Part 10/11:
The story of Shoreham is more than just about an opulent mansion; it’s a reflection of a pivotal era in American history—the rise of mass media, the creation of popular culture icons, and the pursuit of grandeur. Ormond Smith’s journey from Harvard graduate to media magnate, and finally to the owner of an architectural masterpiece, encapsulates the spirit of American enterprise and the ephemeral charm of its monumental estates.
As we look at the ruins and remnants scattered along the coast, we are reminded of the impermanence of even the grandest achievements. Shoreham may have been lost to time, but its legacy endures in the stories it inspired—stories of media, mythmaking, and ambition that continue to shape American culture today.