I think that, for NYC, my definition of what separates "old money" (or whatever the current equivalent is) from "new money" would be: If your three-year-old didn't get into any of the nursery schools you applied to, is there someone you could call who could fix that?
There was a scandal a few years ago where a stock broker essentially engaged in some insider trading in exchange for getting his 2-year-old twins in the 92nd Street Y nursery school. I think that was a classic example of trying to break into NYC society -- he had the money to pay for it, but didn't have the right connections. I know of at least two people who, in similar situations, were able to call on old friends from Spence or wherever and get their kid into a school, without having to offer anything in exchange.
I lived in Birmingham. For like three weeks, but still
Where? We were on the "cheap" side. Which really meant the overpriced side, since stuff was small and still pricey. Further north, suddenly you could see where the money was going. But we paid three grand for the tiniest house and the privilege of clearing snow on a corner property.
Hmm. The town where I grew up is Blue Blood Estates, Executive Suites, Movers & Shakers, Upper Crust, and Winners Circle. Where I live now is Urban Achievers and Urban Elders.
Me: I'm an artist/illustrator/graphic designer.
Listener: [thinks -- must be sure to look the other way as he pockets hors d'erves before leaving the party] How interesting! It must be wonderfully creative, working in that field.
Me: I'm the production manager for a textbook development house.
Listener: Zzzzz...
Me: I'm an admin for a Giant Bank.
Listener: Oh, I have an account there! Can you get me a low-interest loan?
Me: I'm a freelance theater director and Artistic Associate with {Theater}.
Listener: hides silverware Awwww, how creative!
Me: I'm a technical editor.
Listener:
Really?
But you don't dress like that at work, right?
Me: I'm an instructional technology specialist
Them: zzzzzz
Me: I work at the Looniversity
Them: You must really like basketball!
Me: I'm an artist/illustrator/graphic designer.
Listener: [thinks -- must be sure to look the other way as he pockets hors d'erves before leaving the party] How interesting! It must be wonderfully creative, working in that field.
The church I used to attend, St. Barts, is where the Scribners and Vanderbilts had rented pews doncha know. It still has a gorgeous reception/party after its Easter Vigil service with linens and a ton of amazing food, etc.
The first year I was attending the church my Mom and I saw an older woman wrapping up finger sandwhiches in napkins and placing them in her purse. We watched as one of the people from the church came rushing over... and proceeded to help the woman wrap up goodies, "you'll want to try some of THESE". It was lovely.
