Born in Manhattan on February 6, 1899, Alice Wadhams Hall was a notable socialite and the matriarch of a culturally significant American family. Her parents, Benjamin Elihu Hall and Mary Hazard Brown Hall, valued education and the arts. Alice was famous because her life was tied to the creative scene of her period.
Family Background
Alice Wadhams Hall was from a prominent New York family. Her marriage to Gilbert Seldes, a distinguished journalist and cultural critic, elevated her creative standing.
| Name | Relation | Birth/Death | Notable Facts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alice Wadhams Hall | Mother | 1899-1954 | Socialite; mother of renowned actress Marian Seldes. |
| Benjamin Elihu Hall | Father | 1862-? | Influential figure in education and the arts. |
| Mary Hazard Brown Hall | Mother | 1873-? | Active in charitable circles. |
| Gilbert Vivian Seldes | Husband | 1893-1970 | Journalist, author, and editor; cultural critic. |
| Marian Seldes | Daughter | 1928-2014 | Acclaimed actress known for her Broadway performances. |
| Timothy Seldes | Son | ? | Literary agent; involved in the arts. |
Life and Influence
Alice Wadhams Hall didn’t just impact her family. She hosted artists, writers, and intellectuals as a socialite, molding her era’s culture. Her children’s careers, especially Marian Seldes’ Broadway success, showed her support of the arts.
| Event/Influence | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage to Gilbert Seldes | 1924 | United two influential families in the arts. |
| Birth of Marian Seldes | 1928 | Followed her mother’s legacy, becoming a stage luminary. |
| Cultural Gatherings | 1930s-1950s | Hosted numerous events that fostered artistic collaboration. |
Legacy
Alice Wadhams Hall’s descendants’ achievements reflect her legacy. Marian Seldes, her daughter, won many theater honors. The family’s arts legacy has shaped American culture.
| Legacy Aspect | Detail | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Marian Seldes’ Career | Acclaimed stage actress | Influenced generations of theater artists. |
| Family Contributions | Involvement in arts and culture | Promoted artistic education and community engagement. |
| Descendants’ Achievements | Various notable careers | Continued the family’s artistic and intellectual traditions. |
FAQ
What was Alice Wadhams Hall known for?
Alice Wadhams Hall was a prominent socialite and Marian Seldes’ mother. Influenced by her family’s arts contributions.
Who were Alice Wadhams Hall’s parents?
Her parents were Benjamin Elihu Hall, an education and arts pioneer, and Mary Hazard Brown Hall, a humanitarian worker.
What was Alice Wadhams Hall’s artistic role?
Alice helped cultivate artistic talent by sponsoring events with creative luminaries.
The importance of her marriage to Gilbert Seldes?
Her marriage to Gilbert Seldes brought her into a journalistic and cultural critique household, boosting her intellectual prominence.
How did Alice Wadhams Hall affect her kids’ careers?
Alice fostered her children’s artistic skills and gave them cultural opportunities, which helped them succeed in the arts.
