Part 11/14:
Inside, the mansion was a showcase of European importation—Gothic paneling, ornate antiques, and art from across Europe decorated the interiors. The grand staircase featured white marble, curved arches, and intricate ironwork, emphasizing his refined taste. The interior spaces, including the 15-foot-high dining hall and spacious reception rooms, embodied a harmonious blend of European luxury and American modernity.
Tragic End and Transformation
Morton Plant passed away suddenly in 1918 at the age of 66 due to pneumonia, possibly linked to the influenza pandemic sweeping the world. His widow, Messie, continued to occupy the Fifth Avenue mansion before remarrying into the Hayward family. His Connecticut estate, however, saw a more turbulent fate.