At individual parties, three debutantes of the season were honored at special locations, two historic and one, a charming home. Today, another celebration occurs, Easter, when families will visit homes and restaurants, among other outings. Wishes for a happy Easter!
Cowan deb
“Cocktail Supper honoring Eleanor Cowan” headed the fanciful Scriptura invitation extended by host Joey Brown, which included debutantes of the season and their mothers. They amassed at the attractive cottage near Audubon Park, after entering the front gate and traversing the walkway that bisects the spacious (and enviable) front lawn. The house, which features a six-columned façade, was built in 1940.
Honoree Eleanor was outfitted in a dress, as were just about all the attendees. Hers, made of lace, was a sleeveless pink, A-line design with a vintage paisley pattern.
Family was notable with deb grandmother Mrs. John Joseph d’Aquin, Nanine, making the roster three-generational. Included, too, were deb mother Mrs. Robert William Cowan, the former Nanine Simmons d’Aquin, and deb sister Nanine Brent Cowan. Also, Mary Elise Meyer, Fionuala Monsted and daughter Lucy, Ashley Roussel and Lillian, Catherine Favrot and Eliza, Helen LeBourgeois and Nina, Molly Baumer and Emma Rose, Ashley Franks and Piper, Elizabeth Johnston, Kelly Ellis and Ashley, Annabel Katherine McCarthy, Markey and Tricia Aucoin, and scores more.
All gravitated to the sumptuous buffet spread, which included crabmeat, fried shrimp and other goodies. To cap off the collation, the party pack reached for, and enjoyed, Joey’s “famous chocolate chip cookies.”
Elliott deb
Moving along to the Garden District, a tea in honor of Taylor Lee Elliott was given by her mother, Mrs. Edward Sporl Elliott, and her grandmother, Mrs. William Terry Elliott, Pam and Erika. It was in the Elliott home, which had been described as a “Greek Revival Gem.” No architect’s name is associated with it, but “it certainly bespeaks the trained hand” and was probably constructed between 1845 or 1846. It is located a block from Commander’s Palace. Notable owners have included Dr. Edouard Fortin and spouse Amenaide, who moved there in 1853 with their two daughters — the Elliotts have two daughters, and teachers Mary and John Seaman, who bought it in 1889 to use as the Southern Academic Institute, a girls’ school. In 1963, it became the home of Brig. Gen. L. Kemper Williams and spouse Leila Moore Williams, the founders of the Historic New Orleans Collection.
Since their ownership of the house for over three years, the Elliotts have opened it for a number of community events, including the Holiday Home Tour of the Preservation Resource Center.
For the tea, it was an occasion for some of the Elliott family’s nearest and dearest to mingle, especially deb sister Catie Elliott. Ambrose Garden did the flowers; the Windsor Court purveyed, providing scones, tea sandwiches, and assorted desserts, all placed on beautiful silver trays; and, just outside the dining room, Pardon My French served a lively musical menu. Animated chatter was pervasive.
Family attendees from out-of-town included Mimi Elliott Gannon and daughter Molly Gannon, and Lorraine Abercrombie. Closer to home were Orleanians Bonnie Boyd, Regina Molony, Cindy Ellington, Stacy Head, Joy Favor, and Jenny Kottler. Lovely weather was perhaps the most desirable guest.
Benzman deb
On a pale aqua background, and in black lettering, “Bloodys, Bubbly, and Brunch” announced the fun in store for debutante Adelaide Elizabeth Benzman. It was given by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Scott Jay Benzman, Penny and Scott. Centering the invitation was a depiction of the venue, Brennan’s Restaurant, which will no doubt be abuzz today with Easter celebrations and parades in the French Quarter.
This was not the first Vieux Carré location for the famed eatery: It moved to its current site on Royal Street in 1956. The current building is a two-story mansion that was constructed in 1795 and later housed the Banque de la Louisiana, “the first bank in Louisiana.” The Morphy family were 1841-1891 owners. Of particular note was resident Paul Morphy, “the celebrated chess player and unofficial world chess champion, living there until his death in 1884.”
Seasonal fun framed Adelaide’s party, which included Amelia Benzman, Piper Franks, Eleanor Cowan, Lillian Roussel, Marché Beals and a host of others, who reveled in feminine bonhomie.
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These three gatherings are the last of the debutante parties registered for 2025-2026. All enjoyed the delights of months of excitement, including Carnival, and expressed sincere gratitude to their parents and others who made the period possible. Soon, a new coterie will follow in this memorable momentum.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.nola.com ’
