I’m presenting an online webinar about my great grandfather Dr. Charles V. Paterno’s residential castle on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 from 5:30 to 7pm with Q&A to follow. Below are all the details from New York Adventure Club. I hope you’ll join me!
To reserve your spot, please register HERE for $10.
How did Dr. Charles V. Paterno, a 29-year-old living in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, get the sort of money to build a 4-story marble castle in 1907 overlooking the Hudson River? And what sort of lavish lifestyle did he and his family enjoy during its brief 30 year existence? Using rare documentation, historical maps, and extensive photographic evidence, it’s time to explore one of New York’s premier mansions of the Gilded Age like never before.
Join New York Adventure Club as we uncover the complete story behind the Paterno Castle of Washington Heights, from the initial inception, design, and function of the palatial residence to debunking many myths that have long-survived the structure since its demolition in 1938.
Led by Carla Golden, great-granddaughter of Dr. Charles V. Paterno, our virtual deep dive into the magnificent Paterno Castle will include:
- A brief overview of Dr. Paterno and how he made his fortune (hint: it wasn’t from being a practicing physician)
- A discussion of the inspiration behind Dr. Paterno’s luxurious residence in Washington Heights
- A look at features of the castle that reveal the family’s unique lifestyle, from hosting parties on the roof and growing culinary mushrooms in the basement
- The recent discovery and unveiling of never-before-seen blueprints of the massive castle addition
- What castle remnants still remain today after its demolition in 1938
- An evidentiary exploration of long-standing Paterno Castle myths including the number of indoor swimming pools, the report of an underground tunnel entrance from Riverside Drive, and the truth about ‘The Pumpkin House’
Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Carla — any and all questions about the Paterno Castle are welcomed and encouraged!
Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for a week!
To reserve your spot, please register HERE for $10.
• TESTIMONIALS FROM PREVIOUS CASTLE PRESENTATIONS •
“I loved the linear presentation of the history of how the castle came to be and its ultimate demise. Made everything so clear. Visuals were excellent.” -Kathryn
“Informative. Interesting. Eye opening” -Thomas
“Everything – the presentation was thorough, well researched and made all the more interesting by the family connection. I really enjoyed the lecture.” -Mary
“Interesting personal information about the Paterno Castle” -Mina
“Thoroughness of the research, solid knowledge base and enthusiasm of the speaker for/about the subject.” -Diane
“I live in the neighborhood and this presentation was very relevant to me.” -John
“Excellent information provided” -Melissa
“The thoroughness of the content and the presentation ,the clarity.” -Robert
“Extremely informative and fun.” -Margo
“What a fabulous journey through one of NYs gilded age treasures. Carla did a remarkable job reconstructing the history based on family memoirs and recollections as well as an impressive visual archive. Thank you so much for hosting this and her previous webinar! I hope there will be more to come.” -Liz
“Lots of research done. I liked that she was a family member.” -Doreen
“I live at Hudson View Gardens. I love learning about nyc. Adds up to much enjoyment this evening.” -Jane
“Historical detail combined with photographic support” -Jacqueline
“Learned something new.” -Donna
“Great presenter who did tremendous research.” -Karen
“Her research into her family and their building was so detailed. She found ways to deduce what she could not currently prove. I hope she finds the blueprints someday soon.” -Guest
“The clear visual presentation of the material. The flow and pace. Quality of research.” -Karen S.
“Lived in the Washington Heights/Inwood area and love learning what used to be and what some of the remnants are from.” -Cindy
“Presenter was very passionate & knowledgeable. Easy to listen to. She did not put me to sleep.” -Christine
“Interesting information about a long-gone building I never knew about, having grown up across the river in NJ.” -Catherine
“I especially liked Carla’s presentation. She is very articulate and shared so much information that she has been researching for some time. It was heartwarming that a great-granddaughter presented the historical information. I look forward to the 3-D look inside the castle.” -Lucy
“Loved that the presenter had a personal connection to the topic.” -Anna
“Her knowledge about the inside of the castle. Great how she was able to hold your interest with her drawings and pictures of the inside.” -Linda
“Very organized. Great photos.” -Renata
“Carla is great and so passionate about her family history. This house was amazing. So much dedication to her research.” -Noelle