The Bradley-Martin costume ball
In France, you can visit Versailles, the magnificent palace built for king Louis XVI, and admire the intricate art and gold-covered ceilings. New York socialite Cornelia Bradley-Martin’s party attendees didn’t have to travel that far to admire the old palace.
In 1897, Bradley-Martin decided to recreate Versailles inside the Waldorf Hotel to boost the city’s economy after a recession. Wealthy guests arrived dressed like kings and queens, danced with swords, and tasted exquisite food. The event cost $9.7 million (in modern dollars).