The Residence of John R. Drexel , Newport RI

"As a feudist Mrs. Fish was unequaled and she particularly enjoyed her altercations with other Newport hostesses. Mrs. John Drexel had a male secretary who was her inseparable companion. One day a friend of Mrs. Drexel came up to Mrs. Fish. 'Mamie, have you seen Cousin Alice?' she asked. 'I've looked everywhere in the house,' she added anxiously. 'No,' replied Mrs. Fish. 'Have you looked under the secretary?' "

-"The Last Resorts"

The John R Drexel residence in Newport RI was a lovely, though modest, residence along Bellevue Avenue. The home was occupied until the Drexels moved into another Newport estate, Fairholme, which they had bought for $123,000. Their son, John Jr. lived in the home with his wife and family during the Summer Social Seasons. When his father sold Fairholme and moved to Paris, he stayed behind, still living in the house. When he died, followed by his wife, their son John Drexel III, who lived at his mansion, Stonor Lodge, just down the Avenue with his wife, Noreen, sold the estate and grounds. He died in 2007, followed by his widow in 2012.

Mrs John R Drexel, Aunt of Mrs Harry Lehr, Later Lady Decies 

(NYSD)

Phot: Courtesy of Providence Public Library