US-RiNpPs-PSNCA.H.003 Guide to The Rosecliff Collectioncirca 1874-1990 The Preservation Society of Newport County 2018
424 Bellevue Avenue Newport, RI 02840 Tel: 401-847-1000 email: museumaffairs@newportmansions.org
Finding aid encoded by Kate McNally, Digitization Archivist,2018 English Finding aid based on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS). English The Preservation Society of Newport County
424 Bellevue Avenue Newport, RI 02840 Tel: 401-847-1000 museumaffairs@newportmansions.org
Various Creators The Rosecliff Collection circa 1874-1990 Rosecliff Collection 1 hollinger box, 2 oversized boxes The Rosecliff Collection is comprised of materials relating to the social activities of the home’s various occupants, the interior decoration carried out by the multiple owners, and the home’s architecture. The documents cover the period from circa 1874 until 1990. PSNCA.H.003 Collection information

The Rosecliff Collection is comprised of photographs, other image prints, documents, ephemera and newspaper clippings. The objects date from circa 1874-1990, and formats include albumen prints, machine-printed images, and gelatin photographs, as well as newspaper clippings and scrapbook albums. The photographs depict various architectural views and elements of the house, as well as people, from various periods of ownership.

This collection has been fully digitized and is available for viewing online at newportalri.org

All researchers seeking to publish materials from the collections of the PSNC Archives and Special Collections are requested to contact the archivist, prior to reproducing, quoting, or otherwise publishing any portion or extract from this collection. Although the Preservation Society has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim copyright ownership. It is up to the researcher to determine the owners of the copyright and to obtain any necessary permission from them.

The collection is open to the public, and there are no restrictions on access. However, the collection can only be seen by scheduled appointment.

"Courtesy of the Preservation Society of Newport County"

This collection is arranged by type of materials and subject matter in one document box and one oversized box. The collection has been divided into five series. Series 1: People Photographs Series 2: Postcards Series 3: Architectural Photographs Series 4: Newspaper Clippings Series 5: Miscellaneous Materials

Biographical note

The Oelrichs Family:

Theresa “Tessie” Fair Oelrichs was born on June 30, 1871, and was an heiress to the Comstock Lode silver fortune, discovered and cultivated by her father, James Graham Fair. Her childhood was troubled by her parents divorce, including a custody battle for charge of her and her sister, Virginia. While spending a summer in Newport, Tessie met steamship tycoon, Hermann Oelrichs, while playing tennis at the Casino. The pair married a year later in 1890. Her father was not invited to the ceremony, although he gifted his daughter 1 million dollars on her wedding day. Tessie and Hermann moved east, residing in New York and Newport, and travelling extensively in Europe. Tessie became a leading hostess in Newport, and with Alva Vanderbilt, she orchestrated the marriage of her sister Virginia “Birdie” Fair to William K. Vanderbilt, Jr., Alva’s son. This maneuver secured her place in the societal “triumvirate,” which included herself, Mamie Fish, Alva Vanderbilt Belmont. These women ruled society in Newport and beyond, hosting lavish entertainments, and enforcing society’s most necessary graces. Eventually, Tessie and her husband became estranged, and Hermann moved to the west coast, while she remained in the east. Hermann died of a heart attack in 1906 without reconciling with his wife. Tessie died in 1926, leaving Rosecliff to her son, Hermann Oelrichs, Jr.

The Monroe Family:

After a series of owners following Hermann Oelrichs, Jr., J. Edgar Monroe, a businessman from New Orleans, purchased Rosecliff in 1949. The Monroes maintained Rosecliff as a summer home until the couple donated the property and all its contents to the Preservation Society in 1971.

 Administrative information

Architectural photographs taken for the PSNC by John T. Hopf and others, from 1950-1990, or were donated by Robert Monroe; Family photographs gifted to PSNC by Olive Moore Zurflich, 1997; Laura Monroe, 2002, Marjorie Monroe Colomb, 1996; Postcards were printed for the PSNC; One scrapbook donated by Jane Cooney.

 Names Oelrichs Family Monroe Family Monroe, J. Edgar Monroe, Louise Oelrichs, Theresa Fair Oelrichs, Tessie Oelrichs, Hermann, 1850-1906 Fair, James Graham, 1831-1894 Types of Materials photographs scrapbooks newspaper clippings postcards RIAMCO Browsing Term Architecture People Photographs Series 1 1 1-2 circa 1885 - 1988 Photograph of Theresa Fair Oelrichs and James W. Gerard 1 1 circa 1900 - 1926

PSNCA.H.003.1

 Photograph of the Fair Brothers 1 1 circa 1885 - 1892

PSNCA.H.003.2

 Photograph of the Newport Ball at Rosecliff 1 1 circa 1949

PSNCA.H.003.3

 Photograph of the Newport Ball at Rosecliff 1 1 circa 1949

PSNCA.H.003.4

 Photograph of the Newport Ball at Rosecliff 1 1 circa 1949

PSNCA.H.003.5

 Photograph of the Newport Ball at Rosecliff 1 1 circa 1949

PSNCA.H.003.6

 Photograph of Marjorie Ann Monroe 1 1 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.7

 Postcard Photograph of Herbert Moore 1 2 circa 1910

PSNCA.H.003.8

 Portrait Photograph of Herbert Moore 1 2 circa 1908

PSNCA.H.003.9

 Photograph of Herbert Moore and his Dog 1 2 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.10

 Photograph of Herbert and Olive Moore 1 2 circa 1926

PSNCA.H.003.11

 Photograph of a Man in an Overland Touring Car 1 2 circa 1921

PSNCA.H.003.12

 Photograph of the Monroes at Dinner 1 2 circa 1955

PSNCA.H.003.13

 Photograph of J. Edgar Monroe and Blair Monroe 1 2 circa 1988

PSNCA.H.003.14

 Photograph of the Monroes with Family 1 2 circa 1988

PSNCA.H.003.15

 Photograph of the Monroes with Family 1 2 circa 1988

PSNCA.H.003.16

 Photograph of the Monroes at Dinner 1 2 circa 1955

PSNCA.H.003.17

 Photograph of Louise Monroe 1 2 circa 1975

PSNCA.H.003.18

 Photograph of the Monroes with Family 1 2 circa 1988

PSNCA.H.003.19

 Photograph of the Monroes 1 2 circa 1975

PSNCA.H.003.20

 Copy Photograph of Louise Monroe 1 2 circa 1948

PSNCA.H.003.21

 Copy Photograph of Louise Monroe 1 2 circa 1955

PSNCA.H.003.22

 Postcards Series 2 1 3 circa 1915 - 1990 Postcard Image of Rosecliff 1 3 circa 1971 - 1990

PSNCA.H.003.23

 Postcard Image of Rosecliff 1 3 circa 1971 - 1990

PSNCA.H.003.24

 Postcard Image of Rosecliff 1 3 circa 1915

PSNCA.H.003.25

 Postcard of the Ballroom at Rosecliff 1 3 circa 1971

PSNCA.H.003.26

 Postcard of the Ballroom at Rosecliff 1 3 circa 1971

PSNCA.H.003.27

 Postcard of the Ballroom at Rosecliff 1 3 circa 1975

PSNCA.H.003.28

 Postcard of the Ballroom at Rosecliff 1 3 circa 1971

PSNCA.H.003.29

 Postcard of the Dining Room at Rosecliff 1 3 circa 1975

PSNCA.H.003.30

 Postcard of the Dining Room at Rosecliff 1 3 circa 1972

PSNCA.H.003.31

 Postcard Image of Mr. Monroe's Bedroom 1 3 circa 1980

PSNCA.H.003.32

 Postcard Photograph of the South Garden at Rosecliff 1 3 circa 1900 - 1920

PSNCA.H.003.33

 Architectural Images Series 3 1 4-5 2 1-6 circa 1899 - 1990 Photograph of Rosecliff 1 4 circa 1971 - 2000

PSNCA.H.003.34

 Photograph of the Rear Terrace of Rosecliff 1 4 circa 1900 - 1920

PSNCA.H.003.35

 Photograph of the Rear Terrace of Rosecliff 1 4 circa 1900 - 1920

PSNCA.H.003.36

 Aerial Photograph of Rosecliff 1 4 circa 1973

PSNCA.H.003.37

 Architectural Photograph of Rosecliff 1 4 circa 1971 - 1980

PSNCA.H.003.38

 Photograph of Rosecliff 1 4 circa 1971 - 1992

PSNCA.H.003.39

 Architectural Photograph of the Terrace Floor at Rosecliff 1 4 1983 Aug

PSNCA.H.003.40

 Architectural Photograph of the Overdoor Lighting Fixture at Rosecliff 1 4 circa 1917 - 1990

PSNCA.H.003.41

 Architectural Photograph of the Rear Facade at Rosecliff 1 4 1989 Mar 31

PSNCA.H.003.42

 Photograph of the Ocean View from Rosecliff 1 4 1978 Mar

PSNCA.H.003.43

 Architectural Photograph of a Fountain at Rosecliff 1 4 circa 1980

PSNCA.H.003.44

 Architectural Photograph of a Fountain at Rosecliff 1 4 circa 1920

PSNCA.H.003.45

 Architectural Photograph of Garden Statuary 1 4 circa 1978

PSNCA.H.003.46

 Architectural Photograph of Garden Statuary 1 5 circa 1985

PSNCA.H.003.47

 Architectural Photograph of Garden Statuary 1 5 circa 1985

PSNCA.H.003.48

 Architectural Photograph of Garden Statuary 1 5 circa 1985

PSNCA.H.003.49

 Architectural Photograph of Garden Statuary 1 5 circa 1985

PSNCA.H.003.50

 Architectural Photograph of Garden Statuary 1 5 circa 1985

PSNCA.H.003.51

 Architectural Photograph of Garden Statuary 1 5 circa 1985

PSNCA.H.003.52

 Architectural Photograph of Garden Statuary 1 5 circa 1985

PSNCA.H.003.53

 Architectural Photograph of Garden Statuary 1 5 circa 1985

PSNCA.H.003.54

 Architectural Photograph of Garden Statuary 1 5 circa 1985

PSNCA.H.003.55

 Architectural Photograph of Garden Statuary 1 5 circa 1985

PSNCA.H.003.56

 Photograph of the Rear Terrace at Rosecliff 1 5 circa 1980

PSNCA.H.003.57

 Photograph of the Entry Hall at Rosecliff 1 5 circa 1910

PSNCA.H.003.58

 Architectural Photograph of the Entry Hall and Grand Staircase at Rosecliff 1 5 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.59

 Architectural Photograph of the Grand Staircase at Rosecliff 1 5 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.60

 Photograph of the Ballroom at Rosecliff 1 5 circa 1972

PSNCA.H.003.61

 Photograph of the Dining Room at Rosecliff 1 5 circa 1975

PSNCA.H.003.62

 Photograph of the Dining Room at Rosecliff 1 5 circa 1975

PSNCA.H.003.63

 Photograph of the Dining Room at Rosecliff 1 5 circa 1915

PSNCA.H.003.64

 Reproduction Photograph of the Salon at Rosecliff 1 5 circa 1913

PSNCA.H.003.65

 Architectural Photograph of Rosecliff 1 5 circa 1915

PSNCA.H.003.66

 Architectural Photograph of the Front Garden at Rosecliff 1 5 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.67

 Architectural Photograph of the Side Garden at Rosecliff 1 5 circa 1915

PSNCA.H.003.68

 Architectural Photograph of the North Facade at Rosecliff 2 1 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.69

 Architectural Photograph of the Rear Terrace at Rosecliff 2 1 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.70

 Architectural Photograph of the Front Lawn and Facade at Rosecliff 2 1 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.71

 Architectural Photograph of the Rear lawn at Rosecliff 2 1 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.72

 Architectural Photograph of the Front Door at Rosecliff 2 1 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.73

 Architectural Photograph of the Rear Facade and Terrace at Rosecliff 2 1 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.74

 Architectural Photograph of the South Facade at Rosecliff 2 1 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.75

 Architectural Photograph of the Front Facade at Rosecliff 2 1 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.76

 Architectural Photograph of the Front Facade at Rosecliff 2 1 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.77

 Architectural Photograph of the Front Facade at Rosecliff 2 1 circa 1980

PSNCA.H.003.78

 Photograph of the Drive Leading up to Rosecliff 2 1 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.79

 Photograph of the Cliffwalk near Rosecliff 2 2 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.80

 Photograph of the Rear View from Rosecliff 2 2 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.81

 Photograph of the Front Garden at Rosecliff 2 2 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.82

 Photograph of the Seaview at Rosecliff 2 2 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.83

 Architectural Photograph of a Fountain at Rosecliff 2 2 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.84

 Photograph of the Seaview at Rosecliff 2 2 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.85

 Architectural Photograph of the Entry Hall at Rosecliff 2 2 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.86

 Architectural Plan for Rosecliff 2 2 circa 1899 - 1902

PSNCA.H.003.87

 Photograph of an Architectural Drawing of Rosecliff 2 2 circa 1902 - 1971

PSNCA.H.003.88

 Copy Print Image of the Ballroom at Rosecliff 2 3 circa 1902 - 1926

PSNCA.H.003.122

 Photograph of the Drive Leading up to Rosecliff 2 3 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.125

 Photograph of the Front Lawn of Rosecliff 2 3 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.126

 Photograph of the Front Lawn of Rosecliff 2 3 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.127

 Photograph of the Front Facade of Rosecliff 2 3 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.128

 Photograph of the Entryway at Rosecliff 2 3 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.129

 Photograph of the Entryway at Rosecliff 2 3 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.130

 Photograph of the Entry Hall at Rosecliff 2 3 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.131

 Photograph of the Entry Hall at Rosecliff 2 3 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.132

 Photograph of the Entry Hall at Rosecliff 2 3 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.133

 Photograph of the Grand Staircase at Rosecliff 2 3 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.134

 Photograph of the Door to the Salon at Rosecliff 2 4 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.135

 Photograph of the Salon at Rosecliff 2 4 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.136

 Photograph of the Salon at Rosecliff 2 4 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.137

 Photograph of the Salon at Rosecliff 2 4 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.138

 Photograph of the Ballroom at Rosecliff 2 4 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.139

 Photograph of the Ballroom at Rosecliff 2 4 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.140

 Photograph of the Ballroom at Rosecliff 2 4 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.141

 Photograph of the Ballroom at Rosecliff 2 4 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.142

 Photograph of the Library at Rosecliff 2 4 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.143

 Photograph of the Library at Rosecliff 2 4 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.144

 Photograph of a Hallway at Rosecliff 2 5 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.145

 Photograph of the Dining Room at Rosecliff 2 5 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.146

 Photograph of the Dining Room at Rosecliff 2 5 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.147

 Photograph of the Dining Room at Rosecliff 2 5 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.148

 Photograph of the Dining Room at Rosecliff 2 5 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.149

 Photograph of the Southwest Suite at Rosecliff 2 5 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.150

 Photograph of the Southeast Bedroom at Rosecliff 2 5 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.151

 Photograph of the Southeast Bedroom at Rosecliff 2 5 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.152

 Photograph of the Second Floor Sitting Room at Rosecliff 2 5 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.153

 Photograph of the Second Floor Sitting Room at Rosecliff 2 5 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.154

 Photograph of a Guest Bedroom at Rosecliff 2 6 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.155

 Photograph of a Guest Bedroom at Rosecliff 2 6 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.156

 Photograph of a Guest Bedroom at Rosecliff 2 6 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.157

 Photograph of the Northeast Bedroom at Rosecliff 2 6 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.158

 Photograph of the Northeast Bedroom at Rosecliff 2 6 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.159

 Photograph of the Northwest Bedroom at Rosecliff 2 6 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.160

 Photograph of the Northwest Bedroom Suite at Rosecliff 2 6 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.161

 Photograph of the Northwest Bedroom Suite at Rosecliff 2 6 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.162

 Photograph of the Second Floor Hallway at Rosecliff 2 6 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.163

 Photograph of the Second Floor Hallway at Rosecliff 2 6 circa 1950

PSNCA.H.003.164

 Newspaper Clippings Series 4 3 1-2 1-2 circa 1874 - 1952 Typewritten Newspaper Article 3 1 1904 Aug 20

PSNCA.H.003.89

 Typewritten Newspaper Article 3 1 1897 April 22

PSNCA.H.003.90

 Copy of a Newspaper Article 3 1 1900 Aug 23

PSNCA.H.003.91

 Copy of a Newspaper Article 3 1 1900 June 24

PSNCA.H.003.92

 Typewritten Newspaper Articles 3 1 1900 - 1903

PSNCA.H.003.93

 Typewritten Newspaper Articles 3 1 1893 - 1926

PSNCA.H.003.94

 Typewritten Newspaper Clippings 3 1 1893 - 1926

PSNCA.H.003.95

 Typewritten Newspaper Clippings 3 1 1893 - 1926

PSNCA.H.003.96

 Newspaper Clipping 3 1 circa 1890 - 1899

PSNCA.H.003.97

 Newspaper Clipping 3 1 circa 1906

PSNCA.H.003.98

 Newspaper Clipping 3 1 1941 July 16

PSNCA.H.003.99

 Newspaper Clipping 3 2 circa 1890 - 1899

PSNCA.H.003.100

 Newspaper Clipping 3 2 1887 Oct 31

PSNCA.H.003.101

 Newspaper Clipping 3 2 1952 April 2

PSNCA.H.003.102

 Magazine Clipping 3 2 1941 July 28

PSNCA.H.003.103

 Newspaper Clipping 3 2 1894 Dec 30

PSNCA.H.003.104

 Newspaper Clipping 3 2 1892 Feb

PSNCA.H.003.105

 Newspaper Clipping 3 2 circa 1941

PSNCA.H.003.106

 Newspaper Clipping 3 2 1902 Aug 15

PSNCA.H.003.107

 Newspaper Clipping 3 2 circa 1890

PSNCA.H.003.108

 Newspaper Clipping 3 2 circa 1899

PSNCA.H.003.109

 Newspaper Clipping 3 2 1988 Oct 6

PSNCA.H.003.110

 Magazine Clipping 3 2 circa 1962

PSNCA.H.003.111

 Newspaper Clipping Album by Theresa Fair Oelrichs 3 1 circa 1874 - 1894

PSNCA.H.003.118

 Scrapbook by Herbert Moore 3 2 circa 1891

PSNCA.H.003.119

 Miscellaneous Materials Series 4 3 3-4 circa 1874 - 1985 Auction Catalog from White & Dwyer, Auctioneers 3 3 circa 1962

PSNCA.H.003.112

 Scrap of Card 3 3 circa 1941 - 1971

PSNCA.H.003.113

 Photograph of a Sketch of Nick Carraway's Cottage 3 3 circa 1974

PSNCA.H.003.114

 Photograph of a Portrait of Mrs. Rovensky 3 3 circa 1985

PSNCA.H.003.115

 Print of the Moreland-Hoffstot House 3 3 circa 1916 - 2000

PSNCA.H.003.116

 Diploma from The Lee School 3 3 1933 June 1

PSNCA.H.003.123

 Engraved Image of James G. Fair 3 4 circa 1874 - 1894

PSNCA.H.003.117

 Portrait Photograph of Henry Oelrichs 3 4 circa 1895

PSNCA.H.003.120

 Portrait Photograph of Oelrichs Family Members 3 4 circa 1915

PSNCA.H.003.121

 Copy Print Image of James Fair 3 Folder 4 circa 1850 - 1870

PSNCA.H.003.124