Gilded Greats

Don Schueler

Explore the captivating world of Gilded Age America through the lives of the Flagler and Harkness families. Join us as we uncover their legacies, stories, and influence on both the opulent North and the storied Southern Lowcountry.

  1. Apr 30

    George Huntington Hartford II - The Visionary Life and Fall of an Heir

    This biographical profile explores the turbulent life of Huntington Hartford II, the heir to the A&P grocery fortune who sought to redefine himself as a cultural visionary. Born into immense wealth, Hartford distanced himself from the family business to fund ambitious projects in the arts, theater, and real estate, including the development of Paradise Island and a controversial modern art gallery in New York. While he successfully established lasting landmarks like the Huntington Hartford Theatre, his penchant for lavish spending and several high-profile divorces eventually led to the dissipation of his inheritance. The text highlights his connection to the South Carolina Lowcountry through his mother, though he spent most of his life navigating the high societies of New York, Newport, and Hollywood. Ultimately, the source portrays Hartford as a man of grand ambitions and magnificent failures who prioritized a creative legacy over financial preservation.

    19 min

  2. Mar 24

    Oh Rebekah! Burning through the money!

    Rebekah Harkness, an influential figure in American high society and the arts, was more than just a wealthy heiress. As a patron of the arts, composer, and philanthropist, she played a significant role in founding the Harkness Ballet. Her life, marked by grandeur and controversy, continues to fascinate. Known for her generosity and enigmatic personal life, which inspired many stories and songs, Harkness left a lasting legacy in the cultural landscape. This article explores her captivating world.

    11 min

  3. Mar 23

    Henry Flagler’s Standard Oil and Florida

    Discover how Henry Flagler's second career shaped Florida's history. Explore the remarkable legacy of a man who transformed the Sunshine State. Visit gildedgreats.com for intriguing stories and family photos, including the Harkness and Flagler legacies.

    15 min

  4. Mar 23

    The Harkness and Flagler families help form Standard Oil

    Today we discuss the Harkness and Flagler families and how they teamed up with JD Rockefeller to found Standard Oil. Perhaps you're familiar with Henry Flagler, whose name is practically synonymous with the sunshine state of Florida. What about the Harkness family? Not many connect them to the Standard Oil story but should.  Visit gildedgreats.com for intriguing stories and family photos, including the Harkness and Flagler legacies.

    8 min

  5. Mar 23

    Lamon V. Harkness - The first Harkness ”Standard Oil” heir

    Lamon V. Harkness was the first Harkness "Standard Oil" heir. He was also the King of Standardbred Horses. Learn about his legacy and interestingly, how his life changed as Standard Oil grew.

    15 min

  6. Mar 23

    Daniel M. Harkness - Henry Flagler’s half-brother

    Today, we dive into the intriguing tale of Daniel M. Harkness, long-time Bellevue resident and a man whose influence stretched far beyond his time, shaping the landscape of Ohio and even leaving a peculiar connection to modern pop culture.

    8 min

  7. Mar 23

    Stephen V. Harkness - An underrated founder of Standard Oil

    Explore Stephen V. Harkness's pivotal role in Standard Oil's formation. Born in 1818, Harkness, alongside John D. Rockefeller and Henry Flagler, shaped the company that revolutionized the late 19th-century oil industry. We delve into Harkness's early life, business acumen, and contributions to Standard Oil's expansion, shedding light on the era's intricate dynamics of wealth, power, and influence.

    9 min

  8. Mar 23

    Belfair Plantation

    Like much of the area, the land known as Belfair today was likely originally inhabited by the Yamasee tribe and even earlier indigenous natives, but in those days, it was a sparsely populated area. For a period before the Revolutionary War, it became part of the "Devil's Elbow" barony claimed by the Lord Proprietor Sir John Colleton.

    13 min
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About

Explore the captivating world of Gilded Age America through the lives of the Flagler and Harkness families. Join us as we uncover their legacies, stories, and influence on both the opulent North and the storied Southern Lowcountry.

Information

  • Creator
    Don Schueler
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Don Schueler
  • Show Website
    Gilded Greats