Review of The wee wah beach club in tuxedo park
Posted: 20 Apr 2024, 03:52
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The wee wah beach club in tuxedo park" by Stuart J McGregor.]
‘The Wee Wah Beach Club in Tuxedo Park: An American Story of Social Change’ presents a tale of two cities. It meticulously traces the history of the Wee Wah Beach Club nestled within the opulent confines of Tuxedo Park. Originally christened as the ‘Tuxedo Community Club’ in 1936, it underwent a significant transformation in 1978, shedding its previous identity to stand out from the distinguished ‘Tuxedo Club.’ Led by dedicated volunteers and managed with admirable thriftiness, the club aimed to offer affordable recreational opportunities for residents of the Hamlet, adapting to evolving social landscapes with resilience.
Readers are transported back to the inception of Tuxedo Park, a vision crafted by Pierre Lorillard in 1885 as an exclusive retreat for the elite during the Gilded Age. The stark contrast between the affluent Tuxedo Park and the hardworking Hamlet residents is vividly illustrated through historical anecdotes, symbolized by the imposing main gate that signifies the enduring divide.
The author's personal connection to Tuxedo Park is rooted in familial ties dating back to the early 20th century. Grandparents who served as estate managers and head gardeners, parents deeply involved in Beach Club activities, and familial contributions to the club's development underscore the author's intimate understanding of the area's history. Joyous occasions like Fourth of July picnics and the emergence of trends like the bikini phenomenon are recounted with warmth and nostalgia.
McGregor links the club's evolution to wider societal shifts, such as the 1950s economic boom and the 1960s cultural changes. In Tuxedo Park, workers sought upward mobility through education, moving from serving the elite to joining the middle class.
The book parallels Tuxedo Park's historical wealth gap with modern societal divisions, highlighting the diminishing middle class. It exposes the stark truth of individuals in the 2020s accumulating wealth akin to nations, worsening inequality where the top 1% possesses more wealth than the entire bottom 99%.
This meticulously researched and passionately written book proved to be quite demanding due to the abundance of names, dates, and occasional repetition. However, amidst the wealth of information, the narrative's nostalgic reflections and personal anecdotes stirred a profound sense of connection within me. Furthermore, the inclusion of historical photographs enhanced the reading experience, though I must admit that some AI-enhanced images seemed somewhat peculiar.
Taking everything into account, I would rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Before reading this book, "tuxedo" was merely a term for clothing. Delving into the captivating history of this place has given me profound insights. I agree with the message about the challenges of categorizing colors in America, from the Civil War to today's political divide. The book prompts reflection on America's ongoing struggle with wealth inequality and societal divisions, echoing the sentiment that "the more things change, the more they stay the same."
I'm grateful for discovering this book and would recommend it to those interested in American history, especially the dynamics of privilege, community, and societal change.
******
The wee wah beach club in tuxedo park
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
‘The Wee Wah Beach Club in Tuxedo Park: An American Story of Social Change’ presents a tale of two cities. It meticulously traces the history of the Wee Wah Beach Club nestled within the opulent confines of Tuxedo Park. Originally christened as the ‘Tuxedo Community Club’ in 1936, it underwent a significant transformation in 1978, shedding its previous identity to stand out from the distinguished ‘Tuxedo Club.’ Led by dedicated volunteers and managed with admirable thriftiness, the club aimed to offer affordable recreational opportunities for residents of the Hamlet, adapting to evolving social landscapes with resilience.
Readers are transported back to the inception of Tuxedo Park, a vision crafted by Pierre Lorillard in 1885 as an exclusive retreat for the elite during the Gilded Age. The stark contrast between the affluent Tuxedo Park and the hardworking Hamlet residents is vividly illustrated through historical anecdotes, symbolized by the imposing main gate that signifies the enduring divide.
The author's personal connection to Tuxedo Park is rooted in familial ties dating back to the early 20th century. Grandparents who served as estate managers and head gardeners, parents deeply involved in Beach Club activities, and familial contributions to the club's development underscore the author's intimate understanding of the area's history. Joyous occasions like Fourth of July picnics and the emergence of trends like the bikini phenomenon are recounted with warmth and nostalgia.
McGregor links the club's evolution to wider societal shifts, such as the 1950s economic boom and the 1960s cultural changes. In Tuxedo Park, workers sought upward mobility through education, moving from serving the elite to joining the middle class.
The book parallels Tuxedo Park's historical wealth gap with modern societal divisions, highlighting the diminishing middle class. It exposes the stark truth of individuals in the 2020s accumulating wealth akin to nations, worsening inequality where the top 1% possesses more wealth than the entire bottom 99%.
This meticulously researched and passionately written book proved to be quite demanding due to the abundance of names, dates, and occasional repetition. However, amidst the wealth of information, the narrative's nostalgic reflections and personal anecdotes stirred a profound sense of connection within me. Furthermore, the inclusion of historical photographs enhanced the reading experience, though I must admit that some AI-enhanced images seemed somewhat peculiar.
Taking everything into account, I would rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Before reading this book, "tuxedo" was merely a term for clothing. Delving into the captivating history of this place has given me profound insights. I agree with the message about the challenges of categorizing colors in America, from the Civil War to today's political divide. The book prompts reflection on America's ongoing struggle with wealth inequality and societal divisions, echoing the sentiment that "the more things change, the more they stay the same."
I'm grateful for discovering this book and would recommend it to those interested in American history, especially the dynamics of privilege, community, and societal change.
******
The wee wah beach club in tuxedo park
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon