1935
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The Jack and Helen Frye Story!
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The Frye Legacy-
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By Randall Reynolds
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Sedona Legend is encouraged and supported by the Jack Frye Family, to include Jack's
daughter, Nevajac Frye, Jack's late sister, "Sunny" Frye Thomas, the Helen Frye family,
and the many friends of Jack and Helen Frye.
The Vanderbilt Years
Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt Jr.
Helen Virginia Varner Anderson Vanderbilt Frye
In 1932, Helen decided to get out of an ill-fated marriage she had entered into with a local boy
and travel to Reno for a divorce. She felt bad about having married the wrong man and had no
idea what lie ahead on her path; however, when one door closes in life, another opens, and
Helen would soon find out that her life would change in ways she could never possibly imagine!

Helen’s trip to Reno was quite a jaunt for this small town girl. Oh, did I say “small town”? Be
assured there was nothing ever small town about Helen Varner! She was very sophisticated and
set her cap early on for more than Clarksburg could ever offer her. Helen was not a slouch
either, she had been called a “voluptuous vision” more than once. Considered radiantly
beautiful and sexy, everywhere she went men fell all over her. Why even in high school she was
voted the “prettiest girl in school”. Helen knew that her looks and personality could be her
greatest asset in life. Miss Varner attended the Art Institute of Chicago for one year, a locale
she found much more sophisticated than what she experienced in West Virginia.

The quiet morning of Clarksburg was assaulted by the long blast of a steam whistle, Helen
jumped, a bit nervous now as she boarded the train. She settled into a comfortable mohair
bench. Outside the window of the coach, her mother (Maude) and her twin sisters (Marie and
Mildred) waved to her with linen hankerchiefs and tearful eyes. Helen waved back with a feeling
of excitement and trepidation in her heart. Suddenly, the train started lurching and tugging,
amid robust blasts of the whistle as it steamed away. Clarksburg, West Virginia faded into the
distance as the train picked up speed and snaked its way through the West Virginia countryside
toward Nevada. Eventually, Helen transferred to the famous Atchison, Topeka, & Santa Fe,
likely "The Chief" (the Super Chief came after in 1935).

On the way west the train stopped in Albuquerque, New Mexico, sometime around breakfast.
Helen left the train to dine at the Harvey House and enjoy some fresh air on the platform
before continuing her long journey. She noticed two men watching her unaware that one of the
gentlemen happened to be Cornelius Vanderbilt Jr., (the IV). Several versions of how Neil
Vanderbilt and Helen met have survived the years, but basically, it can be told as follows:

Helen walked back to the railroad station platform where she reached into her handbag looking
for her cigarette case. As she reached for her matches, she heard a man’s voice say, “would you
like a light, Miss?” She turned around and found the voice belonged to the well dressed man
from the platform. “Why yes, thank you,” said Helen as the man’s gold plated lighter engraved
with a large “V” flashed brilliantly in the sun. Helen demurely leaned forward toward the flame
with lowered eyes and inhaled. In a moment, she turned slightly exhaling the blue smoke and
murmured as she smiled, “I don’t think we’ve met?" The tall gentleman bowed slightly and
said, “Cornelius Vanderbilt ma’am, but you can call me Neil.” “Pleased to meet you, Neil,”
Helen said, “my name is Helen Varner.” Helen observed the man, a Vanderbilt, she knew the
name, everyone had. She grew up near a Vanderbilt estate called "the Biltmore." “I wonder
how he is related?” she thought. Cornelius interrupted her racing thoughts, by saying,
“wonderful weather, don’t you think?” “Why yes,” Helen replied, “quite a lovely day!” They
stood there and chatted pleasantly until the train was ready to leave. As the story goes, when
Vanderbilt spotted Helen, who was a ravishing beauty, he changed his ticket and started out
west on "her" train, instead of his original destination, which was to New York City. He just had
to get to know this beautiful young woman! However, to hear Neil tell it in at least one
newspaper interview, he and Helen met in Albuquerque, while she was sketching and he was
writing, in October of 1931. Either way, meet they did, and Cornelius became enthralled with
Helen. Somewhere along the journey, the train was said to have either pulled off on a siding or
broke down. They were delayed for a short time, while Neil and Helen, with a few other
passengers, left the train to stroll near the rails. Helen later said, "Neil picked wildflowers and
presented me with a bouquet."

Later, that evening, Helen and Neil made their way to the dining car. (At that time, some of the
first such air-conditioned rolling stock in the country.) As they entered, people turned and
smiled as they were led to a table. Helen, always, was aware men watched her every move, but
this was different. People nodded and smiled respectfully, as if they were "royalty." The maitre
'de turned to Neil and said, “I hope this will be suitable, Mr. Vanderbilt.” “Yes, it is fine,” Neil
said casually, as he ordered champagne. After a lavish dinner, the car emptied and the train
slowed as it approached Needles, CA. Helen, felt it was time to retire. “May I walk you to your
compartment?” Neil said, as he stood up and helped her out of her lounge chair and into her
wrap. At the door to her compartment he reached out and took her hand, “I hope I can spend
more time with you,” he said gently, as his lips brushed the back of Helen's hand. “I would like
that,” Helen said quietly as she blushed. “How about breakfast, say 8 A.M?" he said, “It’s a
date,” Helen murmured as she shut the door, her heart racing….

Soon Helen was settled in and relaxing to the gentle lullaby of the clicking rails, her mind filled
with the details of Neil's life. A commanding gentleman, one of the most eligible bachelors in
America, he was the only son of Cornelius Vanderbilt the III, the “Brigadier General” as they
called him, and Grace Graham Wilson Vanderbilt. His mother, a formidable society matron, was
the reigning Queen of New York high society. The press liked to refer to her as the
"Kingfisher" because only she could entice even the highest members of European Royalty to
her lavish dinner parties at the Vanderbilt Mansion in New York. Neil had one sister named
Grace who he very much wanted Helen to meet. Cornelius Jr. was the Vanderbilt "black sheep"
in regard to his pedigree. Quite the free spirit, and this he and Helen had in common. Oh yes,
his great-grandfather was the Commodore the family’s illustrious founder. But Cornelius
marched to the beat of his own drummer. He went to the finest schools, traveled Europe and
grew up at 640 Fifth Avenue amid a multitude of servants, certainly one of the finest addresses
in the country. Inheritance? Very generous with a mother and father who it appeared always
paid his expenses and doted on him. He loved beautiful women or so Helen had read one time in
a society magazine and he had been married twice already. The last one was a named Mary Weir
Logan, yet, he was a only 32. Helen herself was only 24. He was quite out of her league or was
he... Helen mused? Helen prided herself as being a refined young lady, worldly with finesse’ and
class. She certainly was not privileged but came from a comfortable background. Her father
(deceased) had been a well respected regional physician. Helen was adept at being able to blend
in flawlessly and graciously with any crowd. It was after 3 A.M. before Helen finally dropped off
to sleep, her dreams now filled with the grand life Neil laid at her feet….

Eventually, Helen arrived in Reno, a dreary wind-swept town. Cornelius had gone on to Los
Angeles where he was attending to some business. Helen quickly initiated her divorce
proceedings and settled in until everything was finalized. One day, the phone rang, it was Neil,
he would be in Reno the next evening, “would she meet him for dinner?” It might be of interest
to note that Neil, as one of his many financial ventures, owned and operated what was called
back then a "divorce ranch" in Reno, Nevada. The ranch was called "The Lazy Me" by
Vanderbilt. It is possible, when Helen arrived in Reno, she stayed there for the entire time it
took her divorce to come through. A good example of this type of ranch can be seen in the
blockbuster 1939 movie called "The Women" based on the play by Clare Booth Luce.

For the next three years, Cornelius arduously wooed Helen, chasing her relentlessly around the
United States. He introduced her to his family and friends in New York City, they traveled
together and shared their dreams. According to 1935 newspapers reports, Helen had also
traveled throughout Europe by late 1934. Neil (who preferred Helen call him Neely) even had a
beautiful red Irish Setter shipped to her home in Clarksburg which became Helen’s favorite
companion, which she christened “Lassie." Vanderbilt showered her with gifts, many lavish and
expensive, from fur coats to jewelry. But the gift Helen treasured the most was sent to her from
a reservation in the southwest. It was a copper bowl made by American Indians, perhaps Navajo.
This work of art purchased by Cornelius Vanderbilt was said to still be displayed in Helen’s
home at Sedona, over 40-years later. Helen had great love and admiration for the American
Southwest and Native Americans from early on, this affinity she shared with Neil Vanderbilt.
Not to be confused with her famous mother-in-law Mrs. Cornelius (Grace) Vanderbilt (Jr.)
known as the "Queen of New York Society". Helen Vanderbilt continued to work for Pond's for
the next 15 years -even after she married Jack Frye president of T. & W.A. in 1941.
When one door closes- Another often opens
A 3-year-old friendship- Now a marriage
At the end of three years Cornelius asked Helen to marry him. Did Helen hound him desiring
marriage? Highly unlikely in the opinion of this author. I think Helen was quite happy just
living the "high life" with “Corny“ as she called him. Helen Varner was not of a pretentious
nature and would never have aspired to the life of a "Vanderbilt wife" something she would
have viewed with disdain. Let alone the fact that she already had one disastrous marriage and
likely had a few clues that Cornelius just wasn’t marriage material. But it seems, Cornelius
who once stated (later in life) that he had been married to six of the most beautiful women in
the world, wasn’t going to let this pretty little fish get away. He was to marry 7 times in all.

Cornelius Neil Vanderbilt IV and Helen Virginia Varner were married at Albuquerque, New
Mexico on Friday, January 4, 1935. This the place they had first met and as Helen stated to the
press “it seemed more romantic”. An unlikely location for a royal Vanderbilt wedding but more
in line with Cornelius’ penchant for being a rebel and Helen’s desire to experience the
romantic 'southwestern life' which was very popular at that time.

The marriage took place at the Bernalillo County Courthouse where they both had strolled
from their hotel “El Alvarado” (a Harvey House) now torn down but at that time quite the place
to stay. They could not be married by clergy because both had previous marriages and divorces
so Justice of the Peace L. M. Tartaglia officiated. Neil was 37, and Helen, a mere 26.  The bride
wore a gray suit and full length fur coat. The ceremony was simple and devoid of any pomp.

Neil's parents Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt III sent a telegram from Fifth Avenue
congratulating the couple. It is not known what Helen’s new mother-in-law Grace Vanderbilt
thought of the event, likely though she was just weary of her son’s “oh... so many trips to the
alter”. News of their marriage traveled fast and was printed with photographs in publications all
over the country, often titled "Honeymoons with Vanderbilt". At that time celebrity marriages
sold a lot of newspapers, as citizens, who were still reeling from the Great Depression, craved
an escape from their stark lives. The saga of little Gloria Vanderbilt was constantly splashed
across newspapers and magazines around the world. Interestingly, at the courthouse, a curious
crowd gathered and asked Cornelius if he was little Gloria’s father? Helen's husband was
amused by this and laughed, stating his father was Gloria’s uncle and he was her cousin.
Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney (his aunt) was at that time fighting for custody of the young
exploited child heiress. Think Gertrude was looking for money? Think again. When she died a
few years later she was said to be the richest "woman" in the world. She was the only one who
was "not" looking for easy money and merely wanted to protect her brother Reggie's child.      

Helen had traveled from Clarksburg by train arriving Thursday evening and Neil drove over
from Nevada but was forced to leave his automobile in Williams, Arizona because the snow was
too deep to drive on into New Mexico. After the wedding, the newlyweds boarded the Atchison,
Topeka & Santa Fe “The Chief” and headed to Arizona, no doubt enjoying the railroads
legendary first class service for the first leg of their journey. The honeymoon was set for the
Grand Canyon and Palm Springs. At the time, passenger trains off-loaded tourists at the Grand
Canyon Railway Station but it was published that the Vanderbilt’s picked up Neil’s car and
drove to the Grand Canyon instead. From there they drove on to Nevada where they spent the
night at the Boulder Dam Hotel. Then, on to Neil’s ranch 45 miles northeast of Reno and 3
miles from Pyramid Lake. The lonely god forsaken location of Neil’s “divorce” ranch was not to
be the last stop; however, as within a month they were basking at the famous El Mirador in
Palm Springs which I would imagine was the crowning glory of this rather convoluted
honeymoon. Please note- although I have many photos of the Vanderbilts, even in N.M. after
the wedding, many are news-wire images and can't be republished on this web page.
A whirlwind marriage amid Neil's engagements
Cornelius Vanderbilt, New York
society scion, was also a newspaper
publisher, writer, movie producer, and
dude ranch owner. Helen on the other
hand was multi-talented too. She was
an artist and often described by the
press as “an illustrator of note”. In
addition to this Helen was a fashion
designer, painter and sculptor. She
also illustrated some of Vanderbilt’s
magazine articles. Within days the
Vanderbilts were off and running.
According to one press release, by
March of 1935 they had been to 90
cities in the short span of just 2
months, all connected with a book
lecture tour for Cornelius. In addition
to this Vanderbilt had recently
published “Farewell to Fifth Avenue”.
Another work “A Woman Of
Washington” was being produced as a
movie in Washington D.C. Media
sources report the Vanderbilts divided
their time between California, Nevada
and New York City. They were seen at
the Grand Hotel at Santa Monica, the
El Mirador at Palm Springs and the
Washington Shoreham- they were at
the top of everyone's guest list. Left is
seen Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius
Vanderbilt Jr. at the El Mirador Hotel
in Palm Springs, Ca, January 26, 1935.
Vanderbilts Tour Los Angeles & Hollywood-
Warner Bros. "Dr. Socrates" Movie Set (1935)
Neil’s simple life was quite a contrast to the manner in which Helen’s mother and father in-law
lived in New York City. His mother was the undisputed leader of New York and Newport
Society, her influence well established in Europe and the United States. Helen once stated she
hated staying with her in-laws in New York because their houses were akin to big empty hotels.
More specifically, on November 7 1935, (when asked by reporters if she was returning to N.Y.C.)
Helen stated, "I don't want to go to that house, it's like an empty hotel." One guesses she
preferred small intimate parlors as opposed to 2-storied drawing rooms and great halls.

The 58-room palace of Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt III, at 640 Fifth Avenue sat across
from where Rockefeller Center is today. The mansion was once adjoined by another long since
demolished twin (duplicate) mansion next door. These two buildings at that time took up the
entire city block. Interestingly, Neil’s parents inherited "Six Forty" from George Washington
Vanderbilt (who built the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C.) when Neil was 16. Helen’s mother-
in-law Grace held court at this residence in the city, while entertaining at Beaulieu in the
summers. Beaulieu, a Newport Beach Rhode Island red brick cottage was rather modest by
Vanderbilt standards, especially when you consider the 10-million-dollar “summer house” of
Grace’s sister-in-law Gertrude Vanderbilt (Mrs. Harry Payne Whitney) called “the Breakers”.
The Vanderbilts also entertained extensively on various Vanderbilt yachts, namely the beloved
North Star.

Grace entertained at a maddening pace, one year alone it was said her guests totaled 37,000.
Small dinner parties were numbered at no less than 40. Entertaining at the mansion included
one Grand Ball a month with two lavish dinner parties a week, not to exclude a multitude of
luncheons and teas. This pace went on for decades. The month of December, the Christmas
Season, was a lavish affair at Six-Forty. It was said 1000 guests would drop by to pay their
respects on Christmas Day alone! The tab for all this entertainment was said to be about
$500,000 a year. The mansion's cloak room accommodated 700 coats and wraps.

The mansion’s staff included the usual chauffeurs, cooks, and maids- a staff of well over 30 in
all. The English butler “Gerald” was assisted by six footmen who were always royally adorned in
“Vanderbilt Maroon” livery, as in jackets with gold-braided trim, knee britches, white
stockings, black patent-leather pumps, and powdered wigs. Another Vanderbilt butler of note
from Helen’s time frame was the side-whiskered “Hawkins” who it was said looked like he was
hired from Belgrave Square in London. A red carpet was rolled out to the street for guests to
alight on as they entered the palace so as to not soil their fabulous ball gowns or shatter their
fragile glass slippers.

When I say Grace “held court” it was no exaggeration as she and her husband were personal
friends with, and entertained the likes of, King Albert and Queen Elizabeth of Belgium, the
Queen of Spain, the Duke of Kent, Lord Balfour, Edward VII, Prince Henry of Prussia, King
George the VI of England (at the time the Duke of York), the Crown Prince of Sweden, and
Norway. Some guests, like George V and King (Albert) Edward the VII (the Prince of Wales)
and Queen (Alexandra) were entertained on the Vanderbilt yacht North Star. This too was
where the Vanderbilts entertained the German Emperor Kaiser Friedrich Wilhelm II (who later
had the Vanderbilts as the guests of honor at a dinner. The Duke (former King Edward VIII)
and the Duchess of Windsor (Wallis Simpson) were entertained at Beaulieu as was Grand Duke
Boris of Russia (brother of the Czar). This is just a partial list of the “royals” and dizzying to try
to document and get the titles correct.   

The Vanderbilts also entertained the top of the social register regularly, this included Theodore
Roosevelt, J. P. Morgan, Russell Sage, Winston Churchill, Herbert Hoover, General Pershing,
the Astors, Belmonts, Goulds and others of the former “400”. Grace’s guest lists surpassed all
others. Helen’s husband Cornelius, at times, but more so his parents, regularly strolled the
gilded streets of New York’s famous “Easter Parade” each year.

The three-storied brick Vanderbilt Mansion at “Six Forty” was graced with a 9-foot-tall green
malachite Grecian-like vase (one of a pair) which had once belonged to Czar Nicholas of Russia
and came from the Royal Winter Palace at St. Petersburg. This monstrosity sat in the center of
Marble Hall (entry) with a backdrop of French décor and 17th century Brussels tapestries in the
drawing room, the likes of which are rarely seen outside of museums or royal properties. The
mansion had cost 1 million dollars to build in 1881 by Helen’s husband’s great-grandfather. The
kitchens and men's servant quarters were in the sub-level, the women's servant quarters were
in the attic. The art gallery displayed over 1 million dollars worth of paintings. This famous
showplace is described on various websites for those desiring an in depth description.

Helen’s father-in-law Neily (who took quite a shining to Helen) grew up even more
ostentatiously at Number 1 West 57th Street New York City. Still today, it is known as one of
the grandest mansions (long since demolished) to have ever graced Manhattan. As a matter of
fact, it was supposedly the largest residence ever built in any American city- period. The
General was a multi-talented man but at heart he longed for the open seas. This where he made
his home most of his life, far away from the frenzy of his wife's constant entertaining. Grace
was certainly an intimidating mother-in-law but nevertheless a remarkable and fascinating
woman. A personality without which America would not be the same had she not come along. In
the end she became the last reigning "Vanderbilt Hostess" frequently called "Her Grace".There
will never be another gilded era like this in America and with good conscience perhaps there
never should be. But just the same, it “was”, and with the death of Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt
III in 1953, noted as the last reigning “Queen of the Golden Age”, the golden era of riches and
fairy tales ended never ever to be recaptured or recreated.
Helen and Neil tour Europe and the Orient
The World of Vanderbilt
Few images exist of Neil and Helen's travels. However- below are displayed some photographic
treasures from their tour across Europe and the Far East in it is thought 1934 or 1935.
As seen to the right and (above right)-
Dear Mrs. Varner: This is the fifth day of
rain. We came to Switzerland to get away
from the heat of Paris which Helen couldn’t
stand anymore and this was the result. Helen
is now sick of rain and wants to get back to
France again! We have zigzagged all over
Europe to please her. Next we shall try
Austria! Helen thinks Holland might be
better or North Africa! They are only 1,000
miles apart!  -We are having fun though-
Much Love, Neil
Das Matterhorn- Vanderbilt Postcard
Neil Vanderbilt
on an
unidentified
steamer. He is
holding a
Brownie
camera with
newspapers
tucked under
his arm.
Interestingly,
he is holding
what is likely
Helen's purse  
while she
captures the
image.
(Postmark
Peking)
Few people are aware that Neil and Helen were close companions for 3 years before they finally
married. Unfortunately, as is the case in some marriages certain couples are better lovers and
friends if they don't get married! This is definitely the case with the Vanderbilts. It is not
known but very likely that Neil's parents opposed this marriage with a woman they likely
considered "a commoner". However, that said, saddled with a son that was married 7 times  
throughout his life after a while they no doubt gave up on him. Neil's father liked Helen and
thought she was very attractive. As a token of this, he slipped her a diamond encrusted watch
one day, likely not a Vanderbilt heirloom though knowing his son Neil's penchant of discarding
his wives. No doubt, Cornelius III hoped his son would value this precious "gem".
Above is Neil Vanderbilt in a rickshaw at either Peking or
Shanghai. This is likely where Helen first became interested
in the Orient where she later lived at one time and met her
dear friend, Garnett Gardiner Stackelberg. See Page 1936.
Above is seen a rare "portrait" of the Vanderbilts likely
captured at the onset of the marriage- perhaps wedding.
Left is a photo of Neil and a couple dignitaries in front of
the Daibutsu Budda at Kamakura City, Nippon, Japan
(1935?). The setting of this famous statue looks slightly
different today which made this image difficult to
identify. Neil sent this postcard to Helen's sister Marie.
The inscription on the card is simple: "At Her Feet!
Bestest- Neil" Since Mt. Fuji is nearby we must assume
he meant at "Her" feet (common description of the day).
Vanderbilt Lineage- regarding Helen Varner
The "Commodore" Cornelius
Vanderbilt- fortune- 105 million
Son: William Henry Vanderbilt
married Maria Louisa Kissam
Their son: Cornelius Vanderbilt II
Married: Alice Claypoole Gwynne
Cornelius II   (died  9-13-1899)
Alice Gwynne (died 4-22-1934)

Vanderbilt II children:  
1) Gertrude (Mrs. Harry Payne Whitney)
2) Alfred Gwynne (died on the Lusitania
Ocean Liner 1915)
3) Reginald Claypoole: (daughter was
'little Gloria" Vanderbilt Cooper)
4) Alice Gwynne (died as a child)
5) Gladys Moore (youngest-
later known as the Countess Szechenyi)
6) William Henry
7) Cornelius Neily III (oldest- known as
Brigadier General)

Brig. Gen. & Grace Graham Wilson
(The Vanderbilt III children)
Cornelius Neil IV (Jr.) Neil (Neely)
Grace Davis Stevens
Cornelius Vanderbilt Jr. marriage:
Helen Virginia Varner
(Married 1-4-1935 - Divorced 12-18-1940)
Her Husband’s Life of Wanderlust & Leisure
By the age of 16, the well-educated Cornelius Vanderbilt had crossed the Atlantic 42-times on
his father’s yacht and dined with every crown head of Europe. His father’s vessels were many
and more akin to ocean liners than pleasure craft. To name a few, there was the 226-foot
million dollar palace Winchester, the 233-foot North Star, a beloved schooner-yacht Atlantic, a
sloop called Aurora, a yacht Sabiha III, and the 100-foot Ambassadress which was (leased). In
his youth Neil dutifully sailed the Atlantic and Mediterranean with his parents who constantly
entertained, as their many guests, the crown heads of Europe. Later in Neil’s life in 1952 he
stated to the press that he had undertaken no less than 140 transatlantic crossings. This on
board the most prestigious ocean liners of the day which continually plied the oceans at that
time. Press reports of his marriage to Helen stated he had already written 9 books, crossed the
Atlantic a dozen more times (since the age of 16), and lived in every country of Europe, Mexico
and Canada, not to mention, every corner of the United States. This combined with crossing the
United States 320 times by train and powerful motorcars for a grand total of over a million
miles, with 6000 miles of this logged overseas in Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Certainly a well-traveled
man, his new wife Helen Varner was to experience no moss growing under her feet!

Cornelius Vanderbilt was a a writer at heart and an entrepreneur like his father. Neil’s passion
though was writing and he was widely considered a crack "cub" reporter in the earliest days. He
dabbled in newspaper ownership and by 1935 he was writing for 1200 daily papers, 5000 weekly
papers, 1400 magazines, and 2 publishing companies.
The Residences
The In-Laws- and life @ "Six Forty"
Helen and Neil were of a different generation than the senior Vanderbilts and they lived life
simply, well simply for Vanderbilts! They had Neil’s guest ranch in Nevada, a home with
servants in exclusive Lake Arrowhead California, and his parent’s home in New York City.
There were really two different Vanderbilt “dude” ranches near Reno. The first one was called
the “TH Ranch” which Neil managed in the early 1930's for Neill (Neil) West, the owner. The
second was actually owned by Vanderbilt and called the “Lazy Me Guest Ranch”. It was just
south of Reno. This last operation was complete with former Packard and Rolls Royce town cars
formerly utilized by U.S. Presidents which Neil would cleverly secure at annual White House
surplus sales. These cars were used for transporting the Vanderbilt guests to and from the
Southern Pacific Train Station and the airport at Reno all complete with wranglers who wore
ten-gallon hats. Guests of the Lazy Me Guest Ranch were noteworthy- like Amelia Earhart.
Others were friends of Vanderbilt from Hollywood, like Douglas Fairbanks Sr., Charlie
Chaplin, Will Rogers, Tom Mix, Clark Gable, and Gary Cooper to name just a few. At first the
property was operated as a dude ranch, later though as a “divorce ranch”. Vanderbilt did well
with the operation at 76 guests for each three-month period. At the time, it took 6-months to
secure a divorce in Nevada after establishing residency. Interestingly, Vanderbilt claimed he
pioneered the famous “package ranch divorce”. My understanding is that this ranch was finally
sold by the Vanderbilts in 1937.
Grace Graham Wilson Vanderbilt- (9-3-1870 to 1-8-1953)
Cornelius Neily Vanderbilt, III-       (9-5-1873 to 3-1-1942)
In April 1935 Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt Jr. was making her way across Texas from Clarksburg
West Virginia to Albuquerque N.M., when a sudden dust storm swept across the treeless
landscape limiting visibility to near zero. In the dust and grit, Mrs. Vanderbilt tried to stay on
the road, but eventually the sand was sucked into her carburetor and the engine failed. Mrs.
Vanderbilt managed to catch a ride to a local train station where she recovered in luxury on a
Pullman, while her husband waited for her at Albuquerque. Let's hope the automobile wasn't
from the Vanderbilt stable, let's say perhaps a Rolls Phantom II coupe? More likely though,
Helen was moving her own automobile out west to California- stopping to pick up Neil in N.M.
A wonderful and very rare image of Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt Jr., likely on their
honeymoon. It is obvious by their appearance they have just gone riding or are set to. I have
not yet identified the (W.P.A. like) hotel behind them but it does look like a lodge in the
Western United States (likely the Sierras). The Vanderbilts spent part of their honeymoon at
the Grand Canyon, Boulder City, and Palm Springs. They also owned a home in Lake
Arrowhead and spent considerable time there. Photo courtesy of the Helen Frye family (1935).
Reporters caught up with the Vanderbilts at the luxurious El Mirador in Palm Springs Ca. where
they were interviewed poolside. Photo courtesy of the Helen Frye family- date January 1935.
Cornelius (Neil) Vanderbilt Jr.
If you followed the Vanderbilt romance from 1932 to 1935 you would have seen Helen Varner
photographed with a beautiful Irish Setter. What you may not have known but was mentioned
in newspapers was that the dog was a gift from Cornelius Vanderbilt. Helen adored the setter
and named it Lassie- which became her constant companion. To the left is a photo likely taken
before she married Vanderbilt in Clarksburg West Virginia. To the right is Lassie after the
Vanderbilts were married. The background appears to be Lake Arrowhead where they lived.
Vanderbilt Irish Setter- Lassie- mid 1930's
Above and right is Helen Varner in 1927, at 19 years old, shown in portrait. What a stunning
beauty! No wonder Vanderbilt later said in a 1950's interview that he had been married to 6 of
the most beautiful women in the world. Interesting side note to the this image, it ran in
newspapers nationwide (front page) after the Vanderbilt marriage. I never dreamed though that
it was a family photo loaned to the press for early press coverage. This was a wonderful
discovery as offered to Sedona Legend from the Varner Family. In newspapers the image was
black and white with the caption: “Honeymoons with Vanderbilt”. The Vanderbilt marriage sold
newspapers as during the depression years anything to do with wealth and romance was fodder
for the press and brightened the dreary lives of average Americans. Helen became a celebrity!   
As they say in that famous 1950's television show-
"Helen Frye: This Was Your Life In The 1930's"
To the left Helen is seen skiing Austria or
Switzerland with Vanderbilt. It is not known
for sure if this was the honeymoon or before
as it appears they were in Europe in 1934 too.
The Vanderbilts @ the posh El Mirador- Palm Springs, California
The images aside and above were taken at
Indian Springs Nevada where Mrs. Vanderbilt
was visiting her sister Mildred who was
awaiting a Nevada Divorce in 1938. In the
image above Helen is prospecting, Mrs.
Vanderbilt was an accomplished horsewoman.
Many thanks to Jack and Helen's nieces Sisty and Sheryl who have gone out of their way to
locate lost images of the Vanderbilts and Fryes for this page. The images seen here and on Page
1948 have never been seen by the public before and are extremely rare and valuable historically!
The image above shows the Vanderbilts as Neil was showing Helen and her family around
Hollywood which included a V.I.P. tour of the Warner Bros. studio. The writing on the back of
the photo is hard to discern but translates, left to right, Neil Vanderbilt, Helen Varner
Vanderbilt, "Lefty” Bernard Mettenberger, (Helen’s sister) Mildred Varner Mettenberger,
actor Paul Muni, (Helen’s sister) Marie Varner Berry, movie star, Ann Dvorak, (Helen’s
mother) Maude Varner, and the last name appears to be "Guide". Date is June or July of 1935.

The circumstances of the image has lost its association through the years, but finally it has
been identified as having been taken on the set of a film called (Dr. Socrates) which was in
production with Paul Muni and Ann Dvorak in 1935. Gracious thanks to Christina Rice, of the
“Ann Dvorak- Hollywood’s Forgotten Rebel” website, for her help in the final analysis of the
photograph. Christina observed that Paul and Ann are in costume for the film and the kitten
Ann is holding was from a scene in the film.

Originally, my impression was to say the photo was related to Vanderbilt's "Hitler's Reign Of
Terror" (1935). But that effort by Neil was a film he captured himself, and later smuggled out
of Nazi Germany. Actually, he pedaled it as more 'cloak and dagger' than the press thought it
really was and the film's reception was cool. Second impression, was that it might be connected
with the filming of "A Woman In Washington". This film was being produced in Washington D.
C. (early 1935) and based on a book by Cornelius Vanderbilt. It is possible some filming was
done in Los Angeles. The name of this movie was changed and possibly later it never even saw
release at theatres.
Pond's Cold Cream
Mrs. Cornelius (Helen) Vanderbilt, Jr.
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