A LITTLE NECK OF LAND RUNNING OUT ON LONG ISLAND SOUND - The Planed Harbor at "CAUMSETT"

A LITTLE NECK OF LAND RUNNING OUT ON LONG ISLAND SOUND
From a drawing by O. R. Eggers              JOHN RUSSELL POPE, Architect

     
    A breakwater terminating in a little lighthouse makes a harbor on the Sound side of of the Marshall Field estate and a channel dug through the marshes provides quiet waters for boat landings.   Beyond this are the bath houses and bathing beach, with outdoor tennis courts somewhere in the locality. The crowning glory was the salt water swimming pool, which was situated on the south side of the bath house, just off the patio. The pool was replenished weekly with filtered sea water, and required constant attention.  Not far from the bathing beach is a good sized, fresh water pond which has been developed into an attractive lake.  The farm group is on the Lloyd's Harbor front.      

CORISANDE 

   

    Marshall Fields’ CORISANDE, a 50-footer built in 1923 by Gold Cup legend Gar Wood, was powered by two 450-horsepower V-12 Liberty aircraft engines that consumed 175 gallons of fuel as it raced in and out of the city every day.

CORISANDE II

    CORISANDE II built by Purdy Boat Company in 1932 was 15 feet longer than the first.

CORISANDE II
Grounded at Woods Hole, Massachusetts.

    The circular lagoon was intended to provide anchorage for Field's yacht CORISANDE and his seaplane. The harbor refuge was never built. Commuting with Class.

    Follow THIS LINK for all past posts on "Caumsett".

    

"CAUMSETT" — MRS. MARSHALL FIELD — FIVE THOUSAND ROSES

Located on the northeast side of the slope overlooking the pond. A small depression had formed from the runoff water emitted by the mansion's ice-making machines and was referred to as a "river" by Audrey Field, 2nd wife of Marshall Field III. Five thousand roses plants, water loving irises and rocks in the stream with a few Japanese Maple trees to provide natural effect were planted.  A gazebo with a wrought iron roof and carved sandstone pillars was also installed.

MRS. MARSHALL FIELD — FIVE THOUSAND ROSES
GEORGE STONEHILL, 1933

Mrs. Marshall Field—Five Thousand Roses
... all chosen and set out by Mrs. Field herself on the Field estate, Caumsett, at Huntington, Long Island. Most of Caumsett's 2,000 acres are left to their native pink-flowered mountain laurel.

Though the estate is magnificent, the landscaped gardens near the house cover only six acres. The pansies in these rose beds are a favorite rose border, help conceal the great defect of the well-pruned bush—its bare underpinnings. Though rose plants like these average only $1 each, they need soil preparation to a depth of three feet (most plants need only one foot), must be frequently replaced. Modern roses are bigger, brighter, trimmer than the old ones, but less fragrant. Even now a true rosarian can tell two varieties apart in a dark room, detect slight differences in the same rose at different times (they are most fragrant before a storm). Red roses like the one to the right have the strongest fragrance, yellow roses the least.

 Read more  HERE.

Each of Marshall Field's three wives made her mark on the Main House and its surroundings. For example, even though Field was only married to his second wife, Audrey, for three years, she managed to completely redecorate the Main House and its surroundings. Inside, furniture and furnishings were changed; outside, thousands of colorful flowers were planted in place of existing, more formal plants requested by Field's first wife, Evelyn. Much of the initial landscaping design throughout the estate was heavily influenced by large planting coverage between recreation areas and employee walkways and service roads. This was due to Evelyn's insistence that nonessential staff working at Caumsett not be seen by the family or by guests.

Shown here is the landscape behind the Main House in 1932. The design was by Audrey Field. A lover of colorful flowers, she had the landscaping around the Main House reconfigured for her  desires. Note the "babbling brook" in the center of the photograph. Runoff from the iceboxes in the Main House kitchen fed this attractive feature. In a time before automatic irrigation, estate staff would feed water buckets from the brook, which wound its way down the hill to the fresh pond. 

This is another view of the Main House landscape, this time looking up from the hill toward the Main House. Married for only three years, Audrey Field made her mark on the estate. Inside, furniture and furnishings were changed; outside, thousands of colorful flowers were planted in place of existing, more formal plants installed by Field's first wife, Evelyn.

Audrey James Coates became Marshall Field's second wife in 1930, just two weeks after his divorce from Evelyn was finalized. She was the Englishborn widow of Capt. Dudley Coates and goddaughter of King Edward VII. Audrey, a well-known socialite in both England and the United States, was a member of a very wealthy English family. Here, she is pictured in a room in the Main House filled with flowers grown by the staff of the estate. Upon their divorce three years later, Audrey simply left, with no payment of any kind from Field. She returned to England and "civilization," as she bluntly put it. Field's lawyers, however, took no chances, and a major change in estate ownership took place. In 1934, Caumsett was split into two corporations. Caumsett Estates became the owner of the residential and recreation portion of the estate, and Caumsett Farms took over ownership of the farm group operations. The lawyers insisted on the corporate restructuring in case Audrey changed her mind.

This is the home of head gardener George Gillies. Under his total supervision, the greenhouses were used primarily for the raising of flowers, not vegetables. A vast variety of flowers, including calla lilies, were raised here, many from seedlings. There was also a melon house, where fruits were suspended from netting. The flowers grown here were used to decorate the tables and rooms of the Main House and the Winter and Summer Cottages. Cut flowers were also brought to Field homes in New York City. At the Main House, there was a special floral arranging workroom near the dining room, where Gillies would artistically arrange centerpieces. Additional staff at the greenhouse also arranged flowers. All floral pieces throughout the estate would be checked daily by the greenhouse staff.

George Gillies (left) confers with a staff member in the greenhouse area. To the south of the garden lay an extensive greenhouse complex, which still stands today in a state of radical disrepair. It is protected by landmark status. Interestingly, head gardener Gillies always wore a jacket to work—even on the hottest days. He was meticulous in the way he carried out his job functions.

New Life Beyond the Garden Wall
September 16, 2000

George Gillies was the head gardener for more than 35 years until the property was sold to the state in 1961, five years after Marshall Field died. Louise Gillies and her husband lived in a four-bedroom cottage just outside the walled garden facing the 10 greenhouses - two devoted to orchids and another two to melons. 

Louise recounts her memories at Causmett in a story relating to the restoration of the walled garden - "Field was married three times, you know. George had to please each of the wives. The first wanted a sunken garden, but she and Mr. Field were divorced before it was finished. So it was never completed. Wife number two wanted a rose garden. So George put in 5,000 roses - it was like rivers of roses. But wife number three didn't want a rose garden so he tore it out."

Marshall and Audrey Field.

Read an excerpt from The Marshall Fields: The Evolution of an American Business Dynasty describing the relationship between Marshall and Audrey during the Depression years HERE. It disputes the above information that she left with no payments of any kind.

LIFE Oct 18, 1943 - On his 50th birthday last month Marshall Field III (center) signed the documents bringing him into full control of his grandfather's immense fortune (over $100,000,000). Near $1.5 billion in today's money.

 Caumsett meant "place by sharp rock".

Follow THIS LINK for all posts relating to "Causmett". 

The late John Foreman's BIG OLD HOUSES visits "Causmett".

The Caumsett Foundation.

EVERGREEN GARDEN ESTATE OF MARSHALL FIELD, ESQ. LLOYDS NECK, LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK

EVERGREEN GARDEN
 ESTATE OF MARSHALL FIELD, ESQ. LLOYDS NECK, LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK
Marian C. Coffin, Landscape Architect

Follow THIS LINK for all past posts related to "Caumsett".

1,200 ATTEND CIRCUS AT LLOYDS NECK, L. I.

DINNER on the terrace—the first step in the march of events

1,200 ATTEND CIRCUS AT LLOYDS NECK, L. I. 

   Society Leaders Are Barkers and "Freaks" in Benefit at Marshall Field Estate. 

DINNER PRECEDES EVENT

   Mr. Field and W. R. Stewart Act as Waiters—Proceeds Aid Long Island Biological Society.

July 16, 1932

Special to The New York Times. HUNTINGTON, L. I., July 16.—Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Field were hosts tonight at "Caumsett", their estate at Lloyds Neck, Cold Spring Harbor, at one of the largest and most brilliant benefit entertainments given on the North Shore in many seasons. The large sum realized from the subscription will go to the Long Island Biological Society of Cold Spring Harbor. The guests numbered more than 1,200.

A few of those who attended came on their yachts and moored off private piers or at the New York Yacht Club in Morgan Memorial Park.

Dinner, which was arranged for the sunset hour, was at tables of different sizes set on the green terrace around a dancing platform illuminated with colored lanterns. The long driveway from the entrance, almost a mile away, to the terrace in front of the mansion was also illuminated. The waters of Cold Spring Harbor provided the setting.

Mrs, Field had about fifty guests at her table and Mr. Field served as head waiter, with William Rhinelander Stewart assisting. At Mrs. Field's table were: George Gersawrn. Mrs. Huntington Marshall, Harrison Williams, Mrs. Geraldyn L. Redmond, Fred Astaire, Conde Nast, Mrs. Payne Whitney, Mrs. Baldwin Brown, Mrs. Baldwin Preston. Jack Kennedy, Mrs. Clifford Hodman, Miss Eleanor Barry, Mr. and Mrs. Maurice B. (Lefty) Flynn, Mr. and Mrs. Courtland Barnes. Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Astor. Mr. and Mrs. Fulton Cutting, Mr. and Mrs. G. MacCulloch Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Bradford Norman, Mr. and Mrs. Averell Clarke, Mr. and Mrs. James Warburg, Mr. and Mrs. Ogden Phipps. Mr. and Mrs. James Gwathmey, Winston Guest.

Other Dinner Hostesses.

Other hostesses at tables were: Mrs. Paul Hammond, Mrs. Junius S. Morgan, Mrs. William K. Vanderbilt, Mrs. Parker Corning, Mrs. Richard F. Hoyt, Mrs. William Randolph Hearst, Mrs. Walter Jennings, Mrs. Herbert Lee Pratt, Mrs. Harold Irving Pratt, Mrs. Robert Livingston Clarkson, Mrs. J. Henry Alexandre, Mrs. J. Gordon Douglas, Miss Neysa McMein, Mrs. Franklin B. Lord, Mrs. Charles G. Cushing, Mrs. Woodward Babcock, Mrs. Beekman Hoppin, Mrs. Robert Livingston Stevens, Mrs. Robert C. Winmill, Mrs. Henry Rogers Winthrop, Mrs. Henry C. Taylor, Mrs. Harold E. Talbott and Mrs. Joseph B. Davis.

After dinner the guests wandered through the circus. Up and down the midway were members of society disguised as barkers and vendors of amusement and wares. Vincent Astor was in charge of the china-breaking booth, which proved one of the most popular of the attractions. Hundreds of plates, cups and saucers were broken by the skillful patrons.

The freak show, in charge of Mrs. Joseph E. Davis, was one of the centres of amusement in the midway. In it were Mrs. Ralph Isham and her twin sister, Mrs. Malcolm Meacham; also Mrs. Baldwin Browne and her twin sister, Mrs. Baldwin Prescott, the former Misses Priscilla and Phyllis Baldwin.

Singing Cigarette Girls.

Mrs. Frederick McLoughlin, the former Irene Castle, who was to have danced with Clifford Webb on the cabaret program, directed by Mrs. Field, injured her foot while swimming off the Field estate yesterday and could not appear.

Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney and Mrs. John Whitney, in the costumes of Egyptian girls, strolled about the grounds singing and selling cigarettes from trays suspended from their shoulders.

Miss McMein and George Abbott directed a living picture show, in which their models were prominent in society. They represented famous works of art, ancient and modern.

In the cabaret show, which was continuous, the Boswell sisters, accompanied by Mrs. James Warburg and Mrs. Norman Bradford, sang, and Ramona, through the courtesy of Paul Whiteman, appeared as surprise star.

A well-known Harlem orchestra provided dance music all evening. Miss Eleanor Barry, Mrs. Alexandre and Miss McMein assisted Mrs. Field in the arrangements. 

Click HERE to see the invitation to this party. HERE to read ALL about the event.

The Circus—A New Pattern in Parties

Leader of one of the most popular dance bands in the United States during the 1920's, Paul Whiteman produced recordings that were immensely successful, and press notices often referred to him as the "King of Jazz". His band played as part of the grand finale entertainment. Click on the video for the music of the era.

Requiring a Sense of Humor, a Generous Supply of Talent, and a Country Estate with the Spacious Charm of "Caumsett"

On the west side of the Main House are the Boxwood and Long Gardens. This area, like much of the grounds, was designed by the Olmsted Brothers with input from Evelyn Field, Marshall’s first wife. Several statues filled the niches in the brick wall that runs along the garden. In spring the apple trees in the garden bloom beautifully, and at the end of the Long Garden is the gate that leads to the never-completed terraced garden.

    JUST when all the variations in parties seem to have been exhausted, some public benefactor thinks of a new one, and life goes gayly on. We all remember the Great Treasure Hunt Era—during which the bright young people swept over the countryside like a horde of Huns, routing the peasantry out of bed to inquire the way to Smith's Cove, or Barker's Corners. And, the Fancy Dress Era—particularly dangerous during its later and more decadent phase, when guests started dressing up as their fellow guests, thereby causing a general deflation in everybody's ego. And of course, before all that, the classic standby of all our more rural hostesses, the Garden Party—chiefly distinguished by picture hats and ominous thunder clouds on the horizon. . . . But now a newer and better day dawns. The circus party is in order, with the famous Dutch Treat Dinner and Circus at the Marshall Field's North Shore estate as its very admirable and amusing example.

A CORNER of the garden at "Caumsett", the Marshall Field estate at Huntington, Long Island. This delightful place was the scene of one of the season's most amusing parties—a dinner and circus given for the benefit of the Long Island Biological Association. As the invitation suggests, the activities were inspired by the sawdust ring, and the big top, ranging widely from a freak show of strictly amateur standing to the perverse pleasures of breaking china without inhibition or apology to the hostess.

   One of the most successful parties of the season, it demanded a glamorous setting, and "Caumsett", with its broad lawns and gracious formal gardens, its stately Georgian house and wide terraces, made a perfect background for the festivity. Four thousand generous acres sweep down to the Sound and twelve hundred guests could not crowd or bustle its hospitable tranquility.

   Nor was there lacking an excuse for the party, for the Long Island Biological Association, of which Mr Marshall Field is secretary, was worthily in need of funds and contributed to the occasion by furnishing the party with a highly commendable purpose.

   Of course, you mustn't misunderstand us. This was not a common or garden variety of circus. Don't look for a general return to the simple life, the naive and ingenuous amusement. Quite the contrary—this circus was a very sophisticated, typically 20th Century variety, revealing all sorts of unsuspected talents for showmanship among the amateur ranks.

   It has now been established beyond the shadow of a doubt that Mr. Vincent Astor, for example, is incomparable as the chief Factotum of a china-breaking booth—that the "Baldwin Twins" can, on occasion, be quite successfully Siamese—that the big top is the poorer for not having Mr. Lucius P. Ordway and Mr. Edward McIlvaine as barkers—and particularly, that a certain wistful painted donkey in the photographic booth will go down in the history of art as bearing on its flanks the unmistakable brush strokes of a genuine Gershwin.

DINNER on the terrace—the first step in the march of events, A gay affair, lit by searchlights and punctuated by the rhythmic enthusiasms of a negro orchestra. Above—Mrs. Frederic C. Thomas' table.

   First, speaking chronologically, there came the dinner—served on the lawn, with Mr. Marshall Field and Mr. William Rhinelander Stewart as the delightfully urbane headwaiters. And by way of further attractions—an open air dance floor with one of those negro orchestras that keep you up on your feet for hours while the consomme grows cold, and the sherbet melts wistfully away.

THE "Baldwin Twins"—Mrs. Baldwin Browne and Mrs. Baldwin Preston—famous for their ability to completely confuse the general public, prove conclusively that they can be quite successfully Siamese when the occasion arises.

Mr. Frank Field as that curious phenomenon, the World's Tallest Dwarf.

Mr. Lucius P. Ordway and Mr. Edward MeIlvaine as barkers extraordinary for the "greatest show on earth".

   After the demi-tasse, there was a general trek to the midway. On with the circus. Come on, ladies and gentlemen, and see the greatest show on earth. . . . Barkers—noise—booths.... To the right, ladies and gentlemen, the Freak Show! Nature will have her little jokes. Consider Captain "Bunny" Head as the Wild Man From Borneo—so fearsomely furry that women cover their eyes, and strong men pale beneath their tan. And Mr. Lytle Hull, the Strong Man —all muscles and mustachios. Also, Mrs. Baldwin Browne, and Mrs. Baldwin Preston being very Siamese. The Two-Headed Woman, looking suspiciously like Mrs. Malcolm L. Meacham, and Mrs. Ralph H. Isham. Mr. Frank Field as the World's Tallest Dwarf. Mrs. Joe Davis as the highly decorative tattooed lady. And finally, Mrs. Harold E. Talbott as one of the most duck-billed Duck Bill Women it has ever been our pleasure to behold. . . .

A MURAL painter at play—Lucinda Goldsborough Ballard, and her delightful side-show caricatures for the photographic booth.  Mr. George  Gershwin, at right, contributed advice  and final touch of paint to the donkey.

MRS. MARSHALL FIELD, Mr. Wadsworth R. Lewis, and Mr. Marshall Field— as the Fat Lady, the Living Skeleton, and the Midget. 

 Mrs. August Belmont, Jr., Miss Peggy Moffett, Mr. August Belmont, Jr., and Mr. Jay F. Carlisle interpret one theme, with variations.

THIS touching little family group includes Mr. and Mrs. Ogden Phipps as the young couple, Miss Eleanor Barry as the Baby, and Mr. Winston Guest as the Innocent Bystander.

Mr. Peter Bostwick as the strong man.

CAPTAIN "Bunny" Head—completely submerged in the personality of the Wild Man From Borneo. So fearsomely furry that women cover their eyes and strong men pale beneath their tan—and quite the most irrepressible of all the freaks at the circus party.

Mr. Lytle Hull, as the “Strong Man”

   And now, ladies and gentlemen—to the left we have the photographic booth, otherwise known as the Coney Island Booth. Have your pictures taken as the Fat Lady, the Living Skeleton, the Sweet Young Couple. Consider how your grandchildren will cherish these little mementos. Observe the quaint charm of this masterpiece—an equestrian portrait of Mrs. Harold Talbott and Mr. John D. Kennedy, familiarly known as "Travels with a Donkey." Or this touching family group, a bit sentimental perhaps, but sentiment makes the world go round—Mr. and Mrs. Ogden Phipps, gazing fondly at the Little One, who the way, bears quite a startling resemblance to Miss Eleanor Barry. Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, and have your pictures taken. Incidentally we take this opportunity to warn you, watch out for the Bicycle Built for Two. It disappeared from this booth two hours ago, and hasn't been seen since. Dreadful rumors reach our ears that this death-dealing device is being wildly driven about the grounds by various mad wags, with no regard for life and limb. We disclaim all responsibility for this Public Menace. . . .

   Leaving the photographic booth behind us, we approach the hit of the show. The Living Picture Booth, ladies and gentlemen. The high spot wit and humor in this stupendous spectacle. Tableaus by Mr. Baragwanath, and Mr. George Abbot assisted by several charming young models. Bits of human drama, in short, ladies and gentlemen—Life. Tragic perhaps, but life is like that. The facts must be faced. Consider, for example, this heart-rending scene—"Her Tragic Honeymoon." The curtain parts and what do we find? But no, we shan't spoil it for you. Let us proceed to the next little scene—"A Bird in a Gilded Cage." The curtain parts and there we find, of all things—a canary bird in a gilded cage—to the complete amazement of the audience and the canary bird. Step right up ladies and gentlemen, and see the Living Pictures. Incidental organ music by Mrs. James Warburg. Step right up. . . .

   And now, ladies and gentlemen, step right this way for the China Breaking Booth! The chance of a lifetime to just let yourself go. Three balls to each person, and all the china you can break. Think of the Financial Situation,—think of the Political Situation,—think of practically any situation, and just let yourself go. Step right up, ladies and gentlemen,—Mr. Astor will give you each three balls.

   But let us pause a moment, ladies and gentlemen. What is this dashing up the road in a cloud of dust. Why the applause? Why all the laughter and cheering? Prepare to be overwhelmed, ladies and gentlemen. Prepare to meet the most famous character of the current American scene, the idol of American childhood, the toast of the talkies—his Royal Highness—Mickey Mouse. Where, my friends, is the teddy bear, once the pride of every nursery? Laid low, ladies and gentlemen, by the Mickey Mouse toys. Where are the movie "shorts'' and Mack Sennett comedies of yesteryear? Driven into oblivion by the conquering hero, Mickey Mouse. And even now, I feel it my duty to warn you that he has come to this party by special truck, direct from the studio, with the dastardly purpose of stopping; this show. Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, and see Mickey Mouse in action. . . .

   And finally, ladies and gentlemen—the grand finale. Step into the living room. Come right along and enjoy the midnight cabaret. Listen to the Boswell sisters,the real authentic bona fide Boswell sisters, ladies and gentlemen. You've heard them over the radio, and now you have the golden opportunity to hear them in person, ab-so-lute-ly in person. Come in and hear George Gershwin at the piano. You all know George Gershwin, the famous composer who "made a lady out jazz" with his Rhapsody in Blue. Also, ladies and gentlemen, you will hear Ramona, the "find of the season"—the recent discovery of Mr. Paul Whiteman, and the bright particular star of the Biltmore Cascades. Ramona will sing and play for you. . . . But, to continue with this all star cast, it is also my very great pleasure to announce that Mr. & Mrs. "Lefty" Flynn will sing, to the accompaniment of Mr. Flynn's banjo. Mr. & Mrs. Flynn's delightful duets are familiar to many of you, and need no further ballyhoo. Also—that Mr. Bradford Norman and Mr. Dick Meyer will prove, with their usual virtuosity, that two pianos are infinitely better than one. . . . And so on, and so on. . . . But the barker grows hoarse.

   A party to end parties, someone called it. Rather a party to usher in a new era of parties. A typical party of these nineteen-thirties where a hostess—or several hostesses—gathers around her all the amusing and fun-loving people she knows, and where every guest contributes his own share to the entertainment.

   "Caumsett", named for the Matinecock Indian word meaning place by a sharp rock.

This is the entrance to the never completed Terrace Garden looking back towards main house.  It was to stretch all the way to the Master's Bathhouse.

The gates today, no longer accessible. 

Sunken Garden beyond the Iron Gates showing Mr. Fields award-wining tulips.

   

Sunken Garden Steps

Sunken Garden Steps

Sunken Garden Steps

Sunken Garden Steps

  
The BING VIEW toady.

Mrs. Frederic C. Thomas and Mr. O. Allen Campbell, one of the officials

    Frederic Chichester Thomas, Sr. was an architect and designed his own home on Long Island called "Woodlee Farm" somewhere along Woodbury Road, in Cold Spring Harbor, now demolished. "The Oaces", estate of Oliver Allen Campbell. 

Press photo of Palm Beach FL Society Mr/Mrs Edward McIlvain at the Patio. Mrs. McIlvain is the former Peggy Seyburn, niece of Mrs. Dodge Sloane

Mr & Mrs August Belmont Jr arrive at the Southampton Riding and Hunt Club steeplechase in Southampton, L.I. ca 1935

   

Between 1919 and 1927, Flynn appeared in 40 feature films, often as the lead actor, and sometimes as a sports hero or daring adventurer.

  "Lefty" had a six-week affair with Nora Langhorne Phipps, wife of Paul Phipps of London. They had daughter Joyce Irene Grenfell. The athlete; as it happened, was a guest at the Long Island home of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Phipps.   It wasn't the type of love that is satisfied with a rendezvous now and then. It was a very possessive sort of passion. The couple eloped together to North Yakima, Washington, letting public opinion feel as it liked about it. They stayed for nearly six weeks while Flynn tried to find work as a farm laborer. They nearly starved. They took a train headed east. At Chicago they said goodbye. One went east . . . back to her husband and children. And the other went west(Hollywood). They never saw each other again until 1930, sixteen years later, when they did finally marry. Married and living in Tryon N. C., F. Scoot Fitzgerald was a frequent guest. Nora tried to curb his drinking, with only limited success.

NORA LANGHORNE
Charcoal Drawings by John S. Sargent c. 1907

   Nora's sister was Lady Astor. Her father-in-law, William Waldorf Astor, was the great grandson of John Jacob Astor. He became a naturalized British subject, bought Hever Castle - pouring millions into restoring it, got elected member of Parliament in 1910, raised to peerage in 1916 (House of Lords), and then was created Viscount Astor in 1917. His son won his seat in the House of Commons.  In 1919 her father-in-law died. Nancy's husband succeeded his father as the second Viscount Astor of Hever Castle and he entered the House of Lords, vacating his seat in the lower House. 

   At the time that Flynn came to the Phipps home as a guest, Lady Astor was already winning the prominence that was going to make her the first woman member of the English Parliament. Nancy became a candidate for her husband's  vacant seat and won - the first woman to ever hold a seat in the House of Commons. 

   Lady Astor to Winston Churchill, "Winston, if I were your wife I'd put poison in your coffee." Whereupon Winston said, "Nancy, if I were your husband I'd drink it."

MRS. WILLIAM WALDORF ASTOR
 Profile John Singer Sargent c. 1907 Charcoal on white paper

   
   Another sister, Irene Langhorne, was the original Gibson Girl.  

Charles Dana Gibson recognized Irene as the girl of his dreams and he sketches her the moment that he saw her.

   
   Mr. Lytle Hull(Strong Man) went on to marry the former Helen Huntington Astor(Vincent). They resided at "The Locust".  

THE CASCADES.
 The Biltmore summer dining garden. This charming and artistic dining garden was situated on  the nineteenth floor of the hotel, with an unobstructed view of almost the entire city. The Cascades was one of the most popular spots in New York during the hot summer months.

   Click HERE to see the invitation to this party. From the New York Times announcing the party(additional information/photos of the guests) on July 11, 1932. Special before the "Circus" from the paper published July 15th.