The Tale Of The Weird Wendels
Door on the corner of 40th St & 5th Ave
When most people think of a 5th Avenue mansion, they imagine luxury, elegance, and a lifestyle reserved for the wealthy elite. But for the Wendel sisters, living in one of these grand homes was far from a dream—it was more like a gilded cage. Their story is one of wealth, control, and a tyrannical brother who kept them trapped within the walls of their mansion. If you’re curious about this haunting piece of New York history, get Questing and explore the hidden tales of the city.
The Wendel Family: A Fortune and a Tyrant
At the beginning of the 19th century, John G. Wendel made a fortune in the fur and real estate business, securing his family’s place among New York’s elite. By the late 1800s, his grandson, John Wendel II, inherited the family’s vast fortune—worth an estimated $1 billion in today’s money. However, rather than basking in the wealth, John II became obsessed with maintaining the family’s riches, to the detriment of his seven sisters.
John ruled over his sisters with an iron fist, refusing to let them marry for fear that their wealth would be diluted through marriage. The siblings lived together in a mansion next to what is now the New York Public Library, where John enforced his outdated and oppressive rules. The mansion was lit only by gas lamps, as he refused to install modern electricity or a telephone line, and no automobiles were ever owned by the family, despite their immense wealth.
A Gilded Cage for the Wendel Sisters
Despite their fortune, the Wendel sisters lived under strict control. John II allowed them only a modest budget and forced them to wear outdated clothing from a bygone era. Trapped in a life dictated by their brother’s paranoia, the sisters were denied any chance at independence or happiness.
Some of the sisters tried to break free from his suffocating rule. Georgiana, one of the most rebellious, fled the family mansion in an attempt to escape. But her brother quickly organized a massive search party, and when she was found, he had her declared insane, temporarily hospitalized, and locked away in their upstate house to prevent her from ever fleeing again.
Rebecca Wendel managed to escape the family’s oppressive grasp as well, though not until she was in her 60s. She married a clergyman, but by that point, she was too old to produce heirs, which suited John’s plan to prevent anyone from claiming the family fortune.
Ella Wendel, the last surviving sibling, lived her final days alone in the mansion, accompanied only by her poodle, Toby. With her passing, the Wendel legacy came to an end. There were no heirs (Toby didn’t count, unfortunately), and the mansion was left to Drew University. Today, the only remaining trace of the Wendel family is an unusual plaque at the corner of 40th and 5th Avenue, a subtle and eerie reminder of a strange chapter in New York’s history.
Explore the Weird and Wonderful History of NYC with Questing
The story of the Wendel sisters is just one of the many hidden tales waiting to be uncovered on a Questing scavenger hunt. Our phone-based hunts take you through the streets of New York, guiding you to landmarks, forgotten stories, and quirky trivia that you won’t find on a typical tour. As you solve clues and complete challenges, you’ll discover the city’s hidden history—like the bizarre legacy of the Wendel family—while competing with friends or family in a fun and interactive adventure.
Why choose Questing for your next adventure? Here’s why:
Uncover NYC’s Secrets: Our scavenger hunts are designed to reveal the stories that are often overlooked. From forgotten mansions to peculiar plaques, you’ll learn about the city’s most intriguing and unusual history.
Engage with History: Each Quest combines puzzles, challenges, and trivia to create an engaging, hands-on way to explore the city. You’ll need your wits, teamwork, and a sense of adventure to uncover the next clue.
Perfect for All Occasions: Whether you’re a history buff, a family looking for a fun outing, or a group of friends wanting to experience NYC in a new way, Questing offers a customizable scavenger hunt experience that’s perfect for any occasion.
See NYC Through New Eyes: As you hunt for clues and solve mysteries, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich and complex history, all while having a blast.
Discover the Wendels—and More—with Questing
Next time you’re in New York, why not skip the typical tourist attractions and dive into the city’s hidden history? The plaque at 40th & 5th Avenue might seem like just another odd detail in a city full of them, but it marks the spot where the Wendel sisters lived under the control of their tyrannical brother—a story that remains a strange and eerie part of New York’s past.
Are you ready to uncover more stories like the Wendels’? With Questing, you can turn your exploration of New York into an unforgettable adventure. Join us for a scavenger hunt and experience the real NYC, full of surprises, secrets, and fascinating history.