Archives Directory for the History of Collecting in America
Archives related to: Astor, Caroline Schermerhorn, 1830-1908
| title | Pauline Foster Du Pont Papers, 1861-1902 | repository | Hagley Museum and Library |
| description | Notes: Forms Group 7, Series H-J, of the Winterthur Manuscripts. The papers of Pauline Foster du Pont describe the life of an upper class woman with strong ties to "high society" in New York City. The outgoing letters (1861-1902) were written primarily to her sister and to her husband during their engagement while he was with the Army at West Point. Letters written from France and Italy in 1874-1875 offer good accounts of their travels and their reactions to fashions and events, including references to the rebuilding of Paris, visits to the Opera and the Comédie Française. The letters also contain accounts of the children, clothing, family news, and descriptions of the wedding gifts she received. The most important of the inbound letters (1867-1902) are those from her sister Anna, the wife of Dr. Beverley Robinson. Written between 1874 and 1902 in a rich descriptive style, they trace the transition from the older, Knickerbocker society to the more opulent style that prevailed under the leadership of Mrs. Astor. There are many descriptions of débuts, weddings, dinners, and balls, including the opening of the Metropolitan Opera House, Mrs. Astor’s reception at Newport for the Duke of Albany, the wedding of Consuelo Vanderbilt to the Duke of Marlborough, and the appearance of the first telephones in 1880. There are many references to Dr. Robinson’s medical practice, his association with other leading physicians, and the state of public health in the city. The letters of Mrs. Robinson and Margaret Wingate contain numerous references to Edith Wharton, both before and after her marriage. Letters from Mary Pauline’s grandmother, Eliza Smith Lentilhon, offer rich comment on New York social life by one whose life spanned practically the entire 19th century. Letter from brother Antoine Lentilhon Foster include a description of life in Wyoming in 1875. The miscellaneous papers include a diary of a trip to the White Mountains and Boston (1867) and journals of her travels in Europe (1869-1871). There are numerous poems written both by du Pont and her sisters and one on the death of her eldest child signed "E.N.J." [Edith Newbold Jones/Edith Wharton?]. History: Mary Pauline Foster was the daughter of Herman Ten Eyck Foster (d. 1869) and Mary Pauline Lentilhon Foster (1825-1849) of New York. She was born at the family estate, Lakeland, near Geneva. Her mother died when she was ten days old, and she was raised by her father and maternal grandmother, Eliza Smith Lentilhon. After touring Europe between 1869 and 1871, she married Henry A. du Pont in 1874. They returned to Europe until 1876 and afterward lived at "Winterthur" in Delaware. Du Pont was a vice president of the American McAll Association, taught once a week at the St. Margaret’s Society, and was involved with church work. Location: SODA HOUSE - Manuscripts & Archives Call Number or Accession Number: WMSS:8:H-J |
| extent | 12.75 linear ft. |
| formats | Correspondence Financial Records Diaries |
| access | No restrictions on use. |
| record source | http://38.115.62.80 |
| updated | 03/16/2023 10:30:03 |
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| title | Residence, Mrs. William Astor, 1893: Byron Company Collection | repository | Museum of the City of New York |
| description | [Fifth Avenue, Thirty-fourth Street, Southwest Corner, Mrs. Astor's House.] -The southwest corner of 5th Ave. and 34th St., Mrs. William Astor's residence. -gelatin silver print 1893 -Byron Company (New York, NY) -93.1.1.17178 Residence, Mrs. William Astor, Fifth Ave. & 34th St., S.W. Corner. -gelatin silver print 1894 -Byron Company (New York, NY) -93.1.1.9662 Residence, Mrs. William Astor, Fifth Ave. & 34th St., S.W. Corner. -gelatin silver print 1894 -Byron Company (New York, NY) -93.1.1.9663 Residence, Mrs. William Astor, Fifth Ave. & 34th St., S.W. Corner. -gelatin silver print 1894 -Byron Company (New York, NY) -93.1.1.9664 Residence, Mrs. William Astor, Fifth Ave. & 34th St., S.W. Corner -gelatin silver print 1894 -Byron Company (New York, NY) -93.1.1.9665 Residence, Mrs. William Astor, Fifth Ave. & 34th St., S.W. Corner. -gelatin silver print 1894 -Byron Company (New York, NY) -93.1.1.9666 Residence, Mrs. William Astor, Fifth Ave. & 34th St., S.W. Corner. -gelatin silver print 1894 -Byron Company (New York, NY) -93.1.1.9667 Residence, Mrs. William Astor, Fifth Ave. & 34th St., S.W. Corner. -gelatin silver print 1894 -Byron Company (New York, NY) -93.1.1.9668 Historical Note Byron Company (24,174 images) For half a century, the Byron Company (1892-1942) was one of New York City's preeminent commercial photography studios. Two major areas of specialization - stage and ship photography - provided steady work for the firm while it pursued thousands of other commissions. Important subjects include New York’s social elites, street scenes, sports, buildings, and workplaces. |
| extent | 8 items |
| formats | Photographs Digital Collection |
| access | Contact repository for restrictions and policies. |
| record source | http://collections.mcny.org |
| acquisition information | Byron Company (New York, NY) |
| updated | 11/12/2014 11:30:10 |
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