Worth 2018 Winter Flipbook

A Little History
The Palm Beach story started more than a century ago
when railroad magnate Henry Flagler extended a railway
south and built the Royal Poinciana Hotel at its
terminus—in what is now Palm Beach. The raggedy tropical
island was thereby ordained a winter retreat for America’s
Golden Age society A-list. The railway continued south after
that, but this was the start of a legacy shared by few other
towns in America—one of privilege and exclusivity, money
and manners.
In those early days, Worth Avenue was a sleepy little outpost
with little more than an alligator concession, a far cry from
today’s designer boutiques and luxe restaurants and bumper-tobumper
luxury cars.
Over the years, as Palm Beach solidified its status as one of
the country’s social capitals, an insular community emerged,
marked by grand mansions and galas, celebrities and industrialists.
These days, the community still retains that cachet
although in a decidedly younger, more egalitarian style.
Dos & Don’ts
Dos
1. Do write a thank-you note. Always.
2. Do register for bridal gifts at Mary Mahoney.
3. Do avoid publicity. And photographers.
4. Do attend the galas your friends chair.
5. Do arrive on time. Especially for dinner parties.
6. Do listen more than you talk (and never interrupt).
7. Do keep a guest room perfectly outfitted, complete
with helpful phone numbers and books.
8. Do subscribe to the Social Register. Even though
you know it doesn’t matter, of course.
Don’ts
1. Don’t ask people what they do.
2. Don’t jog without wearing a shirt.
3. Don’t order “another” drink; ask that your cocktail
be refreshed.
4. Don’t wear a watch after 6 p.m. if you are a woman.
5. Don’t actually kiss anyone on the cheek; air kiss
above the cheek. Also, hugs are implied, not given.
6. Don’t compliment someone on an item he or she is
wearing and then ask what it cost or where it is from.
7. Don’t steal anyone else’s help.
8. Don’t call a private club for membership information;
members are only added via referrals.
CHILD’S PLAY: Best Places
to Take the Kids
Playgrounds, fields and tennis courts are all at the
Town of Palm Beach’s Seaview Recreation Center.
(340 Seaview Ave., 838-5485)
The beach at Phipps Ocean Park features grassy
shade, picnic facilities and a playground, all on the
Atlantic Ocean. (2145 S. Ocean Blvd., 838-5400)
The Palm Beach County History Museum is housed in
the restored 1916 Courthouse in downtown West Palm
Beach. Exhibitions feature county history, along with
profiles of the people and events that made the area.
(300 N. Dixie Highway, 832-4164)
WORTH AVENUE 71