The Living Room

The Living Room

The Vanderbilts used their living room almost exclusively as an entertainment space. This is not a ball room and the house doesn’t have one. This was where Mrs. Vanderbilt and her acquaintances convened for more casual conversation and coffee. Their male counterparts would later join them here for cards, charades, music, and more relaxed dialogue than what would typically take place at dinner. Parties held on Saturday nights included dancing, as well. On these occasions, the Vanderbilts would hire a band from New York City, invite additional guests from the neighboring estates, and clear rugs and furniture from the center of the room so that their guests could dance the night away.