Bradley Martin, known for hosting the extravagant event of the Gilded Age, is discussed in this podcast. The Bradley Martin Ball, deemed the last big moment of the Gilded Age, sparked debate and played a role in the decline of New York's Victorian-era society. It delves into the extravagant costs, lavish decorations, scandalous incidents, luxurious attire, and the societal impact of the controversial event.
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Quick takeaways
The Bradley Martin Ball symbolized the end of the Gilded Age with its lavish display and societal repercussions.
The event sparked debates and highlighted economic disparities, leading to discussions on wealth, decadence, and social responsibility.
Deep dives
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The Origins and Social Scene of Bradley and Cornelia Martin
Bradley and Cornelia Martin's background and social standing are discussed, shedding light on their affluent lifestyles and connections within New York and London society. From Bradley's successful legal career to Cornelia's inheritance, the Martins amassed wealth and social influence, ultimately leading an opulent lifestyle in Scotland and maintaining ties with elite circles.
The Extravagance of the Bradley Martin Ball
The infamous Bradley Martin Ball of 1897 is detailed, showcasing its ostentatious nature and societal impact. The concept of hosting the ball to stimulate trade is explored, along with the controversies surrounding expenditures, such as hiring the Marine Band of Washington. The sheer grandeur of the event at the Waldorf Astoria and the elaborate costumes worn by guests are highlighted.
Public Reception and Aftermath of the Ball
The public's perception of the Bradley Martin Ball reflects a mix of admiration and criticism, with debates on its economic effects and societal implications. Religious leaders, working class individuals, and media outlets weighed in on the event, leading to discussions on wealth disparity, decadence, and social responsibility. The Martins' subsequent tax struggles and eventual relocation to London underscore the lasting repercussions of the extravagant affair.
The Bradley Martin Ball is sometimes referred to as the last big moment of the Gilded Age. It was a very ostentatious event that sparked a lot of debate, and in some ways helped usher in the crumbling of New York’s Victorian-era society culture.
Research:
“Bradley Martin Ball.” New York Times. Feb. 7, 1897. https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1897/02/07/117897311.pdf?pdf_redirect=true&ip=0
“Bradley Martin Ball.” New York Times. Feb. 9, 1897. https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1897/02/09/102399244.pdf?pdf_redirect=true&ip=0
“Bradley Martin Ball.” New York Times. Feb. 11, 1897. https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1897/02/11/100419295.pdf?pdf_redirect=true&ip=0
“Bradley Martin Ball Burlesqued.” St. Francisville Democrat. March 27, 1897. https://www.newspapers.com/image/221401970/?terms=%22Mrs.%20Radley%20Barton%27s%20Ball%22&match=1
“Bradley Martin Dies in London.” New York Times. Feb. 6, 1913. https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1913/02/06/100387781.pdf?pdf_redirect=true&ip=0
Close, John Weir. “A Giant Cow-tipping by Savages: The Boom, Bust, and Boom Culture of M&A.” St. Martin’s Press. 2013.
“Cost of the Big Ball.” Chicago Tribune. Feb. 10, 1897. https://www.newspapers.com/image/349871575/?terms=Bradley-Martin%20Ball%22&match=1
“Dr. Rainsford’s Advice.” New York Times. Jan. 23, 1897. https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1897/01/23/117896394.pdf?pdf_redirect=true&ip=0
“Dr. Samuel Johnson on the Bradley Martin Ball.” New York Times. March 5, 1897. https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1897/03/05/102084126.pdf?pdf_redirect=true&ip=0
Hutto, Richard Jay. “The Party of the Century.” Quest. February 1997. https://www.rickhutto.com/articles/BMBall.pdf
Martin, Frederick Townsend. “Things I Remember.” New York. John Lane Company. 1913. Accessed online: https://archive.org/details/thingsiremember01mart/page/n7/mode/2up
“Martin’s New York Estate $1,277,341.” New York Times. May 9, 1913. https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1913/05/09/100618128.pdf?pdf_redirect=true&ip=0
MUCCIGROSSO, ROBERT. “New York Has A Ball: The Bradley Martin Extravaganza.” New York History, vol. 75, no. 3, 1994, pp. 297–320. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/23182043
Musicians Are Indignant.” New York Times. January 30, 1897. https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1897/01/30/102398699.pdf?pdf_redirect=true&ip=0
“Newspaper Criticism.” The Kingston Whig-Standard.” March 29, 1897. https://www.newspapers.com/image/783525093/?terms=%22Mrs.%20Radley%20Barton%27s%20Ball%22&match=1
“On Volcano’s Edge.” The Boston Daily Globe. Jan. 27, 1897. https://www.newspapers.com/image/430760530/