Ever wondered what it would be like to be incredibly wealthy, own a significant chunk of prime Manhattan real estate, yet choose to live like it’s a century ago? No electricity, no modern plumbing, just… gas lamps, outdated Victorian clothing, and a whole lot of poodles? Sound like a quirky movie plot? Well, for the Wendel family of New York, it was just their Tuesday.
The Wendel Family: A Glimpse into 19th-Century Eccentricity
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, while New York City was hurtling into the future, the Wendel family was firmly anchored in the past. This incredibly wealthy real estate dynasty owned vast swathes of Manhattan, yet they were famously eccentric and reclusive. Their lifestyle was a stark contrast to the burgeoning modernity around them.
Imagine walking past their grand brownstones and catching a glimpse of family members still dressed in the elaborate, high-collared fashion of the Victorian era, long after it had gone out of style. It wasn’t just their wardrobes that were stuck in a time warp; their homes were too. They famously refused to install modern utilities like electricity or even indoor plumbing. Talk about commitment to a vintage aesthetic!
Ella Wendel and the Toby Dynasty
Perhaps the most charming (and certainly the most dog-filled) aspect of the Wendel legacy belongs to Ella, the last surviving sibling. Ella Wendel was renowned for her love of poodles. And not just a few poodles, but many—all of them, without exception, named Toby. Yes, you read that right. Toby, Toby, and more Tobys!
Can you picture it? Ella, in her slightly anachronistic attire, strolling through her gas-lit mansion, calling out “Toby!” and a dozen fluffy, identical-looking poodles responding. It’s almost too delightful to be true. This particular detail really highlights the unique, almost whimsical, nature of the family’s reclusive existence.
More Than Just a Quirk: A Legacy of Living Differently
So, what can we take away from the eccentric Wendel family? Beyond the chuckle-worthy details of the Tobys and the gas lamps, their story is a fascinating peek into a family that deliberately chose to opt out of societal norms. In an era obsessed with progress, they found comfort and perhaps even power in their steadfast refusal to change.
Their story reminds us that wealth doesn’t always translate to keeping up with the Joneses. Sometimes, it means having the freedom to live exactly as you please, even if that means living in the 19th century while the 20th century rages outside your door. It’s a testament to the fact that true individuality often means marching to the beat of your own, very old-fashioned, drum.