Today is the 87th birthday of John George Vanderbilt Henry Spencer-Churchill, the 11th Duke of Marlborough. He is the grandson of Conseulo Vanderbilt.
1987 photo from Wikipedia
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.
