lAthough South Brooklyn is noted for its business, commerce and manufacturing, it is not less famous as a social center. It is well equipped with clubs of high repute and can boast of many noted society leaders of both sexes. In fact, its residents have long taken a prominent part in the social functions of the city. Among the leading clubs of this section are the Montauk, the Carleton, the Algonquin, the Ridge, the summer home of the Crescent, the Manhasset, the Field and Marine and many others of more local prominence. Every ward and each section of a ward has clubs at which the social side of life is not neglected. This is by no means confined to the men. The South Brooklyn women also have their clubs and many of them are active members of various social organizations distributed throughout the city. Take the Prospect Heights Assembly and the Urban clubs, for instance. Their affairs are among the leading events of the social season, and are looked forward to with pleasure by society.

The old town of New Utrecht has always been noted for its social affairs. It has among its residents some of the oldest and most exclusive families in Kings county. Among them may be mentioned the Van Brunts, Nostrands, Bennetts, Bergens, Cowenhovens, Foxs, Van Pelts, Gubners, Churches, Hopkins, Posts, Packers, Blankleys and Clarks. To this array is added the commissioned officers stationed at Fort Hamilton garrison, who have long held sway in the leading circles and set the pace for that section. Contiguopus to the extreme southern end of the city there is Bay Ridge, which has had for years an interesting set. This includes the Thompsons, Bergens, Ingrahams, Falukners, Ovingtons, Popes, Blisses, Moores, Wardells, Bennetts, Childs, Macumbers, Hunts, Van Burens, Kings, Johnsons, Beers and many others.

The cycle is popular with the South Brooklyn women, young and old. The leading thoroughfares to the park on fine days are a sight pleasant to behold. Hundreds of pretty maids and matrons can be seen from early morning until early night in search of exercise, appetite and amusement. Excellent roads have been provided for them and the promised completion of Fort Hamilton avenue and the Shore driveway will be hailed with pleasure.

Next to wheeling, riding and driving are the most popular pastimes. Some magnificent equipages are to be seen on the streets leading to the popular park and suburban drives. The fine old fashioned turnout of Mr. and Mrs. J.S.T. Stranahan has made its reappearance after an absence of a year of more, while this couple were sick: the handsome four in hands of Frank Beard, William A. Frick, Garrett Adams; the spanking teams of Henry W. Maxwell, ex-Senator John McCarthy, Henry Ogden, Alderman John J. McGarry, Percy G. Williams, Dr. A.J. Dawer, William Belford, William Atkins, George Allen: the cleaver horsemanship of the Messrs. Whiting, Sears, Gibbons, Newton, Monahan, Moran, Eskine, Bailey and others, are all familiar sights.