The Real Sylvia Chamberlain From The Gilded Age: Inside the Huntington’s Manhattan Mansion

Have you ever watched 'The Gilded Age' and wondered about the real people behind the characters? Meet Arabella Huntington, the inspiration for Sylvia Chamberlain. Arabella was the original social climber whose dramatic life story could rival any TV plot.

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Location: Manhattan

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Public Domain Photos from: Library of Congress
Assets from: Envato Elements
Music from Epidemic Sound

[lisab]

Breaks my heart that all that beautiful architecture and craftsmanship is gone. 😢

[paco]

This format was nice. You really are becoming the authority on these topics. The growth from those "realtor" videos at the beginning to what you are producing now is remarkable. You have an endearing personality and an engaging presence. Thank you for choosing to share your love.

[janedee]

I like the storytelling format. It’s interesting to find out about their lives. Nice work.

[sergpie]

Excellent narration in this episode. The grand hall of this mansion really echoed the aspirations it’s owners had. Interesting to hear about the quality of its construction, and how because of it, it hindered demolition. Almost like the building was clinging-on to this world.

[LSTEdD]

Excellent information! Archer Huntington went on to found The Hispanic Society a museum in upper Manhattan which exists to thus day. It has beautiful murals of Spain by famous painter Joaquin Sorolla, Goya, and Velasquez paintings.

[LJB]

I once read a description of this mansion as looking like a Middle European train station. I agree (exterior). This has never been one of my favorite NYC mansions. The widowed Mrs. Collis P. Huntington next became Mrs. Henry Huntington when she married her late husband's nephew (They were about 1 year apart in age). Please do a video on their truly magnificent mansion/estate: San Marino in Pasadena, CA. Excellent video.

[joantrainor]

Social acceptance is a poor replacement for self acceptance. What a sad life she seems to have had.

[TarynsTime]

I find this video especially well done. It's such a shame so many of these very fine homes are gone. Thank you for making these.

[dmd]

Loved this presentation, Ken!. Showcases the toll "social acceptance" and "climbing" of that and ANY time period. It simply DOESN'T matter!. If you possess these "things" because you simply love them, then awesome! You appreciate beauty. But if you possess these things because of trying to impress, then it's going to be a millstone around your neck that will completely drown you. It's ALL God's, you just get to take care of it for a season. You and Jesus are what ultimately matters!.

[Vadmir]

Loved the new format. I was surprised you didn't mention the vast Huntington Estate in Los Angeles too-- I would have loved to better understand how all of thier homes related to each other, not just thier NYC property

[proudvirginian]

The type of people who would probably be living in what is now their current neighbor's building.
No sympathy for the "unfortunate" woman and her horrible husband.

Nice narration style. That said i like your presentation either way. Very good, historical descriptions.

[garryferrington]

I enjoyed this presentation, Ken. It put me in mind of Lucius Beebe's great (albeit forgotten) book "The Big Spenders, " with it's wonderful anecdotal accounts of the rich and famous of about the same era. The final picture - Mrs. Huntington wandering through her colossal mansion alone and forgotten - how poignant! How sad!

[crystalpoole]

Your videos are well done, as always.

[JimBerrongYouTube]

I prefer this style of presentation. It comes across as a natural evolution.
Thank you for your dedication to sharing this history of the mansions and their families.

[The_Smith]

I liked the format Ken, quite the interesting story, gave me feelings of the social cliches in highschool . . . but by adults who 'should' know better.

[superdougie]

I like all of your format's, this is a really great channel and I have been watching since your early days just with homes in Missouri. This format was good as well all the others. Thanks so much for having these video's for all of the public to enjoy.

[StamperWendy]

This is what Manhattan looked like when my 18 yr old great grandmother stepped off the ship in 1888 (from Denmark) and was processed through Castle Garden. She stayed in Manhattan, married and raised 4 sons and a stepson.

[wdjones]

I like the new presentation! Keep up the great work👍🏻🙂👏🏻

[williamtyre]

Great video, I really enjoyed the deep dive into the sad story behind the beautiful limestone walls. Alas, money can't buy happiness!

[rorymacleod]

I absolutely love the way this story was told. So emotional