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Perle Mesta
Perle Mesta, affectionately known as the "Hostess with the Mostess," was an American socialite and political hostess in the 1940s and 1950s. Because of her political involvement and support of President Harry S. Truman, Perle was made the first U.S. Minister to Luxembourg from 1949-1953. How does a socialite take on the task of continuing the strong friendship formed between the U.S. and Luxembourg?
Photo: Perle Mesta. Luxembourg American Cultural Society Archives.
Perle Mesta: About My Project
Born as Pearl Skirvin on October 12, 1889, she spent much of her childhood in Texas before her family settled in Oklahoma City. After completing her secondary education, Perle visited her great-aunt in New York where she met George Mesta, a very successful manufacturer. They were married in 1917, but sadly George died only 8 years later. As a rich widow who socialized in Washington, D.C., Perle slowly began to take an active role in politics. Perle’s role and influence in the Democratic Party was substantial, especially in the re-election of President Truman in 1949. Truman, aware of how much he owed his success to Perle, decided to send Perle as the first U.S. Minister to Luxembourg.
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Pictured: Perle Mesta (retired U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg) with first lady Jacqueline Kennedy and President John F. Kennedy in Washington, D.C.
Although some were skeptical, the four years that Perle was the Minister to Luxembourg were a great success. Perle focused her efforts on bringing people together and fostering the good relationship between the U.S. and Luxembourg. She hosted gatherings for all the mayors of Luxembourg, holiday parties for orphans, and G.I. gatherings. Many were sad to see her leave her position in 1953, but Perle stayed active in the political and social scene in Washington, D.C. for many years. She died on March 16, 1975, aged 85 in Oklahoma City after living a full life and making her mark on history.
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Pictured: Perle Mesta (retired U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg) inspecting food at one of her parties in
Washington DC.
Perle Mesta: Other Projects
Perle Mesta: Text
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