Tastevin at the Waldorf in 1940

I am writing a biography of my grandfather, William Titon, otherwise known as Macy’s Famous Taster during the previous century.

A Polish immigrant, he had begun working at Macy’s in 1897, soon out of high school, and continued to work for the store for the next 72 years. On May 15, 1940, he had attended a sumptuous dinner for the Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, held at the Waldorf-Astoria. At that time, he was one of only a few American members of the esteemed Burgundian organization, having gained an international reputation for his impeccable palate. My mother had saved a photograph of that memorable dinner, which included my grandfather and possibly his guest at the dinner, R. C. Kopf, who would become a regular member of the organization in the following years and an important wine dealer, founder and head of Kobrand. Among the other guests at the dinner were Augustus Nulle, treasurer of the Hotel Waldorf-Astoria Corporation, who was being installed as a new member, and Lucius Boomer, president of the Waldorf-Astoria.

You will note on the program (page 1, also attached) that Boomer was “Candidat d'Honneur” and Nulle was also listed among “Les Nouveaux Chevaliers.” My grandfather was among the three listed “Chevaliers,” and Kopf was listed among “Les Convives,” or comrades at the table.