Not knowing who Brooke Astor was, I read her obituary in the NY Times and became incredibly fascinated with the “First Lady of Philanthropy”. Astor certainly lived a full life, reaching her 105th birthday earlier this year. The New York socialite was married three times; making a mistake at a young age with #1, widowed by #2 and subsequently #3, Vincent Astor. The obituary, while rich in story and history, is not without tragedy.
The last years of her life were robbed from her by a dueling match of cruelty between Alzheimer’s and her son, who (allegedly, only in legal terms) kept her stashed away in her Park Avenue apartment while pillaging and profiting from her art collection, jewelry and antiquities. Unfortunately, the legal battle led by her grandson — against his own father — to relieve her suffering and allow her to live her final years (in the care of the de la Renta’s) with some form of dignity never came to fruition.
While that situation is nothing less than doleful, it seems that the good Astor brought into the world might be enough to prevent her son from burning for eternity. Wait, no…probably not.
The NY Times recalls that her philanthropy work, while “modest” at $195 million, served a great purpose by leading the way for other foundations and money to follow her on worthy causes. She directly contributed to the cultural wealth of New York City (The Met, Museum of Natural History, Carnegie Hall, Apollo Theater to name a few), as well as people (and their pets) certainly less fortunate than her.
One New York institution she is most remembered for is the New York Public Library, of which I have yet to step foot in - the main location nor any branches. A shame. While learning about Astor through this rememberance and celebration of her life, I am reminded that there is much more to learn beyond The Internets™ and NY Times Bestsellers™.
The most appropriate remedy seems to be a stroll into the epic building at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street, procure a library card and start reading one (or both) of Astor’s memoirs. As the weather begins to turn from drag to brilliant, I am always looking for more excuses to spend time in the park with a good book.
*update: NYmag.com live-blogs Brooke Astor’s funeral. Is that weird?
I was just listening to Radiohead - Pyramid Song