The Elms

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Julius Berwind

& big coal

Sarah Vesta Herminie Torrey (1856–1922) married Berwind in 1886 in Italy ~ - she was 30, he was 38.

Mrs. Berwind died in 1922, and Mr. Berwind invited his sister, Julia, to become his hostess at his New York and Newport houses. Mr. Berwind died in 1936 and Miss Julia continued to summer at The Elms until her death in 1961 at 95 years old, at which time the house and most of its contents were sold at public auction.

How did he get so rich?

It might have something to do with:

Berwind-White Coal Mining Company

While in the Navy, he served during the Franco-Prussian War and as an ensign, met the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, who became a lifelong friend of Berwind.

Berwind worked closely with J. P. Morgan in the consolidation, reorganization, integration, and expansion of his coal mining operations.

Berwind and Peter A. B. Widener established the New York subway system. Berwind, along with Widener, was a director of International Mercantile Marine Company which owned the White Star Line and, subsequently, the RMS Titanic.

Berwind controlled the steamship business in New York and Philadelphia and supplied much of the coal used by the ships of the US Navy.

I found this clipping from the end of the summer season in 1936 — Julia Berwind was well into her hosting duties for The Elms.

Upon her death in 1961 The New York Times reported, "the tall, massive spinster - regarded by many Newporters as indestructible - died in New York"

<—P.S. anyone looking for a $2K 4 bed/ 2 bath on Park Ave?

The House

The Elms, 367 Bellevue Ave

Architect Horace Trumbauer modeled it after the 18th-century French Château d’Asnières outside Paris.

The Elms was completed in 1901 at a cost reported at approximately $1.4 million

The interiors and furnishings were designed by Allard and Sons of Paris and were the setting for the Berwinds’ collection of Renaissance ceramics, 18th century French and Venetian paintings, and Oriental jades.