Eleanor Robson Belmont
b. Wigan, Lancashire, England, December 13,
1878
d. New York City, NY, October 24,
1979
Former stage actress, noted
leader in charities and the arts, recipient of numerous honorary degrees
and medals. Married to August Belmont, Jr.
First woman on Board of Directors of Metropolitan Opera Association (1933);
founder of Metropolitan Opera Guild (1935).
With fond memories of Ocean Drive and Newport, Eleanor loved to tell this
story concerning Eric Weiss:
Weiss, aka Harry Houdini, provides a demonstration at a Belmont lawn
party. He is bound with ropes, handcuffed and lowered in a large box over
the side of Belmont's yacht Scout. After some tense moments he finally
surfaces. Party was proclaimed a great success. This event was staged on
what is now known as Belmont Beach.
With the exception of two entrance pillars, family estate "By-the-Sea"
no longer exists on southeast side of Bellevue and Marine Avenues. Stables
remain at 63 Coggeshall Avenue (remodeled into a private residence). |
Bibliography
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