Please join The Historical Society of Rockland County as we welcome Christian R. Sonne, Author of Tuxedo Park: The Historic Houses. Mr. Sonne authored the first and only book that examines the architecture of Tuxedo Park, a Hudson Valley community only forty miles north of Manhattan but normally not accessible to the public. This gated enclave is famous for its Gilded Age mansions designed by well-known architects including Bruce Price, Carrere & Hastings, McKim, Mead & White, and Warren & Wetmore. Wall Street Titans, Robber Barons and scions of blue-blooded colonial families made this place synonymous with upper-class living in the first three decades of the 20th century. The tuxedo jacket was first worn there and Emily Post drew inspiration for her book Etiquette from manners she observed while living in Tuxedo Park. Mr. Sonne will provide a social history of this community from its founding in 1886 to 1945 using many of the beautiful James Bleecker photos from his book. (The book features 230 photographs of some 60 historic houses). Mr. Sonne will also have books available for purchase (proceeds benefit the Historical Society of Tuxedo) and will also autograph books for those in attendance. Admission is free, but donations greatly appreciated.
