The Pittsburgh Press (October 21, 1941)
White House drops formal programs
Washington, Oct. 21 (UP) –
President and Mrs. Roosevelt have canceled the entire winter program of formal White House parties because of the seriousness of the times.
Mrs. Roosevelt said today:
It was decided that conditions are so serious, and the President is so busy, that there will be no formal parties at all.
The last time the formal White House social program was canceled, except for brief periods of official mourning, was after was was declared in 1917.
Cancellation of the formal parties may result in more informal entertaining, as luncheon, dinner and tea hours are convenient times to see people.