Drexel Photographs (Click thumbnail to view larger image)
These photographs were taken by my grandfather, Livingston L. Biddle, as a gift for his uncle and aunt, George and Mary Drexel. The year was 1903, the event a “grand tour” the Drexels and friends made aboard their Steam Yacht, Alcedo. The ship was 300’ in length and required a crew of 100. My first novel, Beneath the Wind, was inspired by my grandfather’s pictorial chronicle of the journey. The collection of images fills three large volumes, and I spent my childhood with my nose pressed to the pages.
A Trek in the Philippines. Mary Drexel with her ever-present parasol.
On the island of Madeira.
Touring Crete.
In India. My grandfather is the gent in the tan suit.
Mary Drexel walking through the Casbah.
George Drexel’s Steam Yacht, Alcedo, one of five vessels he owned. She was the largest privately-owned yacht at that time.
