LLL Centennial Soiree

In 1910, milk was 32 cents a gallon, average life expectancy for men was 48, a Ziegfeld girl earned $75 per week, and BBG was transformed from an ash dump to a glorious urban sanctuary. On August 12, 200 guests of the Linnaean Libation League celebrated the Garden's centennial with an affair featuring fine food, drinks, and sport inspired by the marvelous era of its founding.

Guests dressed in the style of the early 20th century to participate in a classic croquet game while enjoying champagne and ice cream sandwiches, before retiring to the Edwardian-style Palm House for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. BBG’s inimitable president emeritus Betty Scholtz and Brooklyn historian John Manbeck led a toast to the Garden and the borough in 1910 before our magnificent 100th birthday cake—featuring sugar flowers inspired by BBG’s signature collections—was enjoyed by all.

The evening attracted fabulous guests from the five boroughs, as well as the New York Times, the New York Post, Metromix, The Examiner, Socially Superlative, and The New Victorians. For more information about the LLL and its upcoming affairs, visit the Linnaean Libation League!

All photos by Gulshan Kirat