sedona legend helen frye

"Her Story"

The Vanderbilt Years........

Sedona Legend Profile Series

Helen Virginia Varner Anderson Vanderbilt Frye

Part I

This page has become so large that it has now been divided into three tiers. The first section is seen as below. The second is found on this page- "The Vanderbilts in the Press." The third appears as- "Cornelius Vanderbilt's Beautiful Bride!"

Helen Varner was born on November 28, 1908 at Clarksburg, West Virginia. The daughter of Dr. Harry V. Varner, a West Virginia doctor and Maude Morrison Varner, a music teacher. Her parents were married on October 7, 1907. Helen was the oldest of two other sisters, which were twins named Mildred and Marie, (one of which is still alive today, (2008). Helen grew up in Clarksburg, and early on would accompany her father on his house calls, not only learning how to treat the ill but developing an innate gift of intuitive healing, a talent she was to utilize her entire life. One of the items from Helen's estate was a large cast iron bell that belonged to Helen's grandparents. It was said to have been a dinner bell, rang when the farm help was called up to the main house for dinner. A reminder of a different time and place. The "help" was black- but were considered part of the "family" certainly not "slaves." We can learn more of this time-frame from correspondence with a member of Helen's family. This paraphrased infomation in regard to the Varner Family History is as follows:

"Helen's grandparents were Octavia and Nimrod Morrison, they lived on Crooked Run in Sardis, just outside of Clarksburg on a farm. Nimrod's father David Morrison, came over the mountains from the Prince William County of Virginia. They brought with them some slaves, the people in Clarksburg had never seen black people before. They had a log cabin in back of a house where the slaves lived and my grandmother was born in a little white house in 1881, built in front. Later, they built a bigger farm house in 1894, and it remains today. In fact, all of the houses are still there, but the log house is in the worst shape. The back of it is gone and the last time we were out there it was full of hay. Helen's family was not well to do. Many times, my grandfather who was a Doctor, was paid with a sack of potatoes or a box of candy. He was the kind of Doctor we all dream of, who went out in the country to help the sick. Helen's parents had a 3-bedroom-house with one bathroom. There was a parlor, kitchen, and living room. After my grandfather died after an illness of nearly 2 years, in order to survive the remaining family lived in the attic, and my grandmother, (Maude), rented out the lower rooms to strangers. The house resided just on the edge of town, back then there were no motels."

Helen's childhood, from a newspaper profile article: "I learned to drive when I was 8 years old. The roads were so bad my father had to keep two Model T's to use for his doctor house calls. One to use, the other being repaired in the shop. I would go out on calls with him, and drive him from house to farm. I learned very quickly to maneuver through the muddy hills of West Virginia, and extract the car from the mud holes. Later in Sedona, with the unimproved roads, it was nary a problem for me, and never have I wrecked an automobile," as related by Helen Frye in the 1974.

To the left, Helen Vanderbilt in about 1936, in front of her Clarksburg home, to the right about 1933-35.

One must assume that Helen wanted to escape this lovely but sedate environment, for more glamorous vistas, as in time, her life path lead her to the playgrounds of the rich and famous. Being a doctor's daughter, Helen was considered by society as somewhat privileged and this background gave her the edge she needed to become a lady and travel the world. At the time of her maturity, she dated a daring young pilot named Tommy Smith. His father was a lawyer and Helen's a doctor, so naturally they seemed well-suited for each other. Their mothers as well, were best friends. In this day and age aeroplanes were the rage and whenever one would land anywhere, people from all over would come to oogle and beg for rides. Smith was quite the aviation celebrity but obviously not as much so as Howard Hughes or Jack Frye. In 1939 Tommy attempted a record seeking pan-Atlantic flight from Old Orchard Beach Maine, with planned stops at London, England, North Africa, West Africa, Brazil, Columbia, Mexico and lastly New York. Tragically though, he never made it and disappeared, his plane not found until 1941, near Burgeo, Newfoundland. To read about this amazing mystery- Check out this in-depth Website. Following is an article about the famous disappearance: Sunday Gazette-Mail, by Greg Stone- "The handsome Smith had an affair with Helen Varner, a hometown flame. She later became the wife of Cornelius Vanderbilt Jr., and Jack Frye, president of TWA Airlines. Jimmy and Helen not only dated in Clarksburg, but also dated for a time in California where they had both moved. "They looked great together," said David Houchin a genealogist historian for the Clarksburg Harrison Public Library, "they were lively folk and typify people who threw off the braces and did what they wanted to during that time." Houchin said he isn't sure how Helen, a bohemian type and Vanderbilt later met. "Tommy Smith's father was an attorney. They were both children of the professional class in the 1920's when the lid blew off in the USA, and they showed it." Varner never got over the loss of Smith, according to Mosher. She wailed so much about his disappearance, that her TWA Chief husband Jack Frye, and associate Howard Hughes helped start the search for the plane." I have never been able to verify the latter story regarding Hughes and Frye.

Sometime after Helen completed high school in about 1927, Helen Varner went away to the Art Institute of Chicago for 1 year. During this time period, Helen fell in love, or was already married to a fellow class mate, "Andy" Anderson, a West Virginia Wesleyan College athlete. During this marriage he was employed as a coach at high school near Clarksburg. Helen was then 22, the year was 1930. Information has not been forth-coming on this man. They were married it appears in Clarksburg, West Virginia. It has been said by someone that knew Helen intimately in Sedona, that Andy was the "first" millionaire that Helen married, likely the man was confusing Andy with Tommy Smith, (who did come from a wealthy family.) The marriage perhaps hastily entered into, was a disaster, as they were ill suited for each other. According to Helen as quoted in a newspaper, "the union lasted a mere 7 months." It is interesting to note however, that Helen's brother-in-law, (Marie's husband,) said the marriage lasted 2 years? Perhaps they only lived together for 7 months. The dates are hard to pin down, but the two year window makes more sense, as a magazine article listed below states Helen and Noah were divorced in 1932. In those days Reno was where everyone went for a quick no fuss divorce and Helen decided to take advantage of this simplicity. This divorce trip, was an event that changed Helen's life forever!

The most circulated version of this tale goes as follows: In 1931-32 Helen boarded a train and headed out west to the god-forsaken locale of Reno. On the way, the train stopped in Albuquerque around breakfast time, Helen left the train to dine and enjoy some fresh air on the platform before reboarding. She noticed two men nearby watching her, one of the gentlemen happened to be Cornelius Neil Vanderbilt Jr., the IV. When he saw Helen who was a ravishing beauty, he changed his ticket and immediately started west instead of east on "her" train. He felt he just had to know this beautiful young lady! After the train steamed out of the station Helen settled into the club car to write some letters unaware of this handsome stranger whom had taken an interest in her. He came into the club car and asked if he could sit down, they introduced themselves and visited as the train continued out west. Later the train broke down at which point they left the train for a walk and picked wildflowers, while it was being repaired. Finally the train restarted and they continued on their journey. (Vanderbilt was quoted as saying he met Helen in October of 1931.) It is assumed that because of Helen's previous disastrous marriage and divorce, that this is why she never went back to Chicago to finish her schooling. After Helen's divorce she spent time in Los Angeles, Clarksburg, and Albuquerque. It was in Los Angeles that Tommy Smith also ended up, to further his flying career. The Southern California stunt flying circuit was a tight knit group back then. It is not known whether Tommy Smith was flying with the same group that Jack Frye had grown close to since his arrival in California. However, it seems Jack Frye knew Tommy Smith during this period. Jack was no longer doing stunts, as he was now the vice president of the fledgling new company Transcontinental and Western Air. Helen and Tommy continued to socialize closely in Los Angeles during this period, and dated for a time as well. Meanwhile Helen traveled extensively throughout Europe, and in between continued to date Cornelius Vanderbilt, the IV (Cornelius Vanderbilt Jr.) After three years Cornelius asked Helen to marry him. The date of the marriage was January 4, 1935. Cornelius was 37, Helen was 26 years old. Click here to see the photo of Helen that ran on front pages all over the country in 1935 with article, "Honeymoons with Vanderbilt."

Noah Anderson

Two photos of Helen Varner's first husband,
Noah "Andy" Anderson. Giving quite the appearance of a "scrapper." Little is known about this atheletic looking young man.

From a small town West Virginia girl

to Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt, Jr.

Of course, Cornelius was a direct descendant and great-great-grandson of the famous "Commodore" Cornelius Vanderbilt founder of the decadently wealthy Vanderbilt empire. He was also a well-known author, newspaper publisher, and at one time Hollywood producer of at least one completed movie. Helen and Neil, or "Corny" as she jokingly called him, had a summer villa at Lake Arrowhead, California. Here they resided for part of the marriage. This was an enclave for movie stars, as well as the rich and famous of the '20's, '30's and '40's. The rest of their time was divided between Palm Springs, Beverly Hills, New York City, and the Reno, Vanderbilt, Lazy Me Ranch, see article by Cornelius below.
The ranch near Reno had an association with the famous novel which Cornelius wrote called "RENO." Written in 1927 or 1929, Vanderbilt tackled the subject of Nevada divorces and put Reno on the map. Reno was then becoming the "divorce capitol" of the United States. Today this honor is likely held by Vegas. Cornelius' ranch was the Lazy Me Ranch, off South Virginia Road. This dude-like-ranch was one of the local infamous ones which offered "lodging packages" for Reno divorce seekers. With a fee of $795.00 a week. All this is reminiscent of the famous 1939 movie, "The Women," starring Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford, Rosalind Russell, and Marjorie Main. The similarity is certainly no accident. Of course, the Vanderbilt Lazy Me was just one of several famous spa-like ranches of that time period of which the movie capitalized on. Makes one wonder how comfortable the discreet Lazy Me guests were in light of the fact that Vanderbilt liked to write about celebrities in a Truman Capote-like manner in his tell-all books. Perhaps his own special guests were offered immunity from his poisonous pen, unlike his high society peers? Later in the Vanderbilt marriage Helen kept a residence at 250 Monterey Road in South Pasadena, California. From there she was able to socialize easily in Hollywood and Los Angeles.

Press Catches Up With The Vanderbilts

at the landmark Shoreham Hotel

Vanderbilt Jr. and Bride here

Author and Wife of Two Months at Shoreham During Brief Visit March 5, 1935

Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt, Jr., who are at the Shoreham for a brief visit, will leave today to continue a lecture tour during which they have been to 90 cities since their marriage two months ago.

Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt will reach Hollywood, Calif., in a few weeks, where the former will assist in the production of his latest book, "Farewell to Fifth Avenue." Mr. Vanderbilt's "A Woman In Washington," is being filmed and is in the third week of production.

Mrs. Vanderbilt, the former Miss Helen Varner of Clarksburg, W.Va., is an illustrator of note.

Mr. and Mrs.Cornelius Vanderbilt- portrait- likely New York City- '36

Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt, Jr. who divvy their time from California to Nevada to New York are now pleasantly vacationing at the Grand Hotel in Santa Monica. Between dips in the ocean and a bit of sun-tanning, the Vanderbilts have been extensively entertained.

Above- Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt at the Mirador Hotel at Palm Springs, CA. 1935

The Vanderbilts in
Hollywood

The image to the right shows the Vanderbilts in Hollywood on a movie set, date is about 1932-1936? 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, Mildred Varner Mettenberger, actor- Paul Muni, Marie Varner, movie star- Ann Dvorak, Maude Varner, last name (one word) is not legible.

A European Honeymoon- 1935

Few images exist of Neil and Helen's travels. However, below are displayed some photographic treasures from their honeymoon across Europe and the Far East.

Post Card from Vanderbilt to Helen's mother below-

Das Matterhorn

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

Mrs. Helen Vanderbilt skiing in Switzerland, or Austria with her husband, Neil Vanderbilt

Few people are aware that Neil and Helen were close companions for 3 years before they finally married. Unfortunately, as 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 which they likely considered "a commoner." However- saddled with a son that was married 7 times- after a while- they no doubt gave up on him.

Neil Vanderbilt with his wife Helen on a 1st Class passage to Europe. If you click on the image for the larger file you can see Neil is holding Helen's purse while she snaps the photo. He is also holding another camera and several newspapers under his arm.

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 lived at one time and met her dear friend, Garnett Gardiner Stackelberg see this page.

Above is a photo of Neil and a couple dignataries in front of the Daibutsu Budda, at Kamakura City- Nippon (1935?) The setting of this famous statue looks slightly different today which made this it 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.)

A dog named "Sonja"

One day in about 1936 or 1937, Helen Vanderbilt and a girlfriend were walking down 5th Avenue in New York City after a day of shopping. Helen's attention was diverted to a rough looking group of characters in an alley. The men were taunting and yelling at a cowering German Shepherd. One man picked up a stick and started wailing on the dog. Helen, observing all this had seen quite enough! With out an ounce of fear this smartly dress society woman turned on her heal and walked across the street to the alley. Once there she gave a stern look to the men, at which one immediately dropped the whimpering dog's worn rope. Helen then commanded the dog, "Come Over Here!" The dog walked over to Helen's side and laid it's nuzzle on her out stretched hand. To the shock and surprise of the hoodlums, Helen walked away with the dog at her side, never once looking back. When Helen reached her friend on the other side of the street, her friend was flabbergasted! "My Lord, I can't believe you did that, those nasty men might have attacked you," she exclaimed! To which Helen replied, "I can't stand to see anyone abuse an animal, I did what had to be done!" From that point on the grateful dog which Helen named Sonja, accompanied her everywhere, offering her the most loyal companionship and protection.

Helen Vanderbilt Frye and Sonja- a Portrait

A posed Helen Frye with makeup, laying on a red rock adjoining Oak Creek @ the Frye Ranch in Sedona. Next to her is Sonja, the rescued police dog, and a tossed aside swimming cap. This photo was likely taken by Jack because of it's exceptional quality. Jack was a professional photographer.
The year was about 1943.

Later when Helen was married to Jack Frye, they moved from Kansas City to Washington D.C. and took up residence in the 30 room Doubleday Mansion, or Hillcrest Farm as the Frye's called it. At the mansion, Jack never allowed Sonja upstairs- reasons unknown, but Helen and the household staff respected this. However, one morning in the wee hours the phone rang. Helen awoke sleepily as Jack reached for the receiver, she watched the color drain out of Jack's face and immediately knew what the call was about. After an exchange of soft words the receiver was replaced and Jack sat on the edge of the bed, his head in his hands. Before Helen had a chance to comfort him, she heard the sound of Sonja walking up the stairs of the mansion and into the darkened room. Purposely, the dog went directly to Jack and laid her head in his lap. At that moment, Jack's broad shoulders relaxed as he pulled Sonja into his arms and held her. The dog had sensed a tragic loss of life and immediately went to her master's side to offer comfort. Jack held Sonja for some time as Helen watched mistily. On the shoulders of this giant of a man, rested the safety of every single passenger and crew member who flew on TWA equipment- a burden not always easy to bare. From that point on Sonja was always allowed upstairs at the mansion, and proudly sat between Jack and Helen on their private Lockheeds. Whenever Jack would pilot TWA airliners, Sonja would sit beside him in the cockpit. Sonja had a long life for a large dog and passed away in the late 1940's at the Sedona House of Apache Fires.

Press photos- Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt Jr., in front of the Bernalillo County Court House, Albuquerque, N.M.
January 4, 1935.

The postcards above show the prestigious El Mirador Hotel in the 1930's, around the time Helen and Cornelius honeymooned there. It was the place for celebrities and movie stars to relax and enjoy the beautiful Palm Springs environment.

Not your average American "In-Laws"

Because Helen's husband Cornelius Vanderbilt Jr. was so close to his sister and parents, it is likely Helen found herself spending time at her in-law's Newport R.I. estate called "Beaulieu." This was considered just a "summer cottage" by her Vanderbilt in-laws and quite modest by Vanderbilt standards. When Cornelius and Helen visited New York City, they stayed at least part of the time with his parents. Their historic Vanderbilt home at 640 Fifth Avenue is where Cornelius grew up. One of the last surviving Vanderbilt mansions, it was an imposing three story brownstone, on Vanderbilt Row. I have not yet located a picture of it. The home now has been torn down, and a office building has taken its place. Beaulieu survives however, as shown to the left, as one of Newport's many fine historic summer cottages of the gilded past.

Cornelius (Neil) Vanderbilt Jr.,
seen to the left, just one month after his marriage to Helen. Likely this photo was taken while they were on their honeymoon. Please click on photo and articles to see the larger files.

A Grand Life!

Helen's father-in-law and mother-in-law, were Brigadier General Cornelius, (Neily) Vanderbilt, the III, and Grace Graham Wilson Vanderbilt, residing and entertaining at Six Forty Fifth Avenue, from 1914 to 1944, and later Grace at, 1048 Fifth Avenue. The mansion was inherited in 1914, and built in 1881 by the General's Great Grandfather, William H. Vanderbilt and was originally adjoined by another twin mansion which was razed in 1932. See this article. The Cornelius Vanderbilts were society's most respected and leading couples, not just in the United States, but around the world. Grace was considered the "Reigning Queen of New York Society" for most her life. When Cornelius first brought Helen home to meet his parents, his father the Brigadier General, took quite a shining to Helen. So much so that he soon presented her with a gift of a elaborate diamond encrusted watch. What a daunting family! Initially, Helen must have been terrified! Helen remained married to Cornelius Vanderbilt Jr. for 6 years. A dream at the time was to open a fashionable "hat" shop in Beverly Hills. This later became a realty shortly after her next marriage to Jack Frye. See this article. She designed many smart hats for friends and celebrities which she had become aquainted with in her Vanderbilt years. Helen retained an elaborate mirror from this Beverly Hills shop which she intended to incorporate into her later, Apache Fires House, in Sedona. Cornelius at one time, owned a home on Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills California, but it is not known if this was during this time period. With her marriage Helen became a part of the most glamorous scene in America- 1930's Hollywood! Cornelius and Helen enjoyed a whirlwind life, socializing with movie stars, the social elite, and the Vanderbilt family. Yet they still found time to travel extensively all over the world, although not always together. Some of the events were the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth on May 12, 1937, (King George replaced King Edward the VIII who abdicated the throne on December 11, 1936.) Later there was the wedding of Edward the VIII, and Wallis Simpson, in France, on June 3, 1937. Both events were by personal invitation. The Vanderbilt name was synonymous with royalty and attendance was practically required. It is not known how many of the events were attended by Helen and Cornelius or just Cornelius. They both enjoyed travel on the largest ocean liners of the day from New York City. Aside from travel all over Europe, Helen at least, traveled extensively in the Orient, a popular destination for the wealthy elite. This was an exotic and exquisite era to travel the world. Helen soon became the consummate "Vanderbilt wife," mastering the art of high society and refinement. Once Helen was heard to say she once trained for the Ziegfeld Follies during this time as well. What Helen meant by this is difficult to discern? Ziegfeld had already died by this time period, leaving behind a widow, "Wizard of Oz" actress Billie Burke. Movies and Broadway versions of the Follies were all that was being produced until about 1946. The Vanderbilt name was fodder for newspaper society columns and Cornelius and Helen were frequently featured.

The Vanderbilt Lazy Me Ranch @ Reno

My 'Own' Dude Ranch

By Cornelius Vanderbilt, Jr. (written in the mid-1960's)

The rugged dude ranch of a half century ago is now a thing of the past, replaced by posh ranch resorts and deluxe guest ranches. No longer are American vacationers to the Western states satisfied with rough shacks, cots to sleep on, and slovenly cowhands. Today they demand beautifully decorated bedrooms with private tiled baths and showers, gourmet meals, and handsome well-groomed wranglers.

Back in the twenties I owned and ran one of those now extinct dude ranches. Soon after I moved into Nevada, in 1926, another man and I started a guest ranch in a canyon 3 miles from the shores of Pyramid Lake, 45 miles northeast of Reno.

We took over a cattle ranch a few miles farther up the canyon which called itself then the TH Ranch, and we went into a partnership arrangement with Neill West, the owner to operate the guest or dude end of his business. Neill West was one of the earliest dude ranchers in this part of the country. He had built ten small wooden cabins with outside bathing and toilet facilities not far from the main house, where we ate two meals a day (breakfast and dinner). The guests paid Mr. West $35 a week to live in these quarters, and the fee covered two meals�breakfast and dinner�and the daily use of a horse, which they curried themselves.

In those days, it took six weeks to secure a divorce in Nevada, and so the Wests made a good living out of the dudes who lived there. Then I had my Lazy Me spread just south of Reno. I dressed it up in typical public relations fashion. Our competitors were many, and they advertised all over the country. But I advertised in only two publications Town Topics in New York and The Beverly Hills Script, both catering to snob appeal.

In those days, cross-country flying was just beginning to be known. Most people who used the plane came aboard the two passenger mail planes which had just begun flying from coast to coast, making the trip in three or four days. A few came in private planes of their own. I was in Reno when young Lindbergh arrived on a barnstorming tour some weeks after his successful Atlantic solo flight. Even in Reno he was looked upon as some sort of a freak - this young �lone eagle� as he was then called.

Amelia Earhart visited Reno soon after, and we offered her accommodations at the Lazy me, where she stayed during her visit. Her stay, incidentally brought us great acclaim also. So I decided to invite some of my Hollywood friends, such as Douglas Fairbanks, Sr., Charlie Chaplin, Will Roger, Tom Mix, Gary Cooper, and Clark Gable, to visit us. We gave them free accommodations for one week, and we put on our rodeos which they attended and at which many of them performed.

I remember one Sunday afternoon, with several hundred guests present, our local wranglers sneering at Will Rogers, Tom Mix, and Gary Cooper, whom they deprecatingly called "drugstore cowboys� Every now and then some of my wranglers would leap onto the steers' backs while others would rope them to the ground. This rather excited Tom Mix, who was a tall, tough hombre, and he went out on the porch front of the bunkhouse. Noticing him up there in his chaps and other cowboy regalia, the wranglers began to jeer. But a few moments later, when he leaped off the porch onto the back of a steer and brought it to the ground, twisting the horns with his own two bare hands, the jeers turned to cheers. He was followed almost immediately by Will Rogers and Gary Cooper. These boys put on such a show as had never been seen in the Reno area before or possibly ever since.

We used to dress up a couple of wranglers in ten-gallon hats and put them on the box of the Rolls-Royce and Packard town cars we bought each year at the sale of old White House cars used yearly by Presidents of the United States in Washington, D.C. We had these cars meet the trains every day at the Southern Pacific Railroad Station, and later, when people began to fly in the old eight and ten-passenger planes, they met them at the old airport. The other dude ranches in the neighborhood soon followed suit. The The Monte Cristo went us one better and drew up in an old stagecoach in front of the Pullman entrance of the Southern Pacific depot. In this way we both secured a goodly share of the dude ranch trade.

After awhile, the results from this form of advertising began to peter out, so I devised a new scheme, which became known as the �package ranch divorce.� For $795, we gave anyone who came to the Lazy me Guest Ranch six weeks� room and board, a horse to ride, a trip to Reno twice a week in the station wagon, a free package of cigarettes per denim, a free bottle of any liquor they asked for, once a week. The plan was immediately publicized in the newspapers with the result that we were flooded with reservation requests from all over the country. So popular became the Lazy Me Ranch that we were forced to build twenty double tent cottages, enlarge our main house, and build much larger dining room and kitchen facilities.

This gave us accommodations for about fifty to sixty guests, and our income, of course shot up commensurately. Also we were doing a land-office business with the lawyers of our own choice, providing the guests had �open-and-shut� cases and did not require further legal services. Other dud ranchers became very jealous of our success and a hue and cry arose, so much so that the Bar Association in Reno forced us to withdraw our plan. But we had already received world-wide publicity. At the height of our popularity we had as many as 76 guests for every three-month period.

What happened to the Lazy Me is now a part of the history of dude ranching in the West. One day my ranch foreman came to tell me that our water supply from one of the ponds we used above the ranch in the high Sierras was mighty near exhaustion. He figured at the best, unless we received some rain, we would not last much more than ninety days. Meanwhile, I had signed a contract to go to Europe on a series of newspaper interviews. While I was over there I received a cable from my Reno attorney advising me he had received a phenomenal offer for the ranch and all its property. We took it, and that was the end of my Lazy Me Guest Ranch operation.

Rumors of an Unhappy Union?

News articles allude to something quite mysterious. Obviously something monumental occurred which almost caused Helen to leave Cornelius at the onset of the marriage, within just 7 to 11 months. One might think the situation occurred at Vanderbilt Reno ranch, "The Lazy ME." Perhaps Helen found out something or was told something by Cornelius? But after three years of research, I have found a more likely "smoking gun" in a very telling newspaper article from Hollywood, February 23, 1940. Helen is quoted in an interview mentioning some mystery event that happened in 1935, at the Vanderbilt Lake Arrowhead home. Please see article here. I will add more information as I can piece it all together. Helen and Cornelius worked out the dilemma, it appears and decided to stay married, perhaps uneasily so. If the rumor-mill is to be believed, Helen caught him with another woman. As well, spending your honeymoon at a dismal divorce ranch couldn't have encouraged marital bliss either. Not a very romantic place- when all your celebrity guests are waiting for a divorce, and you, just newly married yourself. I think this all has to do with two people- very good friends for three years who thought marriage was the next logical step. Cornelius, smitten by Helen's beauty and charm, and Helen, well- perhaps, a bit out of her league. As is typical in the high life of the elite, Vanderbilt it appears just wasn't the personification of the husband Helen desired. By 1937, they were known to be officially separated. Cornelius and Helen continued there lives, companions of sorts often independent of each other's circles. They both traveled to Europe amid fanfare and media attention, but not together. In front of the press and the world they were a happy carefree well-connected couple. Quite a common arrangement in marriages among the social elite where couples aren't so "close" at home, but in public, appearances are "well-maintained." When Cornelius and Helen were divorced their decree was sealed. At the Washoe County court house in Reno Nevada I inquired about viewing these records. I had hoped that maybe the records were only sealed for a set time period. The clerk informed me that these particular records are sealed forever. They can only be accessed by the parties involved. So unfortunately, this is a dead-end, no information will be gleaned from these legal documents. It is not unheard of but rather unusual, that a divorce decree would be sealed forever. I have been told by council that it is not an easy request to accomplish. Families like the Vanderbilts may have commonly practiced this anomaly, however, it appears there may have been something else afoot. Is it possible that Helen was not to disclose certain information about their marriage to the press in exchange for a certain settlement? It is known that Cornelius was quite a womanizer.

Left- press photo of Mrs. Vanderbilt which ran with a story of her separation with Neil. Right- Helen Vanderbilt at Indian Springs, NV., visiting her sister Mildred, who was awaiting a divorce ('37 or '38.)

Meanwhile, Helen was acquainted with Jack Frye by 1938, and they were seeing each other freequently, and were seen together often, according to media archives. Eventually, it was Frye and the attorney he retained which finalized Helen's divorce. Of course Helen would have divorced Vanderbilt a lot sooner, if the file servors could ever catch up with him to serve the papers. We will likely never know the details of the divorce. The trail of information about this marriage is limited, Helen and Cornelius took much of their memories and experiences in regard to each other to their graves. However, Helen did write a book about her experiences called appropriately: "The Third Wife." In the book, she spelled out her experiences with this particular Vanderbilt, quite frankly and unflatteringly. However, right before it was published, Jack Frye talked her out of it. The reason? Hardly a mystery, he likely felt the book would stir up too much controversy and pain for Helen, and certainly would not be good publicity for TWA. And let's not forget the well circulated story about Cornelius locking Helen up in the tower room of a Vanderbilt mansion, keeping her prisoner after the news, she desired to leave him. Please see the shocking story here. Ahh, Cornelius... not marriage material to be sure. And the stories his 6 wives told? Tales that rival any of his scandalous novels. Later, Helen at the end of her life told her friends that she had destroyed the manuscript. But rumors persist a secret copy may still be out there. Likely we will never know the truth about their lives. One story that may have been in the book and likely had something to do with the divorce papers being sealed are as follows: Helen was in Reno with her sister in 1937 who was obtaining a divorce. It is said about this particular Vanderbilt that he tried to leave his ex-wives with as little money as possible. Helen was at a Reno hotel with her sister, when all the sudden Helen heard her name being called by a Porter, "Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt Jr., please come to the front desk." Before Helen could even respond, she noticed a woman walking briskly up to the desk, proudly identifying herself as Mrs. Vanderbilt, (obviously a mysterious "new" Mrs. Vanderbilt, since Cornelius was still married!) Helen couldn't believe her eyes, after some inquiries she learned Cornelius unbelievably, did indeed brazenly re-marry. Always a very shrewd and intelligent woman, Helen sent Cornelius a telegram. In the telegram she said, "Funny thing, Darling, there just happens to be two of your wives in the same hotel at the same time." The monetary settlement Cornelius had promised her- yet never sent- all the sudden was wired to Helen, with apologies! Mental note: When marrying new wife, divorce old wife first or it could cost you a bundle! Helen's divorce eventually was finalized in December of 1940. Cornelius, a victim of his cold sterile upbringing, attempted matrimony with 6 different women.

A favorite aunt and mentor-

Helen and Gertrude Vanderbilt

a.k.a. Mrs. Harry Payne Whitney

Helen's father in-law, Cornelius Vanderbilt III Brigadier General 1873-1942, was the brother of the famous Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney (1875-1942). To see where Gertrude and Cornelius III grew up please click here. Gertrude is a unique lady I have admired and idolized for years. She is responsible for sponsoring art in New York City to include the world famous Whitney Museum of American Art. She, with her position and influence, brought contemporary art to a much wider acceptance. Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney was Helen's aunt, by marriage. Helen admired Gertrude Whitney and very well may have initiated her own life-long interest in the arts, using Gertrude for inspiration. Helen was instrumental, along with others, in the founding of the Sedona Arts Center. She encouraged and sponsored local artists, and even utilized the House of Apache Fires as an art center. Helen herself was an fashion designer, writer, magazine illustrator, and portrait painter. Another brother of Gertrude and Brigadier General Cornelius Vanderbilt was Reginald Vanderbilt, Gloria Vanderbilt's father. Gertrude, 871 Fifth Avenue, is the same society matron that fought the court battle in 1934, for custody of the child, Gloria Vanderbilt, born in 1924, in order to provide her brother's daughter a more suitable home. Reginald died in 1925. By the time Reginald had passed on, he had gone through 15 million dollars. Thankfully, he had the foresight to leave little Gloria a 4-million-dollar trust fund. This tale is now an American Legend. However, Gertrude was hardly interested in little Gloria's money. When Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney died in 1942, she left an estate of an estimated 78 million, making her one of the richest women of her era. Helen Varner Vanderbilt and Gertrude actually had a lot in common. They both loved the arts and were both somewhat bohemians. It is assured that Helen knew Gertrude well, as her and Cornelius were often guests at Gertrude's Wheatley Hills Estate. This is the same estate where little Gloria spent much time riding horses and enjoying the countryside after her Aunt Gertrude obtained custody of her. Helen's husband's grandparents, Cornelius II and Alice Gwynne Claypoole Vanderbilt built the famous estate and now historic American treasure in Newport R.I., called "the Breakers." Later, after both died, this mansion was to go to Gertrude's youngest sister Gladys in 1934. Cornelius Vanderbilt II left an estate of 70 Million dollars. The Breakers is now a national historic landmark. The grandparents also lived in New York City at the decadent Vanderbilt mansion on 1 West Fifty-seventh Street. In 1924, Mrs. Alice Gwynne Claypoole Vanderbilt purchased a 50 room limestone mansion at 1 East Sixty-seventh Street where she lived until she died. Cornelius Vanderbilt II was the brother of George Washington Vanderbilt, who built the famous "Biltmore Estate" in Asheville, N.C. His other brother William Kissam Vanderbilt built the famous "Marble House" in Newport. Another famous and unique individual is the famous CNN news anchor Anderson Cooper. He is certainly one of my favorite news commentators and is the son of 'little' Gloria Vanderbilt Cooper. His great aunt was Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney- lucky guy!

Vanderbilt Lineage-
as associated with this webpage

the "Commodore," Cornelius Vanderbilt- (fortune of more than 105 million dollars.)
Son: William Henry Vanderbilt, married Maria Louisa Kissam.
Their son was Cornelius Vanderbilt II.
Cornelius Vanderbilt II married: Alice Claypoole Gwynne Vanderbilt
(died respectively 9-13-1899, 4-22-1934.)
The Vanderbilt the II, children:
1) Gertrude (Mrs. Harry Payne Whitney)
2) Alfred Gwynne (died on the Lusitania Ocean Liner, 1915)
3) Reginald Claypoole: (whose 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) later known as the Brigadier General, married Grace Graham Wilson,
Their children were: Cornelius Neil Jr., IV, (Neil, Neely), and Grace Davis Stevens,
(Cornelius Vanderbilt Jr. married to Helen Varner among many others.)

Stunningly beautiful, Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt modeled for Pond's Cold Cream, resulting in this ad which was published in several famous magazines. This version was from December 1935. Helen continued to represent Pond's until the late 1940's. For more background information please see Eternal Girlfriends.

Walter Winchell Column
Man About Town
New York City
February 26, 1940

"Henry Gassaway Davis, who married two Vanderbilts, (Grace and Consuelo, and the latter is re-noticing him now) may wed another Vanderbilt when Helen Varner frees
C. Vanderbilt, Jr., shortly!"

Helen Varner Vanderbilt, to left,
fall of 1937, Death Valley, California,
Rosie Armijo Collection. To the right, Helen is shown in a Vanderbilt press photo.

The Sedona Legend Website is a compilation of copyrighted original work and historic materials presented for educational and entertainment purposes. The historic publicity materials displayed do not generate income or profit. These historic materials are not considered my copyrighted original materials. These materials are displayed in regard to the United States �Fair Use Act.� I am happy to consider the removal of any material on this website which may hold a copyright.
Please notify me by E-Mail for any questions.

This page is one of a three part series. The first section as seen above is called- The Vanderbilt Years- "Her Story," the second is called- "The Vanderbilts in the Press." The third appears as- "Cornelius Vanderbilt's Beautiful Bride!"

Associated Press Photo of the Vanderbilts on honeymoon- 1935. One source states location was a hotel in New York City, but may have been in Europe.

Thank you for visiting

Sedona Legend Helen Frye