The Elms was built by Edward Berwind who made his fortune from the Coal Business. Somewhat understated from a typical Vanderbilt mansion, it still had plenty of architectural highlights to look at. The house opened in 1901 and threw a lavish party to celebrate. Mrs. Berwind died 20 years later and Mr. Berwind asked his much younger sister Julia to become the hostess at The Elms. Julia had a panache for cars and would be seen driving around Newport in one of the luxury automobiles on the estate.