The Tragic Story of Evelyn Nesbit and the Murder of Stanford White

Redeem your Starter Set for just $3 when you go to harrys.com/kazrowe
In the Edwardian Era, Evelyn Nesbit was the first "It" girl, and a famous Gibson Girl model. But her beauty made her a target for two powerful men, leading to the jealous murder of one of NYC's richest architects. Come learn with me about scandal, tragedy, the trial of the century.
Video of Evelyn performing in the 30s: • Evelyn Nesbit 1930's s...
Buy my graphic novel, Liberated: The Radical Art and Life of Claude Cahun: www.kazrowe.co...
shop.getty.edu...
Find me on Twitter: / kazrowe
I'm on TikTok @ kazrowe
Find me on IG: / kaz.rowe
Buy my comics: gumroad.com/ka...
Send me a ko-fi: ko-fi.com/A347K4X
Read my webcomic: www.cunningfir...
Catch it on Tapas: tapas.io/serie...
Line Webtoons: www.webtoons.c...
Filmed using:
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4k- www.blackmagic...
Blackmagic Video Assist 5” HDR - www.blackmagic...
Olympus M. Zuiko ED 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro- www.bhphotovid...
Samsung Portable SSD T5 - 2Tb- www.samsung.co...
Edited using DaVinci Resolve Studio 17 and the Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve Speed Editor: www.blackmagic...
www.blackmagic...
----------------------------------
Sources:
“The Murder of Stanford White” By Dr. Gerald Langford
“Photographing Stanford White, Evelyn Nesbit, undated” by Mina Turner from the Gertrude Käsebier Papers, University of Delaware udspace.udel.e...
“American Eve : Evelyn Nesbit, Stanford White, the birth of the "It" girl, and the crime of the century” By Paula M. Uruburu
“Trial of the Century: Jealous Millionaire Murders Famous Architect!” by Gena Philibert-Ortega blog.genealogy...
“The Trial of the Century- Legends and Landmarks” by Gerald F. Uelmen, 9 Crim. Def. 49 (1982) HeinOnline heinonline.org...
“Tragic Beauty: The Lost 1914 Memoirs of Evelyn Nesbit” edited by Deborah Paul
“Only One Stanford White House. Why? Chicago Should Have Had Dozens” By Megan McKinney classicchicago...
“Charles Dana Gibson letter to John White Alexander, 1906 July 14” Smithsonian Archives of American Art www.aaa.si.edu...
“The Splendor of Stanford White: The Great Landmarks of the Architect Who was Society's Darling at the Turn of the Century” and “He Saw Architecture as the Permanent Stage Set of an Age” by Arline Saarinen, LIFE Magazine September 16, 1966 books.google.c...

[@blunzn999]

The "everyone always thought it would be a father" line is so unsettling

[@radishfest]

Yeah, that was *haunting*. Everyone knew. And she had lost her father so early in her life. I can only imagine how she felt seeing that.

[@sydneyslaughter7163]

Very telling, as well. Yikes.

[@theviper1999uk]

This was horrible. Two childish, spoiled men abusing Evelyn and countless others without consequence, and a world that mythologised the very lies her abusers told themselves. Thank you Kaz, as always, for setting the record straight in such a human, truthful way...

[@sarahrobertson634]

These guys were terrible. Her mother putting her in harms way was even worse. This is what happens when women have no livelihood and no rights.

[@653j521]

@@sarahrobertson634 To be remembered when people say the past was a gentler, simpler, more innocent time.

[@sarahrobertson634]

@@653j521 Yeah, men have always been evil.

[@poppyonline4034]

@@sarahrobertson634In no way was her mother worse than the two pedophilic rapists

[@ultravioletpisces3666]

The world is full of men like this and… well a lot of them make movies :(

[@_cherry_soda_]

Poor Evelyn was victimized by so many around her, it’s terrible she had no one looking out for her. The way she describes her assaults were just heartbreaking. Sad that stuff like this still goes on.

[@mfuentes4961]

I am a simple woman. I see Kaz Rowe upload a new history video and I will drop everything (including office work) to watch it.

[@adrienne4399]

🤝 idk who these people are but I’m about to find out idc

[@phoebeprice7667]

Kaz’s story telling is unmatched

[@bihighandabouttodie]

Did the same exact thing when I saw the new video post lmao

[@humphrke]

Same

[@angelagunn7986]

This is the way.

[@RogueVideoRaven]

I’m an art history major and did a some research about Evelyn Nesbit some time ago so I would like to thank you for being so kind and fair with your portrayal of her.

[@carolynowens620]

Older wealthy powerful men preying on young women. Victim blaming. Nothing has changed. Thanks for another great video

[@missmelodies52]

While this type of narrative is unfortunately present today, the brave women who have spoken up have improved the way we view assault and abuse as a society.

[@DMovieman]

What's interesting is that Stanford White was featured on a few episodes of the HBO series "The Gilded Age," as the builder for the Russell family. They're basically a fictional take on the Vanderbilts. I'm REALLY intrigued to see if the show will explore Evelyn and this situation in a future season. It would be really compelling to watch the fallout from that scandal, and see its impact on society and various characters connected to both Evelyn and Stanford.

[@thedavidjwschmidt]

Except Stanny never designed for the Vanderbilts, Biltmore, Marble House, The Breakers and Alva's Fifth Aenue house were all designed by William Morris Hunt. White did design a very larg recreation complex for John Jacob Astor -the one who die on the Titanic - at his estate on the Hudson. I used to be a wedding venue - I think the Clinton's daughter was married there.

[@angelagunn7986]

I'm watching this video five feet from a photo-postcard of Miss Evelyn that sits on my bookshelf, as a reminder that no life is what it appears to be on the surface. Thank you so much for bringing her story into the light, and may her memory be for a blessing. (And it wasn't lost on me either that you're posting this on a day R. Kelly's victims are getting some measure of justice for more or less the same awfulness that everyone shrugged off re Stanford White. Never say we aren't making at least some progress.)

[@janepearce5382]

I have just seen another video on this lady today, having never heard of her before. A fascinating story. I'm glad that both you and the other channel chose to treat her story with respect, as you say it's a shame she was not shown any during her lifetime.

[@larsnyman2455]

Can you drop the other video here?

[@janepearce5382]

@@larsnyman2455kzbin.info/www/bejne/noWvqmSGj6mof6c it's not as in depth. But covers the case and Evelyn's life quite respectfully

[@dendroleon]

@@larsnyman2455 i'm guessing it's the recent, feature-length video essay on the channel Grave Explorations.

[@janepearce5382]

@@dendroleon yes I had never seen the channel before. A nice coincidence, that I was recommended it the same day as Kaz bought out her video.

[@evabliss7068]

Kaz! I have to get this off my chest whether you see it or not. Last week I landed on the wiki page of Evelyn Nesbit which took me down a hyperfixation rabbit hole researching the Victorian and Edwardian eras. At the same time, I was dogsitting so I had a lot of free time to sit around and and sew. I like to watch (moreso listen) to youtube videos while I sew, so I hopped on and one of your videos was recommended to me. I’ve done some rough math and in the week since then I’ve watched around 14 hours of your content, which is a bit embarrassing to admit, but it was just what I needed. You’re a phenomenal storyteller and I’m endlessly inspired by the topics you choose to present. And today you post a video about Evelyn! Just a nifty coincidence that I felt the need to share. :)

[@mikakestudios5891]

This poor woman. She's like Helen of Troy. Her beauty made into a curse.

[@ilseweldring2016]

Evelyn is such an inspirational person. It is amazing that she never grew bitter against all the people that used and abused her. She sounds like such a kind and lovely woman, that kept on trying to make the best out of all those horrible situations, time and time again!

[@Orochimaruswife1]

I love the Musical Ragtime, but i hated the way they treated Evelyn's character. She was a child exploited and the musical uses that as a joke. And the musical is wonderful otherwise, they had no excuse to do that

[@BelleFockler-jw6wo]

I just played Evelyn in Ragtime, and after learning what truly happened to her it really rubbed me the wrong way. Like, at least it helps to keep her name and memory alive, but honestly in the worst way possible :(

[@LexiePersonForever]

so she was groomed as a child, ppl blamed her grooming on her, sick. nice. love when we just don't consider age at all as a society sometimes. thank u for the video and doing her justice

[@alicethemad1613]

The funny thing is, I know who Evelyn is and what she looked like, but had no idea who the hell her abusers were. People remember her name and her pictures and her life and not theirs. She outlived them in every sense.

[@lamoinette23]

Stanford White though was one of the preeminent Architects of the time and though few of his buildings survive, in architecture circles he's still known. There are still a few of his homes and grand cottages designed by him for the newly wealthy families looking to secure status in the same way as old money families. He was a hugely talented architect, establishing a number of important styles in America. I feel sad that he was also a shit and an abuser of young women, but he did treat Evelyn kindly in a way that no one else did, and as she said, "Stanny was lucky, he died. And I lived." Though tragic, he was the only man she loved. My heart breaks for her being treated as a commodity by so many and especially as practically hardly older than a young child.

[@vs6584]

@@lamoinette23 Anecdotal but I think Evelyn is more well-known than White considering the Gibson Girl is almost synonymous with her and people know what she looked like as a result.

[@lamoinette23]

@@vs6584 Thank you, I most certainly knew the image of the Gibson girl but I did not know it was Evelyn, in fact I did not know her to be a real person at all until 2 weeks ago. Stanny introduced her to Gibson, who made her the quintessential Gibson Girl. I knew Stanford White from Historic Preservation classes, from the firm, McKim, Meade and White. Didn't know anything else about them until 2 weeks ago.

[@HolldollMcG]

I never mourn the death of a rapist or child abuser, but I did feel outrage and exasperation at the phrase "he ruined my wife" like FFS sake when will we finally stop evaluating women based on their virginity?

[@spameranne]

thanks again for another thoughtful deep dive into the thorny thicket of popular culture. I first encountered Evelyn's story as a kid from a cast recording of the musical "Ragtime," a depiction not far off from the horrible 1950s movie you mentioned. thank you for doing her better justice than she received in her day. you're doing amazing work, please keep it up!

[@justlittletalks4962]

OKAY OMG I was just visiting the Allegheny Observatory here in Pittsburgh and one of their telescopes is named after the Thaw family. Our tour guide related this same story and said that the Thaw family wanted to distract from the scandal/ make sure they weren't solely remembered for this incident. The Harry's siblings donated a bunch of their money to the observatory to preserve their family's legacy, thus we have the Thaw telescope. Thanks for the video, Kaz!

[@tirsden]

"This telescope is dedicated to the family of the man who abused a woman who had already been abused by another man, then murdered that first abuser and wondered why the world thought him a lunatic." - the plaque, or what it should be.

[@peyoteranchuk741]

Why, in this world of algorithmic life, does KZbin insist on continuing to notify me about my hated monarchy (when I have repeatedly flagged that I don't want to hear about it) but didn't tell me there was a new Kaz Rowe?

[@tab2920]

The choices I’ve made and the way I’ve acted when being with abusive men is so far out of my character, things I can’t even imagine myself doing now I wouldn’t blame her if she went insane and k worded them both

[@elipticalecliptic481]

was thinking this; wouldn't have blamed her at all if she was the one to shoot White after what he did

[@jdzencelowcz]

Thanks to folks like Kaz, we can shake hands with those no longer with us, & finally hear some old truth,

[@joshooahveeaygahs7651]

The costumes, the background, the thoroughness of the mysterious, exciting, but always fascinating subject matter! All A+++. The fact that it all is heavy on the LGBTQ themes is the cherry on top! So glad I stumbled onto your content!

[@BelleFockler-jw6wo]

I just had the opportunity of playing Evelyn in the musical “Ragtime,” and would just like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for telling her story. I have grown so fond of her through my exploration into her character, and feel so deeply for her tragic circumstances. So happy that videos like this keep the TRUE STORY of Miss Nesbit’s terrible circumstances and her memory alive. ❤️

[@scoutravenson3641]

Evalynn’s mother using her like that makes me think of the Reba McIntyre song “Fancy”.

[@PastelBat]

I noticed the stuffed Tutter mouse in the background and suddenly realized I missed a whole history point! I went back and caught up but I just had to shoutout one of my favorite little anxious blue characters. Excellent decor as usual! Also I want to shoutout how well I think you handled a series of delicate topics. It's strangely refreshing to hear someone not want to focus on the more intense details. Not only is there plenty of warning for anyone who needs it, but you're just sharing facts; it doesn't feel like your enjoying a gossip session. Thank you for your tact, I'm sure Evelyn appreciates it as well.

[@texmartinez220]

Oh my god yes! This was the case that got me into history when little. Her story was so sad. Thank you for bringing more light to it

[@lukegehring5305]

A couple of bits of trivia: McKim, Meed and White designed the original neoclassical part of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, the iron gate of the White estate is now outside of Mercyhurst College (Erie, PA), and in 2016 I did a painting of Evelyn Nesbit, adding her to my powerful/legendary women of history series.

[@mads9226]

This is a wonderful video. I recently worked on a production of Ragtime (the plot and message of which I have many many many problems with) and I’ve never liked the song “crime of the century”, about Evelyn’s role in Harry Thaw’s murder trial. She is painted as having a secret affair with Stanford white and being delighted with all the drama and attention she’s getting from the trial. One notable line is “Stanny’s killed but my mother’s thrilled, ‘cause now I’m the girl on the swing!” Never sat well with me. Thank you for making this video about the real girl behind the sensation (and the technician group chat from the show also likes it :D)

[@amyburcher863]

Your gallery wall is absolute goals. Want that victorian librarian look.

[@clownfromclowntown]

All of the people who have seen ragtime the musical are READY for this moment

[@basementdwellercosplay]

Bet they weren't ready to see Kaz doesn't like it

[@SkimbleShanks9]

and now i’m the girl on a swing!!!

[@jeremysworld3061]

Watch the video before you comment 😬

[@SkimbleShanks9]

@@jeremysworld3061 lol Kaz only says they don’t like the movie musical, not ragtime. but 😬 away

[@apeiceofgarbage9848]

"Everyone thought it would have been a Father." Fucking terrifying I was coughing from being so caught off guard

[@criminallyautistic8372]

There were times in this video where I could you were having an emotionally hard time retelling Evelyn's story. I don't blame you. Poor girl.

[@wiebke3241]

Partially because I do love the way your handling certain topics and partially because you're just covering interesting cases of themes - I do love your videos.

[@elishavarga4200]

i saw a production of "ragtime" and in the program the bio for the woman playing evelyn said something along the lines of "[the actress] wishes that you remember evelyn as a talented woman who suffered terrible abuse from the men in her life, not as the misrepresentation of her portrayed in this show." a small gesture, but a good one, i think

[@AuntBA]

Hey! Super late to the party but I LOVED this video! I read Ragtime in college and thoroughly enjoyed the discussion it stirred up in our class. Your historical synopsis was brilliant and added even more context to a subject I forgot I loved so much! Thank you 😊

[@petejones879]

A well voiced documentary.. Explaining Evelyn's side for a change.. Nice one Kaz.

[@euansmith3699]

This is a tragic tale well told.

[@melissamartin3881]

This fit!!! Aaah, what a look! I'm positively gagging.

[@melissamartin3881]

I mean, a velvet vest?! THE POMIGRANATE PINS?! And a striped button up to bring it all together?! WITH THE PUFF SLEEVES?!

[@shawnhopkins2852]

I always enjoy your video essays. Even through the disgust you have with some of the actual material, you can see the passion you have for the subject matter. Thank you and keep up the good work

[@laniyates5732]

You had details I had not heard before. I remember seeing a picture of thaw dinning in his cell tablecloth and formal table setting with food from Delmonico's. That always made me shudder. Well done!

[@Noise_floorxx]

This is legitimately one of the saddest stories that I have ever heard

[@lexiwexiwoo]

Evelyn truly deserved so much better. She had to suffer the brunt of condemnation from society that only cared about the court of public opinion. It was very obvious in the actual court that she had been seen as a pawn by the awful men she had been involved with. The public and press were vicious, attacking her character, despite her being a victim in her own right. She didn't deserve any of it; didn't deserve the treatment from White &/or Thaw, those in Evelyn's social circle, but especially the absolute vultures that worked as press. They're the ones who perpetuated the narrative of her being some sort of devil woman which caused the public to see her in that light as well. Just heartbreaking. It goes to show that there's some things that just don't change. Like the power of the press & the public's need for the details on public figures. Must just trying to ignore own woes.

[@bobbic9742]

This is a terribly soul crushing experience. I endured my older brother handing me nake dad and afraid . Thank you for the story of strength and courage. She is a story of so much courage much loved and sounded like

[@history_by_lamplight]

I considered covering this on my own channel, but not when your own video is so beautifully comprehensive! I'll be linking to yours if/when I mention the topic.

[@DameDarcy999]

And folks, this is what feminism is for. Is this story much different from all the modern day nightmare we hear from child stars who grew up in the movie industry now? Next on the menu: kids doing family channels on you tube now. Watch them sue all their parents in 15 years because is still no Coogan Law for them yet.

[@i_love_rescue_animals]

You produce really great videos! I can't imagine the time that goes into just one!! Very informative, very compassionate as well. ❤. Edited to add - poor Evelyn! What a tough life she had! 😔

[@darajeffus]

Wow. Wow. Just wow. I was in tears hearing her story. Love your channel so much! Thank you!

[@susansaoirse2797]

I've heard the Evelyn Nesbit story before, but never like this. I love your humanity.

[@anabotero9427]

I love your videos so much that I think I binge watched them all in several days! Super interested in seeing anything you create 💓

[@SuperNuclearUnicorn]

My lord you always absolutely kill the outfits you wear for your vids

[@kaitlynstallings2807]

I love your pomegranate tie Kaz! You always dress so perfect for these type of videos love your aesthetic & content (:

[@tremorsfan]

I see you have a copy of the book Ragtime behind you. That was turned into a Broadway musical with a song devoted to the trial of the century.

[@courtneyhicks2034]

That poor women , they are so many terrible people who lived in that past that I never knew of .

[@puppylove2363]

This could make a really good movie or Netflix show now.

[@franbrooks605]

The facility he was reminded to is pronounced Mat a Wan. Now Fishkill Correctional Facility. Lived in the area for about 20 years.

[@rroes7319]

"neglect and helicopter" is exactly how I decided my parents a few days ago. When I was young they were in college and working all the time so they didn't have time for us. I'm disabled, so I was (still am) coddled. Not there for when we needed emotional support but there to tell my siblings to do stuff for me even if I didn't need it.

[@SaintShion]

Kaz is showing men how to dress. Take notes.

[@CatBuchanan]

Evelyn was a beautiful teenager. As someone whose boyfriend's father bought a MINI SKIRT for at SIXTEEN ... I can somewhat relate. I was told through High School that I "should be a model" but I thought then that people were nuts ... I am a survivor of DV. I have been to the YWCA for assault therapy. I have gone through the humiliation of a SA exam and gone through prophylactic treatment to prevent STIs as a result. I have ****lived**** through a lot of what Evelyn lived through ....

[@Heothbremel]

What a wonderful person to focus on, what a sad life. I'll think of her when I see that drawing from now on... Cheers all!

[@MissCaraMint]

Well White sounds like a real creep.

[@matthewstoneback9]

You know I'd read the book, Ragtime and seen the film. And they both shared something in common. For all the cruelties and the tragedies and the terrible injustices done not only to poor Evelyn but also the unfortunate pianist, Colhouse Walker Jr., all through the proceedings, there was this terribly cold aloofness about it all. And the only one who really came out unscathed was that lunatic, Harry Thaw because of course, back then, as long as you were male, rich and white, you could get away with just about anything! Those may have have been simpler, times, but more innocent?....I strongly doubt it. There was just a lot more apathy and hypocrisy then what we have today. It's almost frightening really.😒

[@maryeckel9682]

There's a scene in The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton that describes a very clumsy, failed attempt at the entrapment of the heroine, which is eerily similar to Evelyn's assault by White, except it does fail. And Lily is the one whose reputation is wrecked.

[@karltrag]

kaz i love your outfit this video

[@alexist.9890]

I liked the “people who decide to shave” part :)

[@Efqqq32]

Is that Tuttermouse from bear in the big blue house behind you?! This is a great video, well researched and I like how respectful you were about Evelyn and didn't make her into a femme fatale. ❤️

[@KaraOfTheSea]

While I am listening to this, I just got off the bus and the bus stop is in front of the cemetery where Thaw is buried.

[@gaywizard2000]

I'm traumatized by the line "let's give this kitty a ride"!

[@ellasinquiries]

Fabulous video as always! I remember reading about her in Greg Jenner's book Dead Famous

[@furiousfemmeyazeth3362]

_Mayn_ this is a good video to watch, and I indeed watched it all the way through, but this is so incredibly painful & heart-breaking. Although our experiences aren't 1-to-1 equivalent comparisons, I cannot help but to empathize greatly with this strong individual. May she forever rest in peace.

[@LaurenElizabethxxxx]

She was so beautiful, it was terrible what she went through

[@curator3539]

i swear every new fact you stated had me audibly say "holy shit!"

[@giftofgab1791]

Sounds like Evelyn’s mom was an old timey Kris Jenner…

[@MissCaraMint]

Worse. Much worse I fear. Remember shelves fascilitating older men meeting with her 15 year old. That’s got some real suspect vibes right there.

[@DementedDistraction]

Wow, what timing - I just made a drawing inspired by Evelyn Nesbit and Lovecraft last week.

[@ChimerstryMaster]

I absolutely love your videos so here’s a comment to feed the algorithm! ❤️

[@janethayes5941]

Ooohhhh "Ragtime" is SUCH a great book. Highly recommend.👏👏👏

[@sarahwatts7152]

He had it coming, he had it coming, he only had himself to blame...

[@kelath5555]

Always a great look into history!

[@chaosdestructionlove]

I think its interesting and tragic how I'm noticing features of Evelyn's life that are common features in popular Korean romance fantasy comics. Ebony/Evony, The Stepmother's marchen, one ofvthe love interests in Beware of the villainess.., etc. I keep recalling so many series with features that surely must mean the author had at least heard second hand information about Evelyn's life and pain.

[@nanamiharuka3269]

Finally getting around to watch this video, such a sad story :,(

[@mgrzx3367]

Thank you. Have you done Louise Brooks? 🌸

[@appidydafoo]

Fascinating, thank you

[@ThomasTrain-lo2xh]

Time: 10:09 If You Haven't Already PLEASE DO A VIDEO ON FLORODORA. As the Icon it was in it's Day it Deserves to be Talked About as Much as Any Classic Musical...

[@marcoornah]

“A fun secret society outside of mainstream propriety” sounds like a song haha

[@emmarose7738]

This vid was great and I also just want to acknowledge we have the same edition of ragtime 😌

[@daphne8406]

These were two very sick men 😑

[@LostLifetimes]

I can't believe I never heard about this, just the Gibson Girl's general existence

[@rwbyafton6857]

I beg. Let this person have a TV show.

[@quantafreeze]

Thank you great video! So cool!

[@sobekmania]

Fun fact: Evelyn Nesbit was the model for Anne Shirley.

[@rhifunke6664]

Okay… so this story just proved to me that I have NO sense of time 😂 It hurt to wrap ky head around the fact this person was born in the 1800’s and died in the 60’s. Great story! … aside from the terrible and disgusting things men did to her.

[@blueeyedscorpio7]

I just came across her photo & found a couple videos on her life.

[@happyboygogo]

love your videos, any chance you'll be on Nebula any time soon?

[@daguard411]

Thanks.

[@Chris-fh3db]

In another world she married Drew Barrymore's ancestor, a lot of movies would be a lot shitter and her life wouldve been less traumatic. Sadly when John Barrymore was in her life White was already pulling strings. Barrymore wouldve been 3-4 years older than Nesbit and wouldve been the most appropriate partner and she mightve liked him. Its really crazy how these men literally played not only with her career, but her whole life and trajectory.

[@limonsoda]

As a forty-something, i really dont appreciate the quialification of "terribly old". And no, i dont think over forty is old at all :-D Apart from that, great video as usual.

[@littlemisspiggy3314]

This account sounds very like Tess of the Durbevilles.. heartbreaking

[@BB-dw3pp]

Can you make a video about alice's adventures in wonderland?

[@alicianelson1252]

A woman is victimized by a powerful man and society blames her for it nothings changed

[@gemstonesparkle7915]

Does anyone know any other film about this case? I think If people investigate maybe there's something between this obsession of Thaw over White 👀

[@melissacreamer8288]

Wow! I had no idea about the tragic life behind the Gibson girl. Thank you so much for putting it out here