Camilla Fry McElroy

Enjoy a proper collection of sterling silver serveware, crystal and fine decor from the estate of Camilla Fry McElroy. Many of the beautifully polished silver pieces feature reputable hallmarks from their silversmiths in England. She is the granddaughter of William Fry and a prominent member of the Indian Hill community in Cincinnati. Mrs. McElroy was the wife of former Secretary of Defense Neil McElroy who served under President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The former Secretary of Defense worked his way from door to door salesman to the mailroom and ultimately to President of the Procter & Gamble corporation before being selected to serve his country. Mrs. McElroy worked to better the community serving as the head of the Women’s Exchange and chairmanship of the 1952 Fete of the Widows and Old Men’s Home among other impactful philanthropic positions. In May 1960, the former Secretary of Defense and Mrs. McElroy were fortunate to take part in the christening of the USS Kitty Hawk where she broke the ceremonial champagne bottle as the ship took to the sea for the first time.