National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Resource History and Description of Existing Conditions
also several bronzes and pairs of vases. 732 The andirons for this room may have been moved to
the Elliptical Hall. 733
This bedroom is much more elaborate than Cornelius Vanderbilt's bedroom at The
Breakers, which was decorated by Ogden Codman. Frederick was clearly making a statement in
using such sumptuous decoration. The choice of the Italian Renaissance style might be an
allusion to the Medici. References to the Medici can also be seen in the tapestries in the
Elliptical Hall and the Living Room, both of which display the Medici arms. Many of the
Vanderbilts of this generation saw themselves as American Medici. 734 The fireplace shows much
evidence of use, so logic would contradict the myths that he moved to the third floor Pink Room
after Louise's death. It also suggests that Frederick used the room in the cooler times of year.
The presence of over 350 mystery and detective novels recorded in the 1938 inventory is further
evidence that Frederick did not abandon this room after his wife's death. 735 When Frederick
was at Hyde Park a vase of red roses or carnations was placed on his desk. 736
This room remains in remarkably accurate original condition. The only significant
changes are the reproduction and much simplified draperies and upholstery made of fabric that
does not closely reproduce the rich texture of the original, and the removal of smaller
accessories.
Mr. Vanderbilt's Bathroom
Mr. Vanderbilt's Bathroom adjoins his bedroom and was also originally accessible
through another door to the Second Floor Hall. It contains the only original shower in the
house. There is a Chinese area rug, a shaving stand, and a mahogany bureau. Pocket doors
separate the tiled bathroom area from a dressing space that is lined with built-in closets. The
pocket doors are original to the McKim, Mead & White plan. 737
The room was altered in 1903 when Herter Brothers were hired to build a wardrobe in
the bathroom. 738 The door that originally led to a passage out to the main hall was closed in and
transformed into a cedar closet.
Mrs. Vanderbilt's Bedroom
Mrs. Vanderbilt's Bedroom is part of a suite designed by Ogden Codman comprising the
Bedroom, Boudoir, and Bathroom. The Bedroom is accessed through the South Foyer; a
732
A number of these items were removed and subsequently returned by Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Shears
including vases and a big bronze bust from Mr. Vanderbilt's Bedroom. (Fred Traudt Report, Vanderbilt
#46, December 11-13, 1939.)
733
Curry Inventory.
734
James Maher first suggested the Medici association to me, and shared his notes on the subject.
William H. Vanderbilt was hailed as one of the new Medici by Strahan in Mr. Vanderbilt's House and
Collection.
735
Curry Inventory, 1938, 38.
736
Knauss, List of Flower Arrangements.
737
See MMW Floor plan #10, Revised.
738
Herter Brothers Journal, 1903-1906, vol. 13, "Wardrobe set up off Dressing Room," Job #2821, 36, 52,
68, 121.
135