The Breakers: A Vanderbilt Competition

Alice and Alva Vanderbilt had spent nearly two decades as rivals, vying for dominance in Gilded Age New York and Newport society. The two exhibit stark differences in personality: Alva was domineering and fiercely ambitious, while Alice remained the composed and reserved wife of the family patriarch. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 

Read Online May 22, 2026

The Breakers: A Vanderbilt Competition By Sarah Isak-Goode Alice and Alva Vanderbilt had spent nearly two decades as rivals, vying for dominance in Gilded Age New York and Newport society. The two exhibit stark differences in personality: Alva was domineering and fiercely ambitious, while Alice remained the composed and reserved wife of the family patriarch. Share           Read more Do you have feedback for our coverage? Tell us what you think by replying to this email. We are still running special subscription deals in light of the ongoing war with Iran. Take this opportunity to become an Epoch Times subscriber—at the best rates possible—while they’re still available! In a world where partisan and biased reporting has become commonplace, you can always count on The Epoch Times for a refreshing dose of factual, honest journalism without spin. When you don’t feel like reading the news, pick up a daily tip from us. From what to do with harmful byproducts in your coffee to how screen time can affect your different organs, our health coverage is deep and extensive. You will find your kind of healthy changes to make right away. Yet what makes you truly love The Epoch Times may be none of the above. It is our talks on art, culture, and history that move hearts. At nighttime or on an indolent Sunday afternoon, find yourself indulging in a fascinating read on stories you have been longing for: Pearl Harbor through the eyes of a navy salvage diver, the sparkly stories behind the stolen Louvre jewels, the every reason why you should throw a party… The list is endless. The inspiration is infinite. Explore our entire treasure trove of content for just $0.25 per week for six months. Subscribe Now Food Frog Eye Salad Read the article → Travel What Top Museums Are Doing for America’s 250th Birthday Celebration Read the article → Home How to Get Yellow-Stained Bed Pillows White Again Read the article → SPONSORED BY GAN JING WORLD [LIMITED-TIME FREE] The Lost Art of Courtship: What an 1880s Gentleman’s Handbook Reveals About Love, Respect and Marriage May Surprise You Learn more → EPOCH BUY Every “Side Sleeper” NEEDS This New Doctor-Designed Knee Pillow Read the article → 📜 American Essence: New and old traditions can strengthen Memorial Day and America: Decorating graves, flags at half-staff, red poppies, virtual tours, and a moment of silence are ways to honor the fallen and to find our own way. 🇺🇸 America's 250th: “Jefferson still lives” — A look at America’s past Fourth of July celebrations, from tall ships to Jefferson’s final words, and what they reveal about the nation today. 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game': The Song That Became Baseball’s National Anthem: The beloved anthem of America's favorite pastime was written on a Manhattan subway in 1908 by a man who barely knew the sport. Read more →

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