Part 5/9:
The Epitome of Excess
With unparalleled fortune came extravagance. Schwab's Riverside Mansion on New York's Riverside Drive was an architectural marvel, epitomizing wealth and opulence. Imagine an estate with 75 rooms filled with priceless artworks, a Gothic chapel, and a ballroom that hosted America's elite. His summer residence in Loretto was no less grand, featuring an indoor pool, private theater, and bowling alley, showcasing a lifestyle that most could only dream of.
Yet beneath this glimmering facade lay a cautionary tale of an insatiable appetite for more—more parties, more yachts, more everything. Schwab showcased his wealth, capturing the public imagination while, ironically, laying the groundwork for his eventual fall.