I worked as a nurse for this woman in her final days, after her stroke. Family was everything to her and most important always. We had interesting conversations as she was unable to speak, but taught herself how to write with her left hand in order to communicate with us. Her home was filled with family pictures and personal items, and despite its size, was quite warm and comforting. She was a joy to work for. I will never forget what little time I had to get to know her.
I stumbled over this on you tube and have no idea what made me watch, but thoroughly enjoyed this glimpse of a wonderful woman's life. Just a different age and grace.
muffin6369 But really the was a jerk anyway. He ended up having four wives and never did much in life. And although he was named Astor, he didn't get much Astor money. J.J. Astor left about 85 million when he died. His young 2nd wife got the income from a 3 million dollar trust fund and use of the family homes in New York and Newport. Son Vincent got 69 million outright, and daughter Alice got the income from a 10 million dollar trust. Jack (called Jakey) only got 3 million dollars and that was only when he turned 21. He tried to sue and get more money but Vincent Astor absolutely hated him and his mother and made sure the money was kept from him.
What's so special about Jack Astor? I just read his life story and he accomplished pretty much nothing except inheriting money, suing his half brother's widow for some more, and getting married three times. In her circles, there were plenty of rich guys.
Eatme Douche reading the comment above yours it seems his family didn’t think much of him either. Of course if this disdain for him started very young I supposed he lived down to their expectation.
I love to listen to old people to hear their stories. I lost my favorite Aunt Gloria my dad's sister 4 years ago. She told me so many stories about the days gone by and about her life. I loved it. I miss her so much.
What a lovely woman. The way she speaks is something I've noticed in a lot of older people. It's much more slow and there aren't many contractions. It's beautifully filmed
History. Regardless of rich or poor it is still a very interesting history of people who lived in an entirely different world & circumstances.I thought it was lovely.
What lovely biography. A sheer pleasure to listen to a truly elegant women. Pity we have so few individuals like this today. These are the people who made America great and look what it has become, such a shame.
No amount of wealth immunizes one from such great losses as the loss of a child. Very sad story indeed! No wonder she treasured family so. She knew the loss of a sister, and her mother's pain.
This has been a very fascinating documentary to watch. Eileen Slocum certainly led a long and interesting life. She brings to mind that rarefied society of Newport and New York (where the Astors and Rockefellers occupied a high niche) from the mid 19th century to the 1960s. I used to listen to Gore Vidal speak expansively in TV interviews of this strata of society, for though he grew up in and around Washington DC during the 1930s and early 1940s (prior to joining the U.S. Army in 1943), he knew a lot of the Newport set.
History and tradition and not to mention a sense of family and home is what I take from this program. More importantly the importance of photography as documentation, importance, and love. The rest of you stop hating because you are not of this tradition.
I loved every minute of this history. Maybe it's because the current world seems so uncivilized. And nothing of this decline became a part of Eileen's world. She lived fully, felt deeply, and chose to see, and remember the importance of her own family history and its place in the world. Well done indeed David Bettencourt.
My grandfather was head of room service at the Waldorf-Astoria at the time of the Martini tossing. I'll bet he was livid! Such an elegant and disciplined man, who expected the same from others.
Carol Barclay I was thinking that besides willfully destroying property at an exclusive New York Hotel, there is total disregard for the lower working class cleaning staff who were going to have to pick up all the shards of glass and sticky liquid from the alcoholic beverages. How could these immature , rich playboys know whether the specific wallpaper in the room was easy to replace or if it was a rare and special pattern purchased in another country ? Had it been anyplace other than the U. S. A. , these young men could have been arrested and thrown in jail .
Denise Eggert Rich, poor, or in the middle, people still act this way. Glad she had enough respect for herself and her family to give him "the boot". Disgusting behavior.😠😒👎
When she described him as "Terribly handsome", and paused it at 7:29, and I thought, he looks like a big dope. Then listening to her break up story, and thought, "He's the typical immature idiot.".
The greatest memories of my life are filled with wonderful stories of my life in Newport, Rhode Island. I worked for the Cornelius Vanderbilt Estate and the John Jacob Astor Estate and had the privilege of attending a few select society events on the Avenue. I had seen Eileen Slocum several times along with a few others in this lovely documentary. I admired her poise and graciousness and the kindness in her face. Mrs. Slocum illuminated like a candle. This is a beautiful documentary and very well done. Thank you for the memories.
Why on earth didn't she change her name? Eileen Slocum as a name, really gives the game away, why not just admit that she was very working class, probably a fish wife. Not a lot of point in pretending to be posh with a name like that.
Well thanks RUclips for the suggestion. Here Jan 2023. I have never heard of Eileen Slocum and curiosity took over, saw the whole video and it was lovely. By-gone era beautiful people of privilege, so much elegance and excellent manners. Eileen was a shinning star. Loved how well vintage photos are preserved. Sorry her mother lost so many babies. Hugh Auchincloss III 41:20 made me smile; "Eileen I am afraid my friend John has left us"...Eileen "No he is right there"... Hugh "Yes his body is there yes but his soul has left us gone to Heaven"...Eileen "well isn't that nice that is the way it should be". And so most are gone to Heaven now; but the videos and photos and stories remain as a testament of interesting times in history. The Gilded Age. RIP Eileen an extra ordinary woman. RIP Hugh Auchincloss III, passed away Jun 2015 sweet man. ✝
What a lovely life and a lovely story! I was able to visit Newport one time only and can't imagine a more beautiful place to live. Somehow Newport seems just right for her. Thank you for sharing this!
Delightful people! Many thanks for sharing! Brings back memories of my Mother and Grandmother.........we have lost so much with their passing. Thanks again for keeping their world alive!
Nice piece. I came to know Mrs. Slocum through mutual friends in the mid 1980's. We didn't meet often but, her memory was ready for a good humored political joust whenever she saw me coming. True, she was a product of & maintained a lifestyle that many are uneasy with and her political views incompatible w/ some of ours but, she was a kind & empathetic woman.
I just spent the week with the 94 year old father of a friend. He bought a slice of land, sandwiched between the ocean and the roadside of Mendocino Ca.. He bought it in the early 70's, and spent two years figuring out how to squeeze a home along the cliff edge. He did, and spend the next years, building it, by hand. Did I mention he only has one hand! Remarkable to stand on the deck, just feet from the cliffs, which buffer the pounding pacific. I couldn't stop asking questions and he was thrilled to share.
+Josie Fox And you can bet that the Donald was never invited to Mrs. Slocum's. He kept his yacht here for a couple of seasons but never got asked anywhere much.
Total intrigue. An excellent presentation. A lot of pomp and pageantry, great expectations in an era where so much was expected of one, such as Grande Dame Eileen Slocum. I would love to have had the honor of meeting her. What a dynamic woman-A Pace-setter, and yet remained a warm and wonderful Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. Thank you for this great presentation.
I spent four interesting years in Newport, 1966 -1970. My husband was in the Navy, and we lived in an apartment on Howe Avenue, a short little street off Bellevue Avenue. It was in a large home that had been turned into apartments, and was called The Hedges. I was a nurse and I worked in Newport Hospital. The colonial style homes with the pineapple mark of hospitality were a lesson in New England history. Then there were the Portuguese names and the delicious clam chowder and learning how to eat lobster. It was so good! This program was enlightening and I thank you for it. It has brought back many happy memories of places I saw, new experiences, and friends whose company helped me through the lonely times my husband was out at sea in the destroyer U.S.S. Moale. Best wishes to you all.
"Ladies and gentlemen do not go to the store, they go to the attic." Thanking you Mr. Bettencourt for this lovely film about a lovely lady, Martha Wade
Against killing babies??? So many Americans are obsessed with abortion which can happen and should happen before there is even a heart to beat but the same people loudly and proudly bang their drums at soldiers who kill many more babies and children with complete impunity. You either believe in the sanctity of life or you're a stinking hypocrite!
I lived in Newport for several years, my son was born there, guess he's a native, lol, so I've toured the Breakers a few times, and if you ever get the chance, it's worth it. 40,000 sq. ft., and that was their summer cottage. Their real house took up an entire city block in downtown MANHATTAN!! It's amazing, alabaster marble pillars, gold gilding, everywhere, the bath tubs had hot and cold running fresh AND sea water, which was supposed to be healthy. The patio is covered by the 2nd story deck, and the underside is a huge Italian mosaic, that apparently took a bunch of Italian artists 6 months, laying on their backs on scaffolding to finish. And you don't even see it if you don't look up, lol! It looks like something from an old movie, and it's called the Breakers because it's built on a huge cliff overlooking the ocean, so the waves come in and crash against the cliff, sending up a beautiful white spray. It's truly breathtaking. Fyi, Cornelius was the grandfather of Gloria Vanderbilt, and great grandfather of Anderson Cooper. The Vanderbilts are also related to the Spencer family in England, Princess Diana's family, making them distant cousins of Prince William and Prince Harry.
Then they were satanists....should of known. Vanderbilt's are, makes sense the Spencer's were too....they pretty much run together, those satanic elites.
I actually loved watching this. And even watched it again. As her grand daughter said, "my grandmother grew up in a very rarefied environment" . Well put and exactly to the point. Yes, a life of privilege. But what an interesting life and this film is a time capsule of what was, lest we forget. So much happened in her life, I could have listened to her much longer just talking of that house in New York! Thanks David for making this. Peace.
It's Edith Wharton's novel 'Age of Innocence', but in real life :) What an amazing time, if you were wealthy. I knew a lovely lady who, when she was a young woman, travelled between houses in London and Spain, moved in circles with European royalty and so on. The stories she told were just lovely, and often quite daring, but age comes to us all.
I can't believe I've never seen this. This is such a beautiful documentary of a very small, but very American,, group of people. My dear father would have loved this as he loved many things dearly Americana. God bless Eileen and all her family, society, ancestors. Thank you, Eileen for sharing such an intimate portrait of your life.
Lady Heart Her ancestors were ABOLITIONISTS ffs. First you accused her of stealing from and killing Indians, and now you want to pretend she was a slaver? Get a grip on reality, please, and Learn to listen, you angry little moron.
Very good presentation documenting the American North Eastern establishment and a bygone era. When it comes to American social history is easy to remember the three Gs (Georgetown, Greenwich and Grosse Pointe) and sometimes forget Newport, a grand dame in the American social roster and its iconoclastic characters as Mrs. Eileen Slocum and her family.
Just happened upon this. Relaxing. Decided to see what it was about. So happy I did. Wished I could have been born in that family. Love the way their lives were lived. Thanks for sharing.
They had total distain for us peasants. Btw, the new generations do too. Hollywood almost but unlike in many ways hate us too! Remember that! Total distain!
I agree with Maral Hosseinzadeh. These people have yet to convince me what they contribute to America except their money which is easy to give if you have it. Their European aspirations are laughable and unnecesesary. They are like the worst of European fluff.
skb713 How can you be for or against anything if you are not here to witness it? Your remark is moot. What gives you the insight to say that all those who are pro choice are lucky to be alive? What makes you think being alive is lucky in the first place? There are many in this world whose sad existence does not seem to be lucky for them. But, they did get to be born into poverty, starvation, drug and crime cultures, violence and war etc. Lucky them, huh?
Sigrid Haldirsson Birth will occur abortion or not - not every pregnancy is unplanned or unwanted. I think I would be around without her or with her having lived. As to drivel, I consider your comment drivel and suspicious since you immediately vere to an image of things being blown up. I hope you are up there in northern Europe and not the same country as me.
What a wonderful portrait of true grace. If only more people would take pride and care with their family legacies, I believe the world would be a better place. Well done and thank you for this glimpse into a world that is gone.
What a genuine pleasure to know about such an exceptional woman's life!! Thank you to all of those responsible for making it possible and posting this.
Excellent documentary. Thank you. I enjoyed a little history visit of Rhode Island and its residents. The music was also very beautiful. Thank you once again.
Very interesting. Eileen Slocum seemed like a lovely lady, loved her family, put up lots of pictures, and saved correspondence that was special to her. For all she had she seemed down to earth, and she saw the worth of protecting the unborn. High marks!
*David B* I happened by this doc by accidentally touching the screen when looking for something else.. wow, what a well told and interesting story on a topic that I never knew I would enjoy so much! Thank you for the upload!
I hope I look as good as Mrs. Brooke-Blake (20:14) when I'm 93 (should I be fortunate enough to get to that age!). Whatever she's doing, it's working: she looks gorgeous!
Thank God for the writers & filmmakers who recorded & preserved the lives of amazing women -- Eileen Slocum, Ethel Kennedy, Dolley Madison -- history would be woefully incomplete without their stories.
Oh my heart breaks for the poor mum. 4 out of 5 pregnancies ending in miscarriage or stillborn, and then to loose another "baby" at 6 years of age. Horrible. Thank goodness things have improved in the last 100 years.
I truly love this lady's voice and accent.....I would have enjoyed meeting her myself to hear her tell her life's beautiful story...being from the south myself I would hope she could understand my southern drawl
Eileen D Yes! The Edies! Had never heard of them until few years ago (the accent style, of course!). Of course from thier documentary, which was not at top of list to watch other than prefer non-fiction to fiction, however, watched it twice (which I rarely do!), just so interesting. The raw details because was not preplanned or set up in any way (which everything is nowadays! Regardless of what us claimed!) and the mindset, Little Edie's daily style, thier memories, stepping back in time, etc....Just interesting. This documentary also interesting! Would love to just roam through her home just looking at all thier history as well as history of things like appliances, dish ware, decor, artifacts, etc., would be so well preserved. She sounds like a best version of wealthy person who respects rather than expects...like the ungrateful ex fiancé destroying hotel wallpaper.
Hahahaha! So, did I!! Have you ever watched the Documentaries of the so-called New York's High Society's children (who were young adults) that hung around Andy Warhol? I enjoyed watching them because they ( High Societies Children) are the absolute opposite of what their social dogma dictates them to be. It is interesting because it shows them shunning this type of life and their upbringing with a vengeance.
No assumptions here. You get the raw facts-and then some. I find it very intriguing to hear, first-hand, the history of this family and their involvement in the workaday world. There appears to have been some rather strict 'rules' within this family. Fascinating.
What impressed me most was the fact that a young woman had such values and resolve as to break off her upcoming marriage ( already close at hand ) after she saw her fiancé and his male relatives, and other idle rich male friends, throwing martinis at the wall as a party game. They were oblivious to the waste and intentional destruction of property so soon after the the majority of Americans had suffered through the Great Depression. Bravo ! She wasn't mesmerized by the wealthy, handsome groom to be who had no personal character or values! What is so distasteful and appalling to me is the constant reference to a woman getting married " late in life " and "well beyond her years " at the age of 25 or 30 years of age but these terms are never used in reference to men. Maybe I'm more of a feminist than I think, but what a double standard !
I agree that it is a double standard but it is also kind of natural because, feminist or no, if a woman wants to have children age does play a role whereas a man can (theoretically) father a child at any age. Also, back then, if a woman was not married by the time she was 25 she was considered a spinster. It was not unheard of for a spinster or even a youngish widow to marry (her prospects always being proportional to her personal wealth, social position or dowry) but they were kind of supposed to step aside and make room in the marriage market for younger women. That was the whole point of the debutante system: after coming out (generally at about 17 or 18) a young lady was supposed to snatch a husband as fast as possible and nearly always in three seasons or less. After the fourth season a girl was generally considered shelved. As unfair and ridiculous (and even insulting) as it may seem to us today, that is simply the way it was.
legolasdbk yes, men can have children later in life, but it isn't well advised....children born to older men are more likely to have learning disabilities and other issues.
ChainsawKitten I think it is quite clear in my comment that I am not advocating, merely stating the fact that age is more of an issue with women than with men, even today and all the more "back then".
bringing a child into a world where we still kill each other is a cruel thing to do , today this world is completely unsafe and unsuitable for life , nukes have made it so
When one choses to overthink, the world was never a great place to bring children into... however, if we are to have no children, who is going to change the world?
I loved watching this film fascinating how they lived in their youth Wednesday 26th October 2016 hopefully you make more documentaries about this era absolutely fascinating God Bless
Thank you. I so much enjoyed this program and the history it portrayed as it was and as it evolved. No doubt there will be critics certain this was a frivolous woman who contributed nothing etc. Her impact on the world was as immeasurable as is the obvious paucity of historical knowledge of a century that commenced without electricity, without voting rights for women or minorities, without vehicles etc. and within strictly proscribed roles-for everyone. Her ability to distinguish herself through acquired as well as native intelligence, making available her home as an informal embassy, her formidable skills as a hostess, a confidant of so many, her judicious discretion (replaced by the advent of crude self-promotion) and her keen grasp of the intricacies of power as it worked behind the scenes rivaled that of any distinguished diplomat or experienced power broker. None of us are responsible for the circumstances of our birth: We are responsible for using those circumstances wisely. She certainly did.
What a lovely intelligent lady. Eileen Slocum was unique living her life as she defined it with elegance and a profound sense of family. Thank you for this video. Eileens daughters and granddaughters seem to be much like their mother and grandmother so the tradition endures.
I am descended on my mother's side from for Mayflower families, related to eight US presidents and three first ladies, and I work at Walmart. Clearly someone in my family tree should have taken a left turn at Albuquerque...lol!
@@sherrycooper8834Me too. I was raised middle class as well, and I'm only a Sheriff Dept Deputy. You guys are lucky. As a Black person, I haven't a clue where or what I've descended from. I could be descended from an African king. He'd probably be rich in goats or some other weirdness lol! I know my paternal grandfather was from Northern Ireland. What a mess.
Very nice and interesting stories of those who lived extremely lavish lifestyles among the very grounds my farming ancestors, the Champlins, first settled.
Thoroughly enjoyed this! What brave courage Eileen had to cancel her wedding to John Astor for tossing his martinis around the room w/ his friends (good way to diminish yourself in anyone's eyes). Thank you for uploading this program.
Totally agree! Many other women would have either joined in or stood and tittered behind her fan. It takes courage to go against the status quo, even now, but especially back then.
I enjoyed this portrait of a lady and type of a lady that doesn't exist anymore. Inherited wealth is unique. With that comes status and responsibility which she clearly demonstrated. She came from a different era. Its difficult for anyone from todays world to relate to or even understand. The gilded age is long gone and as one of the commentators said, few can afford to maintain houses of that size and others are not interested. The wealth is inevitably watered down.
+Walter Van der Wahl she did not come from the gilded age. she was born in 1915 the year of ww1. Maybe she had money from a family of the gilded age (18 65 to 1914) but by the time she was married and gown in to her own it was ww2. She was rich which opened doors, she used her time well and that is the end of it. No so unusual.
There are many mega wealthy people all over the world today who live lavish lifestyles. What is this 'responsibility' of the wealthy to which commenters refer? It smacks of some sort of subservience to wealth or some awe involved. Poverty comes with many more responsibilities than wealth. This woman's good fortune was simply a function of her birth. Most wealth is an accident of birth - some derives from hard work. But there is no inherent status or moral good in having shed loads of money. Lucky the few who have this good fortune - but it is usually just luck.
Well done. Having a family home is such a treasure, for anyone, whatever is beautiful and functional for you. Family is like a garden, requiring care, time, and nurturing. Cell phones have changed communication.
Also shades of Rose Kennedy (w/o the Boston overtones). Also -- I guess -- a bit of Katherine Hepburn and Barbara Bush and Tish Baldrige... the whole crew! I know Yusha A (a bit), had lunch at Bailey's Beach -- every woman there looked like CZ Guest! Very beautiful place... if a bit small seeming -- everyone knows everyone!
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
I worked as a nurse for this woman in her final days, after her stroke. Family was everything to her and most important always. We had interesting conversations as she was unable to speak, but taught herself how to write with her left hand in order to communicate with us. Her home was filled with family pictures and personal items, and despite its size, was quite warm and comforting. She was a joy to work for. I will never forget what little time I had to get to know her.
+Vicki Dyl Wow, it's a small world!
Vicki Dyl i
Vicki Dyl that was a sweet comment for you to share. How wonderful you are to care for a sick old woman. God Bless you.
Vicki Dyl You were a lucky person to be able to shar time with her.
Patient confidentiality???
I stumbled over this on you tube and have no idea what made me watch, but thoroughly enjoyed this glimpse of a wonderful woman's life. Just a different age and grace.
Me, too! 😎
Me too. It made me cry and cry. So homesick for a by-gone era....Quality and Kindness... 😢
What integrity to say NO to Jack Astor! What a principled woman. Oh if there had only been more like her!!!!
muffin6369
But really the was a jerk anyway. He ended up having four wives and never did much in life. And although he was named Astor, he didn't get much Astor money. J.J. Astor left about 85 million when he died. His young 2nd wife got the income from a 3 million dollar trust fund and use of the family homes in New York and Newport. Son Vincent got 69 million outright, and daughter Alice got the income from a 10 million dollar trust. Jack (called Jakey) only got 3 million dollars and that was only when he turned 21. He tried to sue and get more money but Vincent Astor absolutely hated him and his mother and made sure the money was kept from him.
What's so special about Jack Astor? I just read his life story and he accomplished pretty much nothing except inheriting money, suing his half brother's widow for some more, and getting married three times. In her circles, there were plenty of rich guys.
Eatme Douche reading the comment above yours it seems his family didn’t think much of him either. Of course if this disdain for him started very young I supposed he lived down to their expectation.
Indeft story of the woman dubbed "Queen of the Republican party."
She didn't need Astor, she had plenty,
I wish they could do a documentary about the craftsman that built these beautiful mansions.
This is one. I forget the name. I think it is called America's Castles.
slaves?
Richard Davis Thank you for enriching my life!😊❤️
@Richard Davis Mommy issues?
Just remember how you entered this world ... from a Woman. 😉👍
I love to listen to old people to hear their stories. I lost my favorite Aunt Gloria my dad's sister 4 years ago. She told me so many stories about the days gone by and about her life. I loved it. I miss her so much.
that lady from Philly w the five husbands cracks me up. i could listen to her stories all day…
What a lovely woman. The way she speaks is something I've noticed in a lot of older people. It's much more slow and there aren't many contractions. It's beautifully filmed
Hats off to how she handled her precious daughter and son in law’s engagement and marriage! I love that about both families!
History. Regardless of rich or poor it is still a very interesting history of people who lived in an entirely different world & circumstances.I thought it was lovely.
Sammi Mercer I
Sammi Mercer !v🛂
agreed. ive paused this 1/3 way through. will play rest at bedtime and drift off.
What lovely biography. A sheer pleasure to listen to a truly elegant women. Pity we have so few individuals like this today. These are the people who made America great and look what it has become, such a shame.
It simply disgusts me. I don't know how to function in the world today...
there's nothing quite as soothing as a good trans-atlantic accent.
What does that mean ? Trans Atlantic accent ? I ask because I’m Irish ☘️ & Newport is a town here & I wonder how it got its name there ..
Soooo reminds me of my grandmother. She sounded just like Bette Davis!!
No amount of wealth immunizes one from such great losses as the loss of a child. Very sad story indeed! No wonder she treasured family so. She knew the loss of a sister, and her mother's pain.
This has been a very fascinating documentary to watch. Eileen Slocum certainly led a long and interesting life. She brings to mind that rarefied society of Newport and New York (where the Astors and Rockefellers occupied a high niche) from the mid 19th century to the 1960s. I used to listen to Gore Vidal speak expansively in TV interviews of this strata of society, for though he grew up in and around Washington DC during the 1930s and early 1940s (prior to joining the U.S. Army in 1943), he knew a lot of the Newport set.
What a beautiful story, and beautifully told. She sounds like she was a wonderful person, so loved by her family. That says so much, doesn't it.
Fantastic work. We need more Eileen's in this day and age.
History and tradition and not to mention a sense of family and home is what I take from this program. More importantly the importance of photography as documentation, importance, and love. The rest of you stop hating because you are not of this tradition.
sedecim I agree .Wonderful history retained .Really enjoyed this documentary.X
I loved every minute of this history. Maybe it's because the current world seems so uncivilized. And nothing of this decline became a part of Eileen's world. She lived fully, felt deeply, and chose to see, and remember the importance of her own family history and its place in the world. Well done indeed David Bettencourt.
Never heard of her but a very intersting story.
What a wonderful story of class and elegance. Beautifully written.
My grandfather was head of room service at the Waldorf-Astoria at the time of the Martini tossing. I'll bet he was livid! Such an elegant and disciplined man, who expected the same from others.
Carol Barclay I was thinking that besides willfully destroying property at an exclusive New York Hotel, there is total disregard for the lower working class cleaning staff who were going to have to pick up all the shards of glass and sticky liquid from the alcoholic beverages.
How could these immature , rich playboys know whether the specific wallpaper in the room was easy to replace or if it was a rare and special pattern purchased in another country ? Had it been anyplace other than the U. S. A. , these young men could have been arrested and thrown in jail .
The lonesome death of Hattie Carol comes to mind.
Denise Eggert Rich, poor, or in the middle, people still act this way. Glad she had enough respect for herself and her family to give him "the boot". Disgusting behavior.😠😒👎
When she described him as "Terribly handsome", and paused it at 7:29, and I thought, he looks like a big dope. Then listening to her break up story, and thought, "He's the typical immature idiot.".
Carol Barclay
The greatest memories of my life are filled with wonderful stories of my life in Newport, Rhode Island. I worked for the Cornelius Vanderbilt Estate and the John Jacob Astor Estate and had the privilege of attending a few select society events on the Avenue. I had seen Eileen Slocum several times along with a few others in this lovely documentary. I admired her poise and graciousness and the kindness in her face. Mrs. Slocum illuminated like a candle. This is a beautiful documentary and very well done. Thank you for the memories.
That would have been beautiful.
Aidah Di Leoni
Why on earth didn't she change her name? Eileen Slocum as a name, really gives the game away, why not just admit that she was very working class, probably a fish wife. Not a lot of point in pretending to be posh with a name like that.
Aidah Di Leon
Lucia Tilyard Maybe she was PROUD of her name.
Well thanks RUclips for the suggestion. Here Jan 2023. I have never heard of Eileen Slocum and curiosity took over, saw the whole video and it was lovely. By-gone era beautiful people of privilege, so much elegance and excellent manners. Eileen was a shinning star. Loved how well vintage photos are preserved. Sorry her mother lost so many babies. Hugh Auchincloss III 41:20 made me smile; "Eileen I am afraid my friend John has left us"...Eileen "No he is right there"... Hugh "Yes his body is there yes but his soul has left us gone to Heaven"...Eileen "well isn't that nice that is the way it should be". And so most are gone to Heaven now; but the videos and photos and stories remain as a testament of interesting times in history. The Gilded Age. RIP Eileen an extra ordinary woman. RIP Hugh Auchincloss III, passed away Jun 2015 sweet man. ✝
Fantastic history. I felt I was standing there watching her life. 😊 thank you.
What a lovely life and a lovely story! I was able to visit Newport one time only and can't imagine a more beautiful place to live. Somehow Newport seems just right for her. Thank you for sharing this!
What an extraordinarily beautiful film. And a story lovingly told. I am deeply impressed.
From Sydney Australia. Thank you , very enjoyable. Money cannot buy Grace or Manners . This Lady , has Grace. . Appreciation . Very Nice.
Actually it does. This shows that.
Delightful people! Many thanks for sharing! Brings back memories of my Mother and Grandmother.........we have lost so much with their passing. Thanks again for keeping their world alive!
Nice piece. I came to know Mrs. Slocum through mutual friends in the mid 1980's. We didn't meet often but, her memory was ready for a good humored political joust whenever she saw me coming. True, she was a product of & maintained a lifestyle that many are uneasy with and her political views incompatible w/ some of ours but, she was a kind & empathetic woman.
I love talking with grandparents, They all have the beautiful stories to share, ;)
I just spent the week with the 94 year old father of a friend. He bought a slice of land, sandwiched between the ocean and the roadside of Mendocino Ca.. He bought it in the early 70's, and spent two years figuring out how to squeeze a home along the cliff edge. He did, and spend the next years, building it, by hand. Did I mention he only has one hand! Remarkable to stand on the deck, just feet from the cliffs, which buffer the pounding pacific. I couldn't stop asking questions and he was thrilled to share.
What a truly interesting life lived! A Grande Dame indeed! Thankyou for this! Her family must be so proud of her!
Quality and money are different. You can be a quality human being and have no money; and you can have all the money in the world and still be trash.
+Cheryl McBee And vice versa.
+Cheryl McBee I don't like Trump either.
Yup. Doubt very much whether you or I would have been invited round, quality or not.
+Cheryl McBee Agree. Some people really do only care about money. There's nothing else "there". It's about position and belongings and that's it.
+Josie Fox And you can bet that the Donald was never invited to Mrs. Slocum's. He kept his yacht here for a couple of seasons but never got asked anywhere much.
What a beautiful film! Thank you for sharing your family history with us! Love is the most important aspect of a family.
what a GREAT VIDEO!!! I'd never heard of this woman til I viewed this, and I was absolutely enthralled watching every minute of it !
Total intrigue. An excellent presentation. A lot of pomp and pageantry, great expectations in an era where so much was expected of one, such as Grande Dame Eileen Slocum. I would love to have had the honor of meeting her. What a dynamic woman-A Pace-setter, and yet remained a warm and wonderful Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. Thank you for this great presentation.
Sol Carter look channel titled
my most beautiful pictures
I spent four interesting years in Newport, 1966 -1970. My husband was in the Navy, and we lived in an apartment on Howe Avenue, a short little street off Bellevue Avenue. It was in a large home that had been turned into apartments, and was called The Hedges. I was a nurse and I worked in Newport Hospital. The colonial style homes with the pineapple mark of hospitality were a lesson in New England history. Then there were the Portuguese names and the delicious clam chowder and learning how to eat lobster. It was so good! This program was enlightening and I thank you for it. It has brought back many happy memories of places I saw, new experiences, and friends whose company helped me through the lonely times my husband was out at sea in the destroyer U.S.S. Moale. Best wishes to you all.
"Ladies and gentlemen do not go to the store, they go to the attic." Thanking you Mr. Bettencourt for this lovely film about a lovely lady, Martha Wade
So lovely that she had a wonderful relationship with her family 💖
What a special lady. I enjoyed hearing about her greatness.
What 'greatness' was that? I missed that bit. Oh, you mean she did her own dusting?
Lucia Tilyard she was against killing babies
B Gail So are lots of people.
You're kidding, right?
Against killing babies??? So many Americans are obsessed with abortion which can happen and should happen before there is even a heart to beat but the same people loudly and proudly bang their drums at soldiers who kill many more babies and children with complete impunity. You either believe in the sanctity of life or you're a stinking hypocrite!
what a lovely family and a legacy that a lot won't be able to claim iam glad she wanted to record it xx
I lived in Newport for several years, my son was born there, guess he's a native, lol, so I've toured the Breakers a few times, and if you ever get the chance, it's worth it. 40,000 sq. ft., and that was their summer cottage. Their real house took up an entire city block in downtown MANHATTAN!! It's amazing, alabaster marble pillars, gold gilding, everywhere, the bath tubs had hot and cold running fresh AND sea water, which was supposed to be healthy. The patio is covered by the 2nd story deck, and the underside is a huge Italian mosaic, that apparently took a bunch of Italian artists 6 months, laying on their backs on scaffolding to finish. And you don't even see it if you don't look up, lol! It looks like something from an old movie, and it's called the Breakers because it's built on a huge cliff overlooking the ocean, so the waves come in and crash against the cliff, sending up a beautiful white spray. It's truly breathtaking. Fyi, Cornelius was the grandfather of Gloria Vanderbilt, and great grandfather of Anderson Cooper. The Vanderbilts are also related to the Spencer family in England, Princess Diana's family, making them distant cousins of Prince William and Prince Harry.
OGSpaceCadet so that means that the Clayton Powers power the power of family whose quit killing them I also can too Prince Harry
Then they were satanists....should of known. Vanderbilt's are, makes sense the Spencer's were too....they pretty much run together, those satanic elites.
@@a.d.mitchell2613 That sentence makes no sense!
Do you walk to school or carry your lunch? @@a.d.mitchell2613
She raised a lovely family with good friends, judging by the contributors in this documentary. A live well lived. Thanks for sharing.
I actually loved watching this. And even watched it again.
As her grand daughter said, "my grandmother grew up in a very rarefied environment" . Well put and exactly to the point. Yes, a life of privilege. But what an interesting life and this film is a time capsule of what was, lest we forget.
So much happened in her life, I could have listened to her much longer just talking of that house in New York!
Thanks David for making this. Peace.
+LSmItH Thanks for watching!
Reminds me why history was always one of my favorite classes.
One of my favorite documentaries :)
What a beautiful, dignified family.
It's Edith Wharton's novel 'Age of Innocence', but in real life :) What an amazing time, if you were wealthy. I knew a lovely lady who, when she was a young woman, travelled between houses in London and Spain, moved in circles with European royalty and so on. The stories she told were just lovely, and often quite daring, but age comes to us all.
I can't believe I've never seen this. This is such a beautiful documentary of a very small, but very American,, group of people. My dear father would have loved this as he loved many things dearly Americana. God bless Eileen and all her family, society, ancestors. Thank you, Eileen for sharing such an intimate portrait of your life.
+Judith Meyer Thanks, Judith!
nice story but they never mentioned the money that they made through the slave trade. ..to be continued
Lady Heart
Her ancestors were ABOLITIONISTS ffs. First you accused her of stealing from and killing Indians, and now you want to pretend she was a slaver? Get a grip on reality, please, and Learn to listen, you angry little moron.
Very good presentation documenting the American North Eastern establishment and a bygone era. When it comes to American social history is easy to remember the three Gs (Georgetown, Greenwich and Grosse Pointe) and sometimes forget Newport, a grand dame in the American social roster and its iconoclastic characters as Mrs. Eileen Slocum and her family.
So interesting, really enjoyed it and wished I could have run in those circles during that time, even for 1 week 🤗
Fascinating insight into the upper class elite that is now long gone. from an eye witness. Thanks!
I would love to have met this Woman, what a Treasure.
Just happened upon this. Relaxing. Decided to see what it was about. So happy I did. Wished I could have been born in that family. Love the way their lives were lived. Thanks for sharing.
They had total distain for us peasants. Btw, the new generations do too. Hollywood almost but unlike in many ways hate us too! Remember that! Total distain!
this was a lovely video about a lovely woman from a now bygone era.
thank you.
+P Robinson TX thank you! thanks for watching!
I agree with Maral Hosseinzadeh. These people have yet to convince me what they contribute to America except their money which is easy to give if you have it. Their European aspirations are laughable and unnecesesary. They are like the worst of European fluff.
skb713 How can you be for or against anything if you are not here to witness it? Your remark is moot. What gives you the insight to say that all those who are pro choice are lucky to be alive? What makes you think being alive is lucky in the first place? There are many in this world whose sad existence does not seem to be lucky for them. But, they did get to be born into poverty, starvation, drug and crime cultures, violence and war etc. Lucky them, huh?
Sigrid Haldirsson Birth will occur abortion or not - not every pregnancy is unplanned or unwanted. I think I would be around without her or with her having lived. As to drivel, I consider your comment drivel and suspicious since you immediately vere to an image of things being blown up. I hope you are up there in northern Europe and not the same country as me.
O
What an interesting interview.....lovely!
What a wonderful portrait of true grace. If only more people would take pride and care with their family legacies, I believe the world would be a better place. Well done and thank you for this glimpse into a world that is gone.
What a genuine pleasure to know about such an exceptional woman's life!! Thank you to all of those responsible for making it possible and posting this.
Betty Stouffer look channel titled
my most beautiful pictures
Excellent documentary. Thank you. I enjoyed a little history visit of Rhode Island and its residents. The music was also very beautiful. Thank you once again.
+MarieJeanne Thanks for watching!
MarieJeanne
Very interesting. Eileen Slocum seemed like a lovely lady, loved her family, put up lots of pictures, and saved correspondence that was special to her. For all she had she seemed down to earth, and she saw the worth of protecting the unborn. High marks!
*David B* I happened by this doc by accidentally touching the screen when looking for something else.. wow, what a well told and interesting story on a topic that I never knew I would enjoy so much! Thank you for the upload!
I hope I look as good as Mrs. Brooke-Blake (20:14) when I'm 93 (should I be fortunate enough to get to that age!). Whatever she's doing, it's working: she looks gorgeous!
Yes , and in complete control mentally .
ken dylan Exactly.
SmittenKitten not having to do a lot of manual labor is what it is and a really good plastic surgeon
SmittenKitten And lots of husbands !!!!!!
Fiesty.
It’s all so interesting and even beautiful! Thank you!
Fascinating documentary
Loved it
Thankyou
I really loved this documentary. An amazing women.
Thank you!
Wonderful that there is now a record of people and stories that we can actually hear and see as never before.
Thank God for the writers & filmmakers who recorded & preserved the lives of amazing women -- Eileen Slocum, Ethel Kennedy, Dolley Madison -- history would be woefully incomplete without their stories.
Karolyn Kelly-O'Keefe not Ethel Kennedy......no way......
This is a wonderful piece of art about old ladies, and mansions. Beautiful.
All the granddaughters look so like her❤️
Wonderful documentary, beautifully filmed, great interviews. Another age! Thank you.
What a gem of a video. Thank you.
***** look channel titled
my most beautiful pictures
What a classy lady and what a life she lived very interesting story watching this in Scotland
Oh my heart breaks for the poor mum. 4 out of 5 pregnancies ending in miscarriage or stillborn, and then to loose another "baby" at 6 years of age. Horrible. Thank goodness things have improved in the last 100 years.
I found it very sad too. Who would rather have riches and go through that? No one.
Fascinating story
Thank you
I think what people miss is that these people worked hard to get where their at and prioritized a good education
I truly love this lady's voice and accent.....I would have enjoyed meeting her myself to hear her tell her life's beautiful story...being from the south myself I would hope she could understand my southern drawl
Why am I now longing for Big and Little Edie? ;)
wow!! just thought of them, the accent that brought them to my mind... a truly amazing documentary... :)
martin ni bhrion
Eileen D Yes! The Edies! Had never heard of them until few years ago (the accent style, of course!). Of course from thier documentary, which was not at top of list to watch other than prefer non-fiction to fiction, however, watched it twice (which I rarely do!), just so interesting. The raw details because was not preplanned or set up in any way (which everything is nowadays! Regardless of what us claimed!) and the mindset, Little Edie's daily style, thier memories, stepping back in time, etc....Just interesting.
This documentary also interesting! Would love to just roam through her home just looking at all thier history as well as history of things like appliances, dish ware, decor, artifacts, etc., would be so well preserved. She sounds like a best version of wealthy person who respects rather than expects...like the ungrateful ex fiancé destroying hotel wallpaper.
Hahahaha! So, did I!! Have you ever watched the Documentaries of the so-called New York's High Society's children (who were young adults) that hung around Andy Warhol? I enjoyed watching them because they ( High Societies Children) are the absolute opposite of what their social dogma dictates them to be. It is interesting because it shows them shunning this type of life and their upbringing with a vengeance.
Jeannie Willard I loved that movie. Pretty sad, though.
No assumptions here. You get the raw facts-and then some. I find it very intriguing to hear, first-hand, the history of this family and their involvement in the workaday world. There appears to have been some rather strict 'rules' within this family. Fascinating.
What impressed me most was the fact that a young woman had such values and resolve as to break off her upcoming marriage ( already close at hand ) after she saw her fiancé and his male relatives, and other idle rich male friends, throwing martinis at the wall as a party game. They were oblivious to the waste and intentional destruction of property so soon after the the majority of Americans had suffered through the Great Depression. Bravo ! She wasn't mesmerized by the wealthy, handsome groom to be who had no personal character or values! What is so distasteful and appalling to me is the constant reference to a woman getting married " late in life " and "well beyond her years " at the age of 25 or 30 years of age but these terms are never used in reference to men. Maybe I'm more of a feminist than I think, but what a double standard !
I agree that it is a double standard but it is also kind of natural because, feminist or no, if a woman wants to have children age does play a role whereas a man can (theoretically) father a child at any age.
Also, back then, if a woman was not married by the time she was 25 she was considered a spinster. It was not unheard of for a spinster or even a youngish widow to marry (her prospects always being proportional to her personal wealth, social position or dowry) but they were kind of supposed to step aside and make room in the marriage market for younger women. That was the whole point of the debutante system: after coming out (generally at about 17 or 18) a young lady was supposed to snatch a husband as fast as possible and nearly always in three seasons or less. After the fourth season a girl was generally considered shelved. As unfair and ridiculous (and even insulting) as it may seem to us today, that is simply the way it was.
legolasdbk yes, men can have children later in life, but it isn't well advised....children born to older men are more likely to have learning disabilities and other issues.
ChainsawKitten
I think it is quite clear in my comment that I am not advocating, merely stating the fact that age is more of an issue with women than with men, even today and all the more "back then".
bringing a child into a world where we still kill each other is a cruel thing to do , today this world is completely unsafe and unsuitable for life , nukes have made it so
When one choses to overthink, the world was never a great place to bring children into... however, if we are to have no children, who is going to change the world?
Beautiful life for the children. Love the fireplace!😍
I loved watching this film fascinating how they lived in their youth Wednesday 26th October 2016 hopefully you make more documentaries about this era absolutely fascinating God Bless
I really enjoyed this documentary. I especially enjoyed getting and inside look into part of the life of a certainly much cherished lady.
What a wonderful story. Thank you.
Thank you. I so much enjoyed this program and the history it portrayed as it was and as it evolved.
No doubt there will be critics certain this was a frivolous woman who contributed nothing etc. Her impact on the world was as immeasurable as is the obvious paucity of historical knowledge of a century that commenced without electricity, without voting rights for women or minorities, without vehicles etc. and within strictly proscribed roles-for everyone. Her ability to distinguish herself through acquired as well as native intelligence, making available her home as an informal embassy, her formidable skills as a hostess, a confidant of so many, her judicious discretion (replaced by the advent of crude self-promotion) and her keen grasp of the intricacies of power as it worked behind the scenes rivaled that of any distinguished diplomat or experienced power broker.
None of us are responsible for the circumstances of our birth: We are responsible for using those circumstances wisely. She certainly did.
Beautifully said!
What a lovely intelligent lady. Eileen Slocum was unique living her life as she defined it with elegance and a profound sense of family. Thank you for this video. Eileens daughters and granddaughters seem to be much like their mother and grandmother so the tradition endures.
I am descended on my mother's side from for Mayflower families, related to eight US presidents and three first ladies, and I work at Walmart. Clearly someone in my family tree should have taken a left turn at Albuquerque...lol!
LoL..That is too cute ! :)
You are related to 8 US presidents? 😨
I'm descended from Scottish nobility and was raised in a middle class lifestyle and I'm a restaurant host😂😂😂😂😂so I feel ya
@@sherrycooper8834Me too. I was raised middle class as well, and I'm only a Sheriff Dept Deputy. You guys are lucky. As a Black person, I haven't a clue where or what I've descended from. I could be descended from an African king. He'd probably be rich in goats or some other weirdness lol! I know my paternal grandfather was from Northern Ireland. What a mess.
@@lburns7952 My Dad hails from Ireland! My Mom was Cherokee.
Very nice and interesting stories of those who lived extremely lavish lifestyles among the very grounds my farming ancestors, the Champlins, first settled.
A fascinating look at a time long gone.
Eileen passed up marrying an Astor due to his immaturity...amazing woman! Enjoyed the documentary.
She was richer than God herself, so it does not matter!
Yeah even though they knew one another I think she dodged a bullet with Astor.
Jack Astor didn't improve with age either.
She probably saw spoiled brat written all over his face. My guess is it was the last straw. I doubt it was the only factor in her decision.
Thoroughly enjoyed this! What brave courage Eileen had to cancel her wedding to John Astor for tossing his martinis around the room w/ his friends (good way to diminish yourself in anyone's eyes). Thank you for uploading this program.
jamie ann curry - I LOVED that part of her story!
Totally agree! Many other women would have either joined in or stood and tittered behind her fan. It takes courage to go against the status quo, even now, but especially back then.
jamie ann curry very brave or ballsie of her depending how you look at it
wmnoffaith1
He was no great prize though. He had a name but no real money.
@Marilyn Willett She obviously wasn't the kind of woman who would fall in love with that kind of man. Good on her!
Wonderful. Enjoyed this a lot.
Thank you!
David Bettencourt facebook.com/centerforinvestigativereporting/posts/?ref=page_internal
David, thank you for Eileen’s remarkable life story. What an incredible woman for her time in history, or any time for that matter!
I enjoyed this portrait of a lady and type of a lady that doesn't exist anymore. Inherited wealth is unique. With that comes status and responsibility which she clearly demonstrated. She came from a different era. Its difficult for anyone from todays world to relate to or even understand. The gilded age is long gone and as one of the commentators said, few can afford to maintain houses of that size and others are not interested. The wealth is inevitably watered down.
+Walter Van der Wahl she did not come from the gilded age. she was born in 1915 the year of ww1. Maybe she had money from a family of the gilded age (18 65 to 1914) but by the time she was married and gown in to her own it was ww2. She was rich which opened doors, she used her time well and that is the end of it. No so unusual.
There are many mega wealthy people all over the world today who live lavish lifestyles. What is this 'responsibility' of the wealthy to which commenters refer? It smacks of some sort of subservience to wealth or some awe involved. Poverty comes with many more responsibilities than wealth.
This woman's good fortune was simply a function of her birth. Most wealth is an accident of birth - some derives from hard work. But there is no inherent status or moral good in having shed loads of money. Lucky the few who have this good fortune - but it is usually just luck.
Well done. Having a family home is such a treasure, for anyone, whatever is beautiful and functional for you. Family is like a garden, requiring care, time, and nurturing. Cell phones have changed communication.
Perhaps Mrs. Slocum and her daughter's marriage were the inspiration for the movie " Guess Who's Coming for Dinner ?
What a life history, what a home. Rest in peace mam, you accomplished your connection too the future forever.
I just love the story.. nicely maid.. Thank you
What a Lovely Lady. Nice Story She lived her life enjoying it around People.
Her voice has the same tone to it as mother and daughter Edie in "grey gardens"
Also shades of Rose Kennedy (w/o the Boston overtones). Also -- I guess -- a bit of Katherine Hepburn and Barbara Bush and Tish Baldrige... the whole crew! I know Yusha A (a bit), had lunch at Bailey's Beach -- every woman there looked like CZ Guest! Very beautiful place... if a bit small seeming -- everyone knows everyone!
Grew up out there, so yes... I remember CZ Guest and Nelson Doubleday speaking that way...
yes. it's the southhampton/newport accent.
Patrick3183
Atlantis Returning
What a delightful lady and a BEAUTIFUL family.
please continue to redo old stories with you reading them.....I enjoy them so much
I adore this. What a fabulous woman.
I HAVE NOTICED WEALTHLY AND OLDER ROYALS HAIR PLAIN NO MAKEUP BUT YOUR COULD TELL THE CLASS OF LIFE THEY LIVED THEY CARRY THEMSELVES VERY WELL.
I was mesmerized by this! Absolutely fascinating.