ak meaning head-of-the family; Arabic Sar, the household; Hebraic Ben, brothers. In 1895 Omaha businessmen organized the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben, elected each year a king and queen, crowned them at a large ball.

Under emerald lights in Omaha's Coliseum was held the Coronation Ball, chief social event of the celebration. Crowned 37th King of Ak-Sar-Ben was ruddy, blue-eyed, Austrian-born George Brandeis, president of J. L. Brandeis & Sons, head of Brandeis Investment Co., director of Omaha National Bank. A leader of the Ak-Sar-Ben organization, he is 53 years old, has lived in Omaha 18 years. He wore a Louis XIV costume. His queen was Miss Lida Whitmore, 22-year-old daughter of Jesse Dwight Whitmore, farmer and livestock feeder of Valley, Neb. Nine thousand spectators packed the Coliseum for the "coronation," 1,200 followed the king & queen to the Fontenelle Hotel where they sat on red satin thrones, ate a supper served on gold, danced one dance together. Said the queen: "I am having a delightful time." The king: "I was worried for fear those long stockings might come down."

The Veiled Prophet. In St. Louis last week, red, orange & blue buntings draped six miles of streets. Nineteen ornate floats passed through depicting "The Romance of Trade & Industry." In the most ornate of all sat the 52nd Veiled Prophet with his queen. Led by a platoon of mounted police the parade moved slowly, impressively, lit by the flare of torches. Next night in St. Louis' Coliseum the Veiled Prophet crowned Miss Ann Chittenden Ferris Queen of Love & Beauty. She is the daughter of President Henry T. Ferris of National Bank Co. of St. Louis. To her was given St. Louis' highest social honor. The identity of the Veiled Prophet remained traditionally secret. Up & down the brilliantly lit hall promenaded the Prophet and his court, then drove through pouring rain to the Hotel Jefferson for a supper & dance. Visitors to St. Louis last week had not only the Veiled Prophet's celebration to witness, but could also attend the dairy & horse shows, could watch the St. Louis Cardinals win the World's baseball championship.

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