While most of you know me for my collection of mid-century Americana, I also love collecting illustrations, books, magazines, and postcards from the Gilded Age. There is a certain romanticism in the hand-colored lithographs of that era that digital photography just can't replicate.

This particular find is a stunning vintage postcard of Bethesda Terrace in Central Park. It captures the "heart of the park" during a time when it was the ultimate social stage for New Yorkers to see and be seen. Looking at those intricate grand staircases and the way the nature was meticulously sculpted to frame the architecture, you can really feel the ambition of 19th-century design.

Olmsted and Vaux designed the Terrace to be the only formal architectural setting in the entire park, intended to contrast with the rugged, "wild" nature of the surrounding landscapes. The Arcade underpass features a magnificent ceiling made of nearly 16,000 encaustic tiles from England's Minton Tile Company. It is the only place in the world where these specific tiles are used for a ceiling rather than a floor. You’ve likely seen this spot in dozens of films and TV shows, most notably in the final scenes of Angels in America, the whimsical musical numbers of Enchanted, and classics like Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. The "Angel of the Waters" statue atop the fountain was the only sculpture commissioned as part of the original park design. It commemorates the opening of the Croton Aqueduct in 1842, which finally brought fresh water to the city.  If you look closely at the stone carvings on the side walls, they represent the four seasons and the various times of day, featuring birds, plants, and fruit.

 

STEP IN THROUGH the kitchen door for a cook’s tour. A sparkling square kitchen with exciting corner windows invites that “pause that refreshes.” To the left, a windowed, intimate dining alcove. Ahead, the more formal dining room. Walk through the ample foyer. Stop to note the floor-to-ceiling window opposite the fireplace in living room. Continue into the den — the high point of the tour: a barbecue, indoor-outdoor garden, window wall and covered porch beyond. Here the Cook becomes a Queen!

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source: 53 house plans for 1953 by Rudolph A. Matern

Gemini AI Rendering

 

There is a specific kind of magic that happens when the golden age of Hollywood meets authentic heritage. I recently added a stunning 1945 photograph to my collection featuring the incomparable Lisette Verea, and it serves as a perfect window into a year when she truly conquered the entertainment capital of the world. By 1946, Verea wasn't just a name on a casting sheet; she was a bona fide sensation, with Los Angeles tabloids officially crowning her as "Hollywood's newest glamor girl."

Lisette’s rise to stardom was punctuated by her powerhouse performance as Beatrice in the Marx Brothers' film A Night in Casablanca. She held her own against the chaotic comedic genius of Groucho, Chico, and Harpo—a feat few could manage. While the New York Times praised her as a "flashy brunette" with an "extravagant flounce," it wasn't just her acting that caught the public’s eye. It was her wardrobe. In a move that displayed both her confidence and her craft, every dress she wore in that film was her own original creation.

Beyond the soundstages, Verea was a visionary in the world of fashion. She didn't just wear clothes; she engineered stories through fabric. Ruth Carson of Collier’s Magazine famously described her work as a "Rumanian Rhapsody," noting that Lisette "dreams up utterly thrilling dress prints." She had a unique ability to take the intricate, geometric beauty of Romanian folk attire—the bold embroidery and structured silhouettes—and refine them for the glitz of California.

In the photograph from September 1945, we see her captured in Los Angeles wearing one of these very creations. It is a masterclass in "Folk-Fusion," showcasing her pride in her roots while maintaining the sleek allure of a starlet. Her beauty was often described as "radiant" and "statuesque," but looking at her designs, it’s clear that her greatest asset was her mind. She understood that to be a true icon, one must not only play the part but also design the world they inhabit.

 

THE SURE WAY to a man’s heart — the indoor barbecue. Set in an Old World type wall that adjoins an ultra-smart breakfast bar (see inset) in varied-use room. This room, the “Something New.” With long, covered porch and adjoining kitchen, it forms a jolly place for the family clan. Handsome glassed-in porch is reached from dining room. Mud room convenient to both porches and kitchen. Specials: window wall in varied-use room; impressive front reception hall.

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source: 53 house plans for 1953 by Rudolph A. Matern

Gemini AI Rendering

 It is a special moment for any collector when you manage to acquire a piece of history that feels both personal and timeless. I’ve recently added two stunning photographs to my collection featuring the incomparable Jane Seymour, and they offer a wonderful glimpse into a specific, high-energy moment in the early 1990s.

The reverse of these prints provides the perfect context: "January 11, 1991. Jane Seymour at the Banff Norquay celebrity sports invitational held at the Banff Springs Hotel in Alberta, Canada hosted by Marjoe Gortner."

The event itself was part of a beloved tradition in the Canadian Rockies. The Banff Norquay Celebrity Sports Invitational was a staple of the winter season, blending high-stakes charity fundraising with the thrill of alpine skiing. Hosted by Marjoe Gortner—the former child evangelist turned actor and producer—these invitationals were famous for bringing Hollywood’s elite to the breathtaking scenery of Alberta.

The Banff Springs Hotel, often called the "Castle in the Rockies," served as the majestic backdrop for the festivities. In these photos, we see Jane Seymour embracing the spirit of the event, donning her racing bib (number 164) and Ellesse gear. It wasn’t just about the gala dinners; these stars actually hit the slopes of Mt. Norquay, proving their athleticism in front of the crisp mountain air and the flashing bulbs of the press.

Looking at these images, it is impossible not to be struck by Jane Seymour’s radiant beauty. In 1991, she was just a few years away from her iconic role in Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, and she possessed a natural, effortless grace that the camera simply loved. Even bundled in heavy winter layers and ski boots, her poise is undeniable.

There is a certain "Old Hollywood" glamour that Jane has always carried with her—a combination of those piercing, expressive eyes and a smile that feels genuinely warm. In these candid shots, she doesn’t look like a distant star; she looks like a woman enjoying the exhilaration of the outdoors, yet she still manages to look like a million dollars. Her ability to maintain such elegance while participating in a rugged sporting event is exactly why she remains one of the most photographed and admired women of her generation.

These photos are more than just memorabilia; they are a time capsule of 1991 celebrity culture—a time when events felt a bit more intimate and the grandeur of the Canadian wilderness was the ultimate stage. Seeing Jane Seymour in this setting, captured in classic black and white, adds a layer of nostalgia that makes these a truly prized addition to my archive.

 

MOST LIVABLE? But, of course! Has a sweet disposition. Leads a well-organized life. All daytime living quarters in one wing, bedrooms in another: The two separated by hall. Special emphasis given real play room—lighted by window wall—has doors to garage and breakfast room—great cabinets along one wall—pass through to kitchen—stairway to cellar. Other high lights: walk-in closet, dressing alcove, private bath off master bedroom. Live here and love life.