The Last Great Lady

Campbell Soup heiress Dorrance “Dodo” Hamilton has enjoyed a life of wealth and glamour: a debutante coming-out splashed in the "New York Times", summers in Newport, and years as the face (and hat!) of the Main Line. In the waning days of Philly high society, we need “Mrs. H.” more than ever.
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By Amy Korman

After her reuben, Mrs. H. orders ­passion-fruit cheesecake for dessert. She points out where she’s considering constructing that new boutique hotel. Like Mrs. Astor, she’s all in favor of tasteful modernization. Not quite as restrained is an absolutely and absurdly huge chartered yacht docked at Forty 1˚ North today called the Aquasition, which at 147 feet is your basic floating hotel.

Docked right next to it is Mrs. H.’s boat, which appears a lot like her: quaint and delightful. It’s an old-fashioned little wood-sided cruiser, perfect for taking her grandchildren out for a spin. Or maybe double-parasailing.

 
 
Originally published in Philadelphia Magazine, November 2008

  • http://None elizabeth ready

    I have been with Campbell’s 32 years and have never lost the prestige, perfection of a lady like way, beautiful by example.. For love of those behind the scenes beautifully done and making a difference for others. Beth Ready 609-217-6996.

  • Rebecca Stetson

    I was in an awed state of warm rememberence when I came across this article about Dorrance Hamilton. I grew up in Newport, R.I, and attended Carey Elementary School (a hop,skip and a jump from Hamiltons Newport summer abode) in the mid 1980′s. At the time, my mother wa involved in a romantic relationship with her seasonal “care taker”. He lived in the servants quarters of her Newport mansion during off-season and watched over and maintained her home and property until she returned every summer. My mother and I both resided at Wildacre during this time and were lucky enough to experience this beautiful mansion and grounds first hand. It was absolutely amazing and grandoius, and the whole experience lingers in my dreams to this very day!

  • Rita

    My grandmother (English)was a servant on the estate for years. My grandfather was a chauffeur. Their day off was Wednesdays, which was when we saw them. My grandmother “retired” in the 1950s. What a life they both had.

  • w

    HER new hotel BLOCKED MY VIEW of the Water, and All that it had to offer……18 years. I’ve had that view !!!!!!!!!!!!!……….a purely SELFISH ACT !!!!!!!

  • Anonymous

    I ENJOYED READING THIS ARTICLE, IT’S SO NICE TO READ ABOUT DOWN TO EARTH WEALTH..I LOVED GOING TO AUNT ETHEL’S HOME WHEN I WAS YOUNG..I STILL CAN PICTURE MOST OF THE ROOMS AND REMEMBER RIDING TOYS ON THE TERRACE !! THIS ARTICLE BROUGHT BACK MANY CHILDHOOD MEMORIES !!