How an NYC socialite’s riches preserve America’s beautiful, bustling past

Let us give thanks to America’s ultra-rich from a bygone era. Without them, our world would be poorer in beauty.

That sounds like I’m making a joke, doesn’t it? The received opinion in America today is that the ultra-wealthy are slavering predators bent on “capitalisming” poor Gen Z coffee shop employees into penury.

That’s one of the best parts about the Shelburne Museum — very little is behind velvet ropes.

Well, I’m not joking, and the received opinion is baloney.

Tour de force

Whereas the anti-wealth advocates generally make their points by taking to the streets and screaming like lunatics, I’m going to try a different approach. I trust you’ll find it more pleasant.

Allow me to take you on a short tour of one of the finest civic legacies bestowed