TIMELINE
(with Episode References}
1500 BC
The Babylonians dived the year into twelve horoscope signs that are eventually incorporated into the more familiar Greek horoscope signs. Episode 25: Unlucky Stars
1325 BC
Boy king and young pharoah King Tut dies. Though his tomb is robbed several times, it will remain mostly untouched for three millenia until Howard Carter’s discovery in 1922. Episode 04: Wonderful Things
1316 AD
King Louis X of France is the first avid tennis player. He dies after one long exhaustive game and becomes the first name associated with tennis. Episode 17: Score: Love – All
17th Century
The Turkish Ottoman sultans to avoid further fratricide upon succession confine young sons and princes 8 years old or older to the kafes, a gilded cage within the harem. Episode 56: The Glass Cage
1780
The first Royal Ascot begins with the Queen Anne’s Stakes with a straight race across the finish line. Episode 60: Odds On Favorite
1780
On January 18th, British King George III celebrates his wife Queen Charlotte by having a ball where young eligible women are presented and curtsey to the queen. The annual event Queen Charlotte’s Ball became the center of the London Season for over a century and a half. Episode 31: Take A Bow
1828 – 1936
Blackwell Island will serve as hospital, almshouse, welfare housing, lunatic asylum, workhouse, and penal colony for New York City. When it closes down, the penal colony will locate to Rikers Island. Episode 78: Most Elusive Man
1851
The first America’s Cup occurs where the America schooner wins the race around Isle of Wight. Queen Victoria observed the races. Episode 40: Smooth Sailing
1861-1865
Civil War resulted in several reversals of fortune especially amongst the former slave owning South. Buck Duke and his family built their fortune, and Commodore Vanderbilt expanded his. While Nanaline Duke, Henrietta Hartford, and their families lost their fortunes, leaving the young girls striving to restore their place in Society. Snobbery amongst the elites meant ties back to this time could effect one’s position. Grace Wilson Vanderbilt’s family rose as Civil War profiteers, but her and her siblings’ highly influential marriages would correct that problem. Episode 01: Trust No One, Episode 08: Never After, Episode 07: The Setting Sun, Episode 13: Richest Boy Meets Richest Girl
1864-1936
Central Park Casino begins as restaurant for ladies but soon gains popularity. The original wood structure is replaced with a stone Gothic Revival structure. From 1921-1922, it undergoes renovations. By 1929, it is used as a nightclub and will have several police raids until closing in 1936. Episode 70: So Rich
1865
The bobcat coat tail dinner jacket, later called the tuxedo, was first designed for Prince of Wales, future King Edward VII, while spending time at Sandringham with his mother Queen Victoria. Episode 42: Pinwheels
1871
A&P Grocery Store expands to Chicago after the Great Chicago Fire. Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida premieres at Cairo’s Khedival Opera House. Episode 13: Richest Boy Meets Richest Girl, Episode 43: Second Acts
1872
Caroline Astor takes over the role of Society hostess during the Gilded Age after the death of her mother-in-law Margaret Astor, aka The Mrs. Astor, while relinquishing that title to her sister-in-law Charlotte Astor. Episode 18: By Invitation Only
1874
July 1st, 4 year old Charley Ross is kidnapped and is never found. This will be the first child abduction case to become part of the American consciousness. Several pretenders will surface claiming to be him in 1934. Episode 79: Ransom or Reward
1876
Then Trinity College (later Duke University) will graduate its first female students – the three Giles sisters. It would be Washington Duke’s insistence that females be admitted for education before making large donations. Episode 19: Dinner Is Served
1879
October 10th, Duke University holds a memorial service on the fifth anniversary of Buck Duke’s death. That weekend, 12 buildings will be dedicated after they were built using part of his endowment. Episode 41: The Legacy Left Behind
1883
Alva Vanderbilt will force Caroline Astor to break her vow to never invite a Vanderbilt into the 400. When daughter Carrie Astor fails to get an invite to Alva’s Winter’s Ball, Caroline must invite Alva for tea and thus entry into “the 400.” The Metropolitan Opera, the Met, opens and quickly rivals the older established Academy of Music. Episode 07: The Setting Sun, Episode 18: By Invitation Only, Episode 43: Second Acts
1891
George du Maurier publishes his novel Peter Ibbetson. It will later become a play, an opera, and a radio special. Episode 50: Critic’s Choice
1892-1893
The Metropolitan Opera catches on fire closing the 1892 – 1893 season. It will reopen one year later in 1893. Episode 43: Second Acts
1895
March 14th, Count Boniface Castellane marries railroad heiress Anna Gould so he could pay off his gambling debts and build monuments in France. Episode 39: The Belle of Paris
1895
Grace Wilson and Cornelius “Neily” Vanderbilt III strike up a flirtation that blossoms into a romance at his sister Gertrude’s debutante ball. Unfortunately, Grace was the secretly engaged to his brother Bill, who died from typhoid years earlier. Episode 21: Rising Tides
1895
William Kissam Vanderbilt wins the America’s Cup. His son Harold Vanderbilt and first cousin Cornelius “Neily” Vanderbilt will both win later races. Episode 40: Smooth Sailing
1896
Grace Wilson and Cornelius “Neily” Vanderbilt III marry despite his family’s objections, leading to his disinheritance. Episode 21: Rising Tides
1900
Widower James John Van Alen builds Wakehurst in preparation for his son James Laurens’ marriage to Margaret “Daisy” Post. Episode 19: Dinner Is Served
1902
When Grace Wilson Vanderbilt hosts visiting Prince Henry, brother to Kaiser Wilhelm II, Grace becomes the new Society queen. Episode 21: Rising Tides
1903
Sir Thomas Lipton makes the second of 5 attempts to win with America’s Cup. His Shamrock II loses to Cornelius “Neily” Vanderbilt III’s ship Reliance. Episode 40: Smooth Sailing
1906
American Mary Leid is listed as one of 29 American Dollar Princesses with happy marriages. She is married to Prince Joseph (Guiseppe) Rospligiosi. Other princesses include Anna Gould. Episode 63: Lover’s Leap
1909
July, Henrietta Hartford takes her son Huntington Hartford and his new secret wife Mary Lee Epling to Hawaii and Canadian Rockies in an effort to break them up. Barbara Hutton is pursued throughout Europe by Italian Prince Jerome (Giralamo) Rospligiosi. In Paris, newlywed Princess Anna Obolensky jumps from the Eiffel Tower distraught after being forced to wed her Troubetzkoy cousin and forbidden Tolstoy romance. Episode 63: Lover’s Leap
1912
On April 14th, Titanic strikes an iceberg and sinks, with the richest man to die on board was John Jacob Astor IV. His pregnant wife survives and will later give birth to future heir John Jacob Astor VI, but the will only provides a modest amount. Oldest son Vincent Astor inherits the vast majority of the Astor fortune. Episode 10: The Iceberg Cometh, Episode 34: Anchors Away (Aweigh)
1912
On August 14th, Titanic survivor John Jacob Astor VI (Jakey) is born. In November, Barbara Hutton and Doris Duke are born and will spend their lives being constantly compared to each other. Episode 01: Trust No One, Episode 08: Never After, Episode 10: The Iceberg Cometh, Episode 19: Dinner Is Served, Episode 25: Unlucky Stars
1912
On November 14th, Barbara Hutton is born, and it was one of the few times she is not mentioned in the press until after her mother’s suicide. Episode 25: Unlucky Stars
1912
On November 22nd, Doris Duke is born, and the press immediately declares her the richest baby and will follow her for the rest of her life. Her father Buck Duke is delighted over her birth and status. Episode 01: Trust No One, Episode 25: Unlucky Stars, Episode 27: Prodigal Sons
1913
The Sixteenth Amendment ratified authorizes Congress to impose federal taxes without state participation. Episode 29: The Taxman Always Collects
1915
Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt dies aboard the RMS Lusitania, which was torpedoed during World War I. Episode 07: The Setting Sun, Episode 34: Anchors Away (Aweigh)
1917
Edna Woolworth Hutton commits suicide. Pre-deceasing her parents, her fortune will go to her only child Barbara Hutton whose father Franklyn Hutton will supervise. Episode 08: Never After, Episode 25: Unlucky Stars
1917
Bolshevik Revolution leads to many former nobles and aristocrats fleeing Russia for Europe and America. Episode 15: Tales of Two Princes, Episode 48: Revelations & Resolutions, Episode 63: Lover’s Leap, Episode 65: Golden Jubilee
1914-1918
World War I is essentially a family feud that leads to the toppling of three major imperial dynasties – Austro-Hungarian Habsburg, Ottoman Turkish, and Russian Romanov. Queen Victoria is the common grandmother, and her King Edward VII would be the uncle to Kaiser Wilhelm II and Tsar Nicholas II. Russians Prince Serge Obolensky, Prince Alexis Mdivani, and their families will flee to safer European capitals and live as royals in exile amongst many others. Episode 15: Tales of Two Princes, Episode 42: Pinwheels, Episode 48: Revelations & Resolutions American forces join World War I with early forces including General Pershing and the Harlem Hellfighters. Episode 81: Percussion
1916-1921
E.T. Stotesbury and his second wife Eva build Whitemarsh Hall, the third largest home ever in America. Episode 29: The Taxman Always Collects
1918
World War I ends. Young lovers Cobina Wright and Jimmy Cromwell celebrate. Episode 09: An Heir With A Spare
1918
Forbes releases its first ever Rich List. #1 John D. Rockefeller, #3 Andrew Carnegie, #8 Henry Ford, #12 Vincent Astor, #23 Buck Duke… Episode 10: The Iceberg Cometh, Episode 34: Anchors Away (Aweigh)
1919
The 1918 news column Chumps and Champs becomes the popular syndicated Ripley’s Believe It or Not, going on to become a radio program, film serials, and tv series. Episode 52: Believe It or Not
1920 – 1933
The rise of trends in the era include Latin American dancing. Another, bottled sodas and juices become more popular during Prohibition. There is 200% increase within the first 6 months. Many brands and new flavors are developed. Episode 71: Muscles in Ruffles
1920
February, Polish Franziska Schanzkowska, also known as Anna Anderson, attempts to jump off a bridge in Berlin. While in a mental asylum, she begins pretending to be the deceased Russian Princess Anastasia Romanov. Episode 67: To Be Or Not To Be A Prince
1920
William “Big Bill” Tilden becomes the first American to win Wimbledon and comes to dominate tennis for the next decade. Episode 17: Score: Love – All
1920
November, returning from the Harvard Yale game, young millionaire Phil Plant has an automobile crash. Two classmates and Phil were injured, while two escaped without injury. However actress Helene Jessmer would sustain disfiguring injuries and would later sue in 1924. Episode 51: Millionheir
1922
Howard Carter discovers King Tut’s tomb. Financier Lord Carnarvon brings his daughter Evelyn and her friend Alice (Ava) Astor to the opening. Episode 04: Wonderful Things
1922
Alone in a hotel room, Edward Hartford dies from an infection. His portion of the A&P Grocery fortune goes directly to his children Josephine and Huntington. Episode 13: Richest Boy Meets Richest Girl
1923
King’Tut’s Curse includes the death of Prince Ali Kamel Fahmy Bey of Egypt by his Parisian wife Marguerite Alibert, the former mistress of the Prince of Wales. Episode 04: Wonderful Things, Episode 59: Aftertaste
1924
At age 14, Frank Shields wins Nationals in tennis after only his third tournament ever and becomes a press sensation. He is referred to as a future young William “Big Bill” Tilden. Episode 17: Score: Love – All
1924
July, a British court declares Prince Grand Duke Michael Romanov deceased. His cousin Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich will declare himself Guardian of the Throne then Emperor of All the Russia and later Emperor-In-Exile. Episode 67: To Be Or Not To Be A Prince
1925
October, Buck Duke passes away, and suspicion falls on his greedy wife Nanaline Duke. However he outsmarts her by leaving the bulk of his fortune to their daughter Doris Duke. Episode 01: Trust No One After Jessie Woolworth Donahue’s jewels go missing and are recovered, the press, public, and police insist on a investigation due to it being the largest jewel heist in New York City. No suspects are ever charged, but her husband James Donahue, Sr. is rumored to be the culprit. Episode 57: Covered Losses
1926
Formerly disinherited Cornelius Vanderbilt II, aka Neily, reconciles with his mother Alice Vanderbilt. Second son Neily finally inherits the fortune after his other brothers died, including Alfred and Reginald. Neily was disinherited for marrying another formerly deceased brother’s fiancee Grace Wilson. Episode 07: The Setting Sun Rudolph Valentino passes away, and his lover actress Pola Negri makes a massive display at his funeral. Actress Mae Murray marries Prince David Mdivani. Episode 54: Coldest End After his beloved Louise Vanderbilt dies, widower Frederick Vanderbilt sells to Atwater Kent the Sonogee estate in Bar Harbor, Maine. Episode 64: Recycled Loves
1927
Jessie Woolworth Donahue builds Cielito Lindo in Palm Beach. It is considered architect Marion Sims Wyeth’s best work. Episode 30: Spring Blossoms Actress Pola Negri marries Prince Serge Mdivani. Episode 54: Coldest End
1928
Vincent Astor builds the third Astor yacht named Nourmahal, which is one of the modern ships of its era. Episode 10: The Iceberg Cometh, Episode 34: Anchors Away (Aweigh)
1928
January 15th, Maurice Ravel premieres his Pro Musica American Concert Tour. Cobina Wright hosts a reception afterwards featuring Hall Johnson and his Jubilee Choir along with actor Richard Huey from Porgy, dancer Elida Webb, and singer Abby Mitchell. Episode 11: A Tall Order
1928
August 25th, Louise Astor Van Alen finally makes her official debut during Tennis Week in Newport with a dinner at Wakehurst hosted by her brother James Henry Van Alen and followed by a dance at the Clambake Club. Episode 18: By Invitation Only, Episode 19: Dinner Is Served, Episode 20: Belle Of The Ball
1929
Multiple heirs and heiresses gather for a summer of fun in Newport, Rhode Island, unaware that the Wall Street Crash and Great Depression are just beyond the horizon. Series Overview, Episode 01: Trust No One, Episode 02: Welcome to Newport – Part 1, Episode 03: Welcome to Newport – Part 2, Episode 05: Membership Has Its Privileges, Episode 06: The Sport of Kings, Episode 07: The Setting Sun, Episode 09: An Heir With A Spare, Episode 10: The Iceberg Cometh, Episode 13: Richest Boy Meets Richest Girl, Episode 16: Wall Street Crash – 91st Anniversary, Episode 17: Score: Love-All, Episode 18: By Invitation Only, Episode 19: Dinner Is Served, Episode 20: Belle Of The Ball, Episode 21: Rising Tides, Episode 22: The Hottest On Record, Episode 28: Big Dame Hunters
1929
After her January Circus Ball, Cobina Wright joins Swiss composer Arthur Honneger on his Pro Musica tour of the United States. Episode 14: A Small Sum
1929
Hall Johnson arranges music and his choir performs with Bessie Smith in the short film St. Louis Blues. Episode 11: A Tall Order
1929
On a trip to Bar Harbor, Maine, Doris Duke meets heir James HR (Jimmy) Cromwell to disastrous results. Episode 09: An Heir With A Spare, Episode 27: Prodigal Sons
1929
May 3rd, the original Waldorf-Astoria hotel closes its door, unaware that her closing would inspire nostalgia and interest in building a new hotel. The Empire State Building will be built on the old location at Fifth Avenue between 33rd and 34th Streets. Episode 24: The Last Party
1929
On September 3rd, the stock market reaches it all time peak of 381.17 on Dow Jones. It will not reach that number again until 1954. Favored stocks include Montgomery Ward and Anaconda Copper. Other technology developments of growing interest include the Zeppelin and Baird televisor (the first television). Series Overview, Episode 11: A Tall Order, Episode 22: Hottest On Record
1929
When the summer ends, Doris Duke attends the Brearley School at the new building on 610 83rd Street and the waterfront in Manhattan. Frank Shields transfers to Roxbury School in Cheshire, Connecticut. Barbara Hutton returns to Miss Porter’s in Farmington, Connecticut. Finishing their senior year, Huntington Hartford heads back to St. Paul’s in Concord, New Hampshire and Jakey Astor to St. George’s in Newport, Rhode Island. Episode 23: Lessons Not Learned
1929
On September 20th, British Clarence Hatry gets busted for trying to borrow against fraudulent stock, and the Hatry Group collapses hinting at potential problems in Great Britain. Episode 22: Hottest On Record
1929
On October 12th, Swedish Ivar Kreuger is interviewed by Isaac Marcosson in the Saturday Evening Post. Kreuger claims his success is based on three things – all being his silence. The match king runs monopolies in multiple countries, including Sweden, Germany, and United States. Episode 22: Hottest On Record
1929
March-April and October, Doris Duke’s half-brother Walker Inman endures two divorce trials from showgirl Helen Garnett Clarke Inman. He wins on grounds of cruelty due to her cheating with Ziegfeld Follies singer John Steel and international conman Dapper Dan Collins. Nanaline Duke pays off Helen to stop the scandalous press. Episode 27: Prodigal Sons
1929
October 28th, papers are signed to approve financing for the new Waldorf-Astoria hotel to be built on Park Avenue. A week after the crash, optimistic financiers and investors decide to move forward with construction not realizing the extent and length of the oncoming Great Depression. Episode 24: The Last Party
1929
On October 29th, the infamous Wall Street Crash forever changes the world. Series Overview, Episode 16: Wall Street Crash – 91st Anniversary, Episode 24: The Last Party, Episode 26: Contagion, Episode 28: Big Dame Hunters, Episode 29: The Taxman Always Collects, Episode 37: Out of Bounds
1929
Friday November 8th, banker James J. (J.J.) Riordan commits suicide. His death is kept secret to prevent a bank run on County Trust Company. Sunday November 10th, the news is announced. Tuesday November 12th, over 10,000 people gather at his house, St. Bernard’s Church, and Calvary Cemetery to watch the procession. Vincent Astor serves as a pallbearer along with Al Smith and John Raskob. Episode 26: Contagion
1930
From January to May, David, the Prince of Wales (future King Edward VIII, Duke of Windsor) goes on an African safari accompanied by his married lover Viscountess Thelma Furness. His trip is the first photo safari, bringing back photos and footage of live animals instead of dead animal pelts. Episode 32: The Deb’s Delight
1930
From March 30th to May 2nd, Vincent Astor takes a team of scientists back to the Galapagos Islands and collect specimens confirming Charles Darwin’s research on evolution. His partner on the Astor Expedition is Kermit Roosevelt, son of former President Theodore Roosevelt. Episode 34: Anchors Away (Aweigh)
1930
February, actress singer Grace Riopel Blakeley Hyde separates from her second husband to return to the stage. In her divorce, she will present evidence of his affairs with a boudoir photo and witnesses including her son. Episode 70: So Rich
1930
On May 15th, Doris Duke is one of 17 Americans presented to British King George V and Queen Mary at Buckingham Palace. The American press covers it in multiple articles, but Will Rogers criticizes the ladies selected was based on their bank accounts and not merit. The end result Doris becomes THE debutante of her season and will get even more marriage proposals. Episode 31: Take A Bow, Episode 32: The Deb’s Delight
1930
June, St. Paul’s School celebrates its 74th Anniversary with a regatta, a luncheon, and special speech by former US Ambassador Alanson Houghton. Huntington Hartford would miss all graduation activities after getting caught cheating during final exams. Frank Shields graduates from Roxbury. Episode 33: Without Honors
1930
June, millionaire and Broadway playboy Phil Plant crashes his yacht in the Long Island sound throwing film actress Claire Windsor into the water. The crash resulted in multiple personal injury lawsuits, including the death of one of his crew. Episode 51: Millionheir
1930
July 5th, Cobina Wright performs a musical selection with Metropolitan Opera tenor Rafaelo Diaz at small venue in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Episode 35: All The World Is A Stage
1930
William “Big Bill” Tilden wins his tenth Grand Slam final event at Wimbledon. His record will last until 2017. Episode 17: Score: Love – All
1930
Only 20 people had an annual income of $1 million or more compared to 207 in 1925 & 1927. Episode 29: The Taxman Always Collects
1930
Saturday August 23rd, Doris Duke has a “simple” debutante ball at Rough Point. It is the third biggest event of the Newport season. Episode 38: Debutante of Her Season
1930
September 13th – 18th, Sir Thomas Lipton make his 5th attempt to win the America’s Cup with his Shamrock V. Harold Stirling Vanderbilt wins every race with his superior technical innovation Enterprise. Vanderbilt is featured on the Time magazine cover for the September 5th issue. Episode 40: Smooth Sailing
1930 – 1933
Beginning in the fall of 1930, over 9,000 banks will fail, with 4,000 in 1933. The bank failures will further exacerbate and drag out the Great Depression. In 1934, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt will sign the bill to start the FDIC to prevent further disaster. Episode 26: Contagion, Episode 37: Out of Bounds
1930
October, the beginning of the debutante season in New York starts at new hotel Pierre on the 18th with the October Ball and a week later on the 25th the Autumn Ball in Tuxedo Park. Cobina Wright hosts several receptions for the opening of the Metropolitan Opera with a performance of Verdi’s Aida. The first soap opera “Painted Dreams” debuts on Chicago’s WGN radio station. Three debutantes are featured in article about the new trend “debutante shop” where they work as mannequins and salesladies. Episode 42: Pinwheels, Episode 43: Second Acts, Episode 45: The Butterfly Effect
1930
November, multiple bank failures in Nashville and surrounding areas set off the first of four major bank panics contributing to the Great Depression. The failures are attributed to unscrupulous practices of Caldwell & Company. “The JP Morgan of the South” Rogers Caldwell will be indicted, sentenced, then turned over in appeal by the Tennessee Supreme Court. Rogers would be considered responsible for nearly 100 bank failures including 10 banks in Tennessee, 15 in North Carolina, 70 in Arkansas, 2 in Ohio as well 15 counties in Kentucky. The unnamed philanthropist of a Chicago soup kitchen is outed as Al Capone. Episode 45: The Butterfly Effect, Episode 49: Ladies Section, Episode 55: Masquerade – Second Anniversary Bonus
1930
November – December, stool pidgeon Chile Mapacto Acuna testifies in New York’s Women’s Court about NY Vice Squad corruption in blackmail and bribery involving prostitution. Former police officers, magistrates, and others will be reassigned, get fired, and even serve prison and jail sentences. Meanwhile in Chicago, Elliot Ness forms The Untouchables to go after Al Capone. Episode 44: Merry Widows
1930
December, Elsa Maxwell hosts the “Come As You Are Not” costume ball at the Ritz-Carlton Crystal Room. Many attended including Cole Porter, Cobina Wright, Bill Wright, Jimmy Cromwell, Irene Hutton, Evelyn Walsh McLean, Lady Ribblesdale, Helen Astor, Adele Astaire, and Fannie Brice. Episode 48: Revelations & Resolutions
1930
December 22nd (21st), Barbara Hutton has the most extravagant debutante ball at the Ritz-Carlton. Many people attend, but the night will have more disastrous consequences for years to come. A couple days later the newspapers announce Prince Alexis Mdivani and Louise Van Alen’s engagement. Episode 46: No Expense Spared, Episode 47: Dark Side Of The Moon, Episode 48: Revelations & Resolutions
1931
January 12th, Prince Alexis Mdivani returns from Paris for his engagement with Louise Astor Van Alen. Other events in January, EF Hutton visits the soup kitchen in Hell’s Kitchen that he and his wife Marjorie Merriweather Post set up. The location also gets press for its Ladies Section. In Chicago, Al Capone’s soup kitchen manager Enrico Bertocchi is gunned down. Episode 48: Revelations & Resolutions, Episode 49: Ladies Section
1931
February 7th, Cobina Wright hosts another party to celebrate Deems Taylor’s new opera Peter Ibbetson at the Met and Noel Coward’s play Private Lives on Broadway. Episode 50: Critic’s Choice
1931
Winter season in Palm Beach. February 17th, several lunch at the Patio Lamaze, the popular seasonal restaurant in Palm Beach, Florida. Doris Duke, Barbara Hutton, Evalyn Walsh McLean, Jimmy Cromwell, Harry Winston, and Phil Plant gather for the culinary delicacies created by George Lamaze. A society burglar is caught be one winter resident. A society baseball games serves as a fundraiser for the Palm Beach police pension fund. Episode 51: Millionheir, Episode 52: Believe It or Not
1931
March, filmmaker Varick Frissell joins the Viking ship crew for a seal hunt to get more footage for his next film. When the magazine explodes, it will be the deadliest film in Hollywood history – 118 men survive, 26 died. Varick is never found. Episode 53: Stroke of Luck
1931
After multiple attempts actress Pola Negri divorces Prince Serge Mdivani. The prince moves on to his lover opera soprano Mary McCormic. Episode 54: Coldest End
1931
April 18th, richest boy Huntington Hartford celebrates his 20th birthday with a secret elopement with Mary Lee Epling. Episode 56: The Glass Cage April 19th, James Donahue, Sr. commits suicide during a card game with his two sons and two friends are present. Episode 57: Covered Losses
1931
May 15th, Louise Van Alen marries Prince Alexis Mdivani in Newport then immediately go on their European honeymoon. May 19th, Barbara Hutton bows at Buckingham Palace and shortly afterwards meets the Prince of Wales. Episode 58: Pomp and Circumstance
1931
May, twice disowned heir Neil Vanderbilt appears in bankruptcy court declaring he is broke for the second time. He is also in the process of getting his second divorce. Episode 62: World’s Unluckiest Man
1931
June 5th, the American Davis Cup team with Frank Shields and Sidney Wood head to London first for Wimbledon before continuing the Davis Cup tournaments. On June 16th, the new Totalisator building debuts at Royal Ascot aid with “totes” or bets on the races. While Henrietta Hartford boards the oceanliner Malolo for Hawaii with Huntington Hartford and his secret wife Mary Lee Epling. On June 18th, Silvia de Rivas de Castilleja de Guzman marries Count Henri de Castellane in Paris. Episode 60: Odds On Favorite
1931
June – July, Frank Shields and teammate Sidney Wood cause a sensation at Wimbledon. They are set to face off for the Men’s Singles when Frank is injured, and Sidney becomes the only uncontested winner in Wimbledon history. Episode 61: Served Well
1931
July, Henrietta Hartford takes her son Huntington Hartford and his new secret wife Mary Lee Epling to Hawaii and Canadian Rockies in an effort to break them up. Barbara Hutton is pursued throughout Europe by Italian Prince Jerome (Giralamo) Rospligiosi. In Paris, newlywed Princess Anna Obolensky jumps from the Eiffel Tower distraught after being forced to wed her Troubetzkoy cousin and forbidden Tolstoy romance. Episode 63: Lover’s Leap
1931
August, actress Mae Murray files for divorce from Prince David Mdivani only to reconcile a week later. William “Sam” Van Alen marries Elizabeth “Betty” Kent in Bar Harbor, and the papers report their bridal party is worth $1 billion in heirs and heiresses. Newport Casino hosts the Golden Jubilee for tennis tournament with Frank Shields and Sidney Wood appearing. Josephine Hartford suddenly marries the Caviar King Vadim Makaroff. Episode 64: Recycled Loves, Episode 65: Golden Jubilee
1931
August, underworld crime rises with kidnappings for ransom including Charles Marvin Rosenthal and race publisher John “Jack” Lynch. Episode 77: From This Day Forward, Episode 79: Ransom or Reward
1931
September, newspapers expose Huntington Hartford’s secret marriage to Mary Lee Epling after Mildred King sues his mother Henrietta Hartford in Boston. Episode 66: Love Pilot Prince Serge Obolensky gives up his royal title to gain American citizenship. Episode 67: To Be Or Not To Be A Prince
1931
October 1st, the new Waldorf-Astoria hotel opens on Park Avenue. The Sert Room is named after the Spanish painter Sert’s 15 murals featuring scenes from Don Quixote. Episode 68: The Artist’s Touch Downplaying her wealth, Doris Duke is spotted at the Central Park Casino with several suitors. Episode 70: So Rich Barbara Hutton and Princess Louise Van Alen Mdivani participate in a treasure hunt at fashion designer Jean Patou’s estate in Biarritz. Episode 74: On The Horizon, Episode 93: World’s Best Kept Man
1931
November Thanksgiving week, Marjorie Merriweather Post Hutton and E.F. Hutton support over 400,00 food box donations across the nation for those struggling. From his Cook County jail cell, Al Capone treats his fellow prisoners to over 700 pounds of candy. Episode 72: Blessed Troubles
1931
December 9th, Spanish painter Josep Maria Sert and his wife Princess Roussie Mdivani arrive in New York to view his Don Quixote murals on display in his eponoymous Sert Room at the new Waldorf-Astoria hotel. December 15th, Cobina Wright opens her Sutton Club with great acclaim with multiple performers including dancers Medrano and Donna, and regular guests Cole Porter, Conde Nast, and Fred Astaire. Episode 73: Cash and Courage
1931 – 1932
December 23rd, 1931 to January 5th, 1932, Hawaiian volcano Kilauea erupts for several days attracting many visitors. This is one in series of eruptions in the 1920s & 1930s. Episode 75: Fiery Eruptions
1932
January 9th, Grace Fortescue orchestrates the kidnapping and murder of rape suspect Joseph Kahahawaii. Allegedly, 5 men attacked and raped her daughter Thalia Massie in September 1931. The murder leads to further racial tensions in Hawaii and the famous Massie Trial with famous defense attorney Clarence Darrow. Grace and her accomplices will later be pardoned, and by November the 5 rape suspects will be cleared of the false allegations. Episode 75: Fiery Eruptions
1932
January, Prince Girolamo “Jerome” Rospigliosi comes to America with his young bride Marian Snowden to the displeasure of her family. Episode 76: Price of Admission
1932
February, tennis star Frank Shields weds Rebecca “Billie” Tenney. At a fashionable Society wedding, bridesmaid Doris Duke gets more attention than the bride Cynthia Pratt. Other weddings around that time include one for former kidnap victim Charles Marvin Rosenthal and another wedding Prince Girolamo “Jerome” Rospigliosi and his young bride Marian Snowden. Episode 77: From This Day Forward
1932
February 18th, former millionaire Joseph Hoadley is sentenced to 3 months at Blackwell Island workhouse for passing a fraudulent check. Episode 78: Most Elusive Man
1932
March 1st, the baby Charles Lindbergh, Jr., is kidnapped from his crib and is an immediate worldwide news sensation as many try to figure out who are the kidnappers. Episode 79: Ransom or Reward
1932
March 12th, Swedish match king Ivar Kreuger commits suicide as his massive worldwide Ponzi scheme collapses. March 14th, founder of Kodak film and camera company George Eastman commits suicide in his home after suffering ongoing health issues. Episode 80: A Mess of Things
1932
April 7th, General Pershing is feted during celebrations commemorating World War I. He celebrates at one dinner at Cobina Wright’s Sutton Club. Around the same time, African American vaudeville dance and piano team Buck and Bubbles perform at the same club before continuing their 30 Loews Theater tour. Episode 81: Percussion
1932
March – April, multiple attempts are launched to find the kidnapped Lindbergh baby. Charles Lindbergh launches several expeditions with multiple allies and twice pays a ransom with no luck. Evalyn Walsh McLean teams with former FBI agent Gaston Means in trying to pay the ransom in exchange for the baby. Several of these efforts are revealed to be hoaxes. Episode 83: Wild Goose Chase
1932
May 3rd, Barbara Hutton performs as “the Spirit of Adventure” along with Aubrey Van Nostrand as “the Spirit of Youth” in a charity pageant at Madison Square Garden. Her Aunt Marjorie Merriweather Post Hutton serves as the chairwoman as well as other family members in other roles. Episode 84: Spirit of Adventure
1932
May 12th, the Lindbergh baby’s body is discovered on the edge of the family estate. Public hysteria calls for vengeance, and some overly helpful individuals are now prime suspects as they are revealed to be frauds. Meanwhile others attempt to replicate Lindbergh’s flight across the Atlantic Ocean. On May 12th, American “Lanky” Lou Reichers but lands short in Ireland on May 13th, and on May 20th Amelia Earhart crosses the Atlantic only too to land in Ireland instead of Paris. Episode 85: After Trust.
1932
June 3rd – 13th, the oceanliner Majestic carries both Barbara Hutton and Doris Duke on the same trip across the Atlantic Ocean. Episode 88: Precious Cargo June 13th, newspapers announce that Whitemarsh Hall will closes amidst growing tensions and fears of potential looting. Meanwhile, its art collection is loaned for display at the Pennsylvania Museum of Art. Episode 86: An American Versailles June 15th, in the middle of a 15 city tour for the upcoming presidential election, Neil Vanderbilt faces an angry mob mistaken him for a rich man for driving an old Packard and unaware his actual status as a disinherited heir. Episode 87: Blankety-Blank June 22nd, the discovery of the Lindbergh baby’s body leads to public outcry to find the murderer. Previous helpful volunteers are now under interrogation, and several hoaxes are exposed. Over the month of June, Sam Insull energy empire collapses causing more financial devastation. Episode 89: Social Swirl
1934
Several pretenders surface claiming to be Charley Ross. As a 4 year old, Charley is kidnapped in July 1874 and never found. He will be the first child abduction case to become part of the American national consciousness. Episode 79: Ransom or Reward
1936
E.T. Stotesbury is considered the wealthiest individual in Philadelphia and has to pay over $3.5 million in taxes, a million dollar increase from his 1935 return. Episode 29: The Taxman Always Collects
1936
Hall Johnson arranges music and his choir performs in the film The Green Pastures. It would be one of only 6 all black cast films during the Hollywood studio system and the top grossing black film until 1954’s Carmen Jones. Episode 11: A Tall Order
1937
Hall Johnson arranges music and his choir performs in Walt Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. In the final scene when the Prince kisses Snow White, a heavenly choir sings “Someday My Prince Will Come.” Episode 11: A Tall Order
1938
Brenda Frazier becomes THE debutante of her season and is featured in Life magazine with her trademark look which sets debutante fashion for years to come – strapless dress, pale skin, and deep red lips. Other debutantes her year were her friends Gloria Vanderbilt and Cobina Wright Jr. Episode 20: Belle Of The Ball
World War II: 1939 – 1945
As a precautionary measure against a potential German invasion, Whitemarsh Hall will serve as a warehouse for the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art collection. Episode 86: An American Versailles
1941
Hall Johnson arranges music and his choir performs in Walt Disney’s Dumbo for “When Elephants Fly.” Hall also provides the voice for Preacher Crow and his choir for other crow characters. Episode 11: A Tall Order
1941
After joining the navy for World War II, Curtis Hutton revises the one million dollar trust given to him by his cousin Barbara Hutton. If he dies, the interest will go to his wife Sophia Brownell Hutton, and after her death then to their children. The trust will be the center of an investigation in a triple homicide involving Sophia in 1978. Episode 69: Big Shot
1958
On July 17th, Canadian Sandra Seagram of the Seagram whiskey fortune is the last debutante presented at Buckingham Palace to Prince Philip and the Queen Mother. Queen Elizabeth II was too ill to attend. Episode 31: Take A Bow
1961
Duke University will be one of the last academic institutions to desegregate. Episode 41: The Legacy Left Behind
1966
The Metropolitan Opera moves to Lincoln Center. Episode 43: Second Acts
1968
Despite being secretly engaged, American Vera Wang represents China at the International Debutante Ball. Episode 19: Dinner Is Served
1970
The U.S. Open will be the first Grand Slam event that will use the tiebreak system developed by James Henry Van Alen. Arthur Ashe will win during the sudden death match. Episode 17: Score: Love – All, Episode 61: Served Well
1972
Undergoing another renovation, the Waldorf-Astoria removes the 15 murals from the Sert Room and sells them to a bank in Spain. Episode 68: The Artist’s Touch
1978
October 12th, a triple homicide occurs in Palm Springs, CA. Ed Friendly, his wife Sophia Brownell Hutton Friendly, and their maid Frances Williams are murdered. The motive is believed to gain access to a trust fund related to one of the main fortunes. The case remains unsolved. Episode 51: Millionheir, Episode 69: Big Shot
1982
After the International Debutante Ball at the Waldorf-Astoria, Cornelia Guest is the deb of her season but becomes more famous for her partying ways and hangs out with Andy Warhol. Episode 20: Belle Of The Ball
1983 – 2017
January 3rd, 1983 to August 4th, 2017, Hawaiian volcano Kilauea constantly erupts for 35 years. Known as the Pu’u’o’o Eruption, it is the 12th longest in duration in record since 1750. Episode 75: Fiery Eruptions
1985
Donald Trump buys Mar-a-Lago, the former Palm Beach estate built by Marjorie Merriweather Post and her second husband E.F. Hutton. Episode 30: Spring Blossoms
1987
TV miniseries Poor Little Rich Girl stars Farrah Fawcett and Fairuza Balk as Barbara Hutton. Episode 12: Adrift, Episode 46: No Expense Spared
1988
Russian polar icebreaker Admiral Makarov helps free three gray whales trapped in ice in Alaska. The story will later be featured in the film Big Miracle starring Drew Barrymore and John Krasinski in 2012. Episode 65: Golden Jubilee
1991
Upon heard of James Henry Van Alen’s death two days later, Wimbledon semi-finalist Stefan Edenberg will credit Van Alen for saving him and winner Michael Stich from playing an endless game due to the Van Alen’s tiebreak system. Episode 17: Score: Love – All
1997
Granddaughter of tennis champion Frank Shields, model-actress Brooke Shields marries another tennis legend Andre Agassi. Episode 17: Score: Love – All
1999
TV miniseries Too Rich stars Hayden Panettiere, Lindsay Frost, and Lauren Bacall as Doris Duke at various ages. Episode 12: Adrift
1999
Universal relaunches its Mummy Franchise with stars Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weiss, whose character is inspired by Evelyn Carnarvon. Episode 04: Wonderful Things
2006
At the 58th International Debutante Ball, Princesses Natalya and Octavia Obolensky debut. They are the thrice great granddaughters of Caroline Astor. Episode 19: Dinner Is Served
2007 – 2012
Gossip Girl television series features multiple storylines and plots involving debutante balls and cotillons. Season 1 with Blair Waldorf and Serena Van der Woodsen and Season 3 with Jenny Humphrey. Episode 20: Belle Of The Ball
2010
American John Isner and French Nicholas Mahut play the longest match in Wimbledon history over 3 days, totaling 11 hours and 5 minutes. Episode 61: Served Well
2010 – 2019
Financier of King Tut’s tomb Lord Carnarvon’s estate Highclere Castle is used as the primary location of the eponymous tv series and later film Downton Abbey. Episode 04: Wonderful Things
2012
The film Big Miracle starring Drew Barrymore and John Krasinski features the 1988 story of three gray whales trapped in ice in Alaska and the Russian polar icebreaker Admiral Makarov which helps free them. Episode 65: Golden Jubilee
2013
Taylor Swift buys property in Newport, Rhode Island. Her neighbors will include Judge Judy, Jay Leno, and Oracle’s Larry Ellison. Larry Ellison’s Oracle team wins the America’s Cup for the second time (first in 2010 and loses in 2017 to New Zealand). Episode 03: Welcome to Newport – Part 2, Episode 40: Smooth Sailing
2014
March 15th, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos participates in the 110th Annual Dinner for the Explorers Club. Episode 53: Stroke of Luck
2015
March, {resident Obama awards the Medal of Honor posthumously to Harlem Hellfighter Henry Johnson for acts of bravery during the Battle of Argonne in 1918. The award was given after a discovery of written recommendation by General Pershing upon hearing the news in 1918. Episode 81: Percussion
2017
Roger Federer will score his 11th Grand Slam win at Wimbledon finally beating William “Big Bill” Tilden’s record set in 1930. Episode 17: Score: Love – All
2017
St. Paul’s School in Concord, New Hampshire, faces multiple allegations of sexual assault and misconduct by faculty, staff, and students over the year. Investigations go further into issues of the school covering up incidents of abuse and endangering students welfare. Episode 33: Without Honors
2017
An article mentions a 4,000 year old Assyrian cuneiform tablet that is one of the earliest physical records of prenuptial agreement. Episode 76: Price of Admission
2018
The last Vanderbilt descendants move out of the Breakers mansion in Newport, R.I. Episode 07: The Setting Sun
2019
A modern day billion dollar Ponzi scheme DC Solar collapses. Casualties include the Nascar Xfinity Series, Daytona 500, and Berkshire Hathaway aka supreme investor Warren Buffett. Episode 04: Membership Has Its Privileges
2019
April, in Bar Harbor, Maine, the Sonogee estate which serves as a nursing home since the 1970s closes its doors. Episode 64: Recycled Loves
2019
Operation Varsity Blues catches multiple elite and wealthy families in a cheating scandal involving college admissions. Actresses Felicity Huffman, Lori Loughlin, and Lori’s daughter Olivia Jade are the most famous faces exposed. Episode 33: Without Honors
2020
The Coronavirus Pandemic takes over the world re-creating many of the similar situations and problems seen during the Great Depression. Series Overview, Episode 01: Trust No One, Episode 02: Welcome to Newport – Part 1, Episode 03: Welcome to Newport – Part 2, Episode 05: Membership Has Its Privileges, Episode 06: The Sport of Kings, Episode 09: An Heir With A Spare, Episode 10: The Iceberg Cometh, Episode 13: Richest Boy Meets Richest Girl, Episode 26: Contagion
2020
On Christmas Eve, Netflix’s new tv series Bridgerton begins with the main female protagonist Daphne curtseying to Queen Charlotte and become the debutante of her season. Episode 31: Take A Bow
2021
January, a small group of investors purchase GameStop stock to cost hedge funds profitting from short sell and losing billions in the process. Episode 24: The Last Party
2021
February, Texas is hit with ice and snow storm causing significant damage. Also referred as a snowpocalypse. Episode 25: Unlucky Stars
2021
March, New Zealand wins America’s Cup against the challenger from Italy. Episode 40: Smooth Sailing
2022
February-March, Netflix releases The Tinder Swindler documentary, a limited series based on a true story Inventing Anna created by Shonda Rhimes, and Bad Vegan. In the former the title characters con people by using indicators of extreme wealth, and in the latter a woman caught up with a fraudster who drained her bank account. Episode 51: Millionheir, Episode 54: Coldest End, Episode 55: Masquerade – Second Anniversary Bonus
2022
March, the end of mask mandates across the United States. New York Times covers a story about mask fishing, a rising concern about exposing unfamiliar facial features. Episode 55: Masquerade – Second Anniversary Bonus
2022
On June 2nd, the Trooping the Colour balcony celebrates Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee with 70 years on the British throne. On June 12th, Queen Elizabeth becomes the second longest reigning monarch in recorded history, only French King Louis XIV remains the longest. Episode 58: Pomp and Circumstance, Episode 59: Aftertaste, Episode 60: Odds On Favorite
2022
July, Tom Bower publishes his book Revenge which covers the dispute between Prince Harry & Meghan Markle and the British royal family. Episode 66: Love Pilot
2022
September 8th, Queen Elizabeth II dies. King Charles III ascends the British throne and quickly appoints Prince William and Katherine Middleton the new Prince of Wales and Princess of Wales. Episode 67: To Be Or Not To Be A Prince
2023
January 5th, Hawaiian volcano Kilauea erupts again. It is one of Hawaii’s most active volcanoes. The same day this episode releases discussing a 1931-1932 eruption. Episode 75: Fiery Eruptions
2023
March 10th, Silicon Valley Bank collapses after several bank runs. It might potentially be the second largest bank failure in America with an estimate of $209 billion. Episode 80: A Mess of Things Netflix tv series “The Diplomat” sets the story at Barbara Hutton’s former mansion in London and mix it up on the historical context surrounding the house. Episode 84: Spirit of Adventure
2023
Ongoing upcoming tensions mount as the 2024 presidential election looms, and there are many contenders on both sides of political parties. Episode 87: Blankety-Blank
2023
June 18th, the experimental submersible Titan disappears on a voyage to inspect the Titanic wreckage. June 22nd, remnant of the Titan is located with no survivors. Episode 88: Precious Cargo, Episode 89: Social Swirl