Tonight, I’m watching the History Channel documentary – The Men Who Built America. Specifically, the episode discussing Cornelius Vanderbilt. It has been interesting to watch and I’ve learned quite a bit more about Vanderbilt. Click on the picture below to get to a short video clip.
For the full video you’d have to purchase it, but you can also look for it at a local library. It’s worth a watch!
From the July 6, 1900 issue of the Roanoke Beacon Newspaper of Plymouth, NC.
George W. VANDERBILT is contemplating the erection of a handsome inn at Biltmore on the plaza near the office of the estate.
Today while at work, I heard a commotion outside my office window – heard clapping. I looked out and saw a crowd. Since I’ve just joined Instagram I’ve got picture-taking on my mind, so I took one.
Turns out it was for National Walking Day and a group had convened in front of the library to begin a 20-minute walk.
It was only after I took the picture when I realized that the Commodore mascot was in it. How fun! If I’d known he was going to be there, I may have walked 🙂
The Biltmore Estate has a Facebook page and today I learned something — the upcoming movie, Hunger Games, was partially filmed near there. I wonder what GWV would think? 🙂
There is a great discussion going on at the page though – name movies filmed at Biltmore!
Can you name a few? Give up? Check out a list here.
Came across this while browsing some historical newspapers – it describes the Commodore’s letter of benevolence for Vanderbilt University.
Source — Fayetteville Observer, 20 Jan 1876, pg. 3. Available online at Chronicling America.
While doing some Vanderbilt research tonight, I cam across this photo of Nieves Orozco taken in 1947 by Fritz Henle. I thought it was just gorgeous so I’m sharing it here.
Nieves was a model of Diego Rivera’s and wife of Frederick Vanderbilt Field. Frederick Vanderbilt Field was a 2nd great-grandson of the Commodore.
From the State Library of Florida’s online Flickr collection
This photo was taken at the Royal Poinciana Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida March 14, 1896. Pictured in the photograph are Left to Right: Colonel Philip M. Lydig, Miss Helen Morton, Miss Gladys Vanderbilt, Miss Amy Townsend, Captain A.T. Rose, Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt, Miss Edith Bishop, Miss Mabel Gerry, Thomas Cushing, Edward Livingston, Dudley Winthrop, Craig Wadsworth, Miss Gertrude Vanderbilt, Lispenard Stewart, Harry P. Whitney, Miss Sybil Sherman, Cornelius Vanderbilt.
Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt would be Alice Claypoole Gywnne – her daughters Gladys & Gertrude are also here. Several months later, Gertrude & Harry would marry. I’m not sure which Cornelius this is in the photo, but maybe her son Cornelius?
