Series II: Bradley Martin Ball

Series II consists of a few portraits, a mounted clipping, and a copy photograph of a Harper's Weekly illustration of a scene at the controversial ball given by Bradley and Cornelia Sherman Martin at the Waldorf Hotel on February 10, 1897. Thrown during an economic depression, the event drew wide criticism from those who thought it an ostentatious display of wealth and excess. Chief among the critics was Reverend Dr. William S. Rainsford, rector of St. George's Protestant Episcopal Church, who sparked a frenzy in the press after criticizing the event on the pulpit and reportedly advising his parishioners not to attend. His statements spurred a public debate on the best use of wealth in society, with prominent public figures weighing in on the issue. The only vintage photograph of a guest in costume for this ball is a portrait of William Beekman by Gilbert Studios.