Known as “Charleston’s Grandest Dame,” Gertrude celebrated New Year’s Eve with a lavish costume ball at Medway for over half a century. This post includes photos of party-goers, staff, and menus, as well as Gertie’s annual Christmas card sent to friends and family.

Gertie as a showgirl, circa 1950

Gertie and Bokara, 1955

Gertie was sure to get photos of each guest in full costume upon their arrival, 1955

Two guests, 1955

Bokara and guests, 1955

Opulent dinner in full costume, 1955

The buffet line, 1955

A full band plays the night away, 1955

Christmas dinner, circa 1929-1932

Gertie’s Christmas card, undated

Christmas, 1973

Christmas, 1972

Christmas, 1974

“The whole staff, Christmas ’56”

“Xmas Day – ’56”

Gertie’s Christmas card the year after she returned from being a German Prisoner of War during WWII.