From what I understand, the Vanderbilts ceased being “Vanderbilt$” probably around the early 40’s. Although I think one old lady still lived in The Breakers until the 50’s or 60’s. Their house building and idle-rich ways combined with the income tax wiped out what was once the largest fortune in the world within 4-5 generations.
Are there any branches that didn’t blow it all, who are still significantly wealthy? I’m excluding someone like Anderson Cooper(CNN). Yeah, I guess he’s rich, but that’s from his salary not because of a massive trust fund. (I think)
William Cecil would sorta qualify in that he owns Biltmore. It’s run as a tourist attraction I suppose he’d make a small fortune if he decided to put all the furnishings, paintings etc up for auction.
Am i missing anyone else, or is the whole clan upper middle class at best now?