Phipps Family History
Learn more about the Phipps family as important historical aspects of their lives through the generations are highlighted
The Phipps of Denver
Occasionally visitors to Westbury House ask docents and staff, “I’m from Colorado—are these Phipps related to the Phipps from Denver?” The answer to the question is, “yes, indeed!”
The Value of Cultivating Relationships
Henry Phipps is known for his business partnerships with Andrew and Thomas Carnegie that greatly contributed to the enormous growth of the iron and steel industry centered in Pittsburgh during the latter half of the 19th century.
The Great Cascapédia River
Like a lot of Long Islanders, the Phipps family would travel to cooler climes to beat the heat and humidity of July and August. In her memoirs, Halcyon Days, Peggie Phipps Boegner fondly recalls a vacation in Quebec.
Tennis Anyone?
With the tennis season well underway and the eyes of the tennis world currently focused on the courts of the All England Tennis and Croquet Club in SW19, it’s a good time to mention that Jay Phipps enjoyed a spot of tennis as well.
(Gilded) Family Ties
The HBO series The Gilded Age, has sparked renewed fascination in the post-Civil War period of US history (1870-1900) when industrialization and land speculation created immense fortunes.
Winter’s Work is Never Done
As the Old Westbury Gardens’ staff takes the off-season winter months to prepare the estate for the new season ahead, we’re reminded that things were not so different when the Phipps family lived here.
May I Have Your Autograph?
In addition to its renowned landscape and fine arts collection, Old Westbury Gardens maintains and preserves other cultural resources that evoke the grand pre-war country place era in American history during which the Phipps family built their estate.
Autumnal Nuptials
Spring isn’t the only time couples are wed. In the Phipps family, several weddings took place in October and November.
Dueling Letters
Old Westbury Gardens is responsible for the care of the John S. Phipps Archives—a collection of all types of material from letters to invoices, to photographs and films that record the life of John “Jay” S. Phipps (1872-1958) and other family members.
Casa Bendita
Visitors to Westbury House learn that Jay Phipps owned several residences for his family.
Vacation Photos—An Archival Mystery
Opening up the Phipps’s international travel photo album leads to some questions…
The Henry Phipps Institute
In the early 20th century, industrial philanthropists like Henry Phipps, Jr. recognized their social responsibility to address health and welfare crises in their communities.
The Phipps in Allegheny City
After their arrival in the United States in 1832, Henry Sr. and his wife Anna made Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, home for their four children including Henry Jr., the father of John “Jay” Phipps, the owner of Westbury House.