RIP John Foreman: Great Homes and a Great Man

 In High School, I wrote a term paper on the Gilded Age and the great homes that were products of a era of greed and cheap labor. One of the books I bought with my own money was John Foreman’s “Vanderbilt's in the Gilded Age: Architectural Aspirations” and I still have the book today. In 2000 I started reading on a daily basis the New York Social Diary website and a few years later in 2006 they began their first NYSD House series showing off the home of the great personalities of today. Then 6 years later in 2012, NYSD started their Big Old Houses series which is were I ran across John Foreman’s work yet again. Forman brought new life to some of America’s forgotten Great Houses but he also gave you so much more than photos of the houses today but also archive photos. Also included are in depth profiles and stories of these great homes and it’s highs and lows, as well as their historic residents and dark days. 

Sadly John passed away on Monday, April 4th to leukemia. I truly enjoyed reading the great history of these amazing homes. My love of architecture grew exceptionally after writing that paper. Even considered a career in designing hotels and restaurants back in college. I even took a few classes at RISD through my college to see if I had the chops for the degree. Sadly I was not worthy at that point in time. Instead my appreciation and love for architecture grew more and more. I attended a education event for local college students at the breakers around 1995 and was lucky enough to meet John Foreman after he spoke at the event about architecture that was cast upon Newport due the Vanderbilt family. I kick myself for not taking a photo with John but I do have several silly shots of me and my friend Colleen at the event. My friend Colleen took this fabulous shot of me out in the garden at The Breakers and the second shot I took of her in the second floor loggia. The canopy ceiling is actually a tiled design. Thank you John for sharing your great loves of American architecture. #RIPJohnForman

John Foreman Selfie

Me Showing Off, A Little!

My friend Colleen Bailey at The Breakers