ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD

Curling, Central Park circa 1900

The house was built in 1875 for millionaire Frederick W. Stevens who commissioned architect George Harney to design a French mansion for him with a separate and distinct ballroom.  Upon his death, it was sold to Oliver Payne and then given to his sister Flora and her husband, William Whitney.  Flora died of a heart attack in 1893 and William gave the house to his son, Harry - which worked out well since Gertrude's parents happened to live across the street.

Harry Payne Whitney, an avid polo player and thoroughbred horse breeder, died in 1930 at the age of 58 of pneumonia.

Harry Payne Whitney and Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt II, with their wedding party at The Breakers in Newport - August 25, 1897

Barnum's American Museum, NY - 1853

In 1888 Alva Vanderbilt and her family traveled to Egypt on their yacht.  Kind of looks like a fake backdrop, though.

The waitstaff at Sherry's restaurant, 1902

1904: The atrium of the Simpson Crawford Co. decorated for Easter, centered around a giant papier-mâché bunny bursting through an egg on a platform on the ground level

1899, Fifth Avenue Easter Parade

Strolling along Broadway, 1906