Harry Thaw:
Rich and Murderous
Introducing Harry Thaw
He was rich, troubled, and at the center of one of the most sensational trials of the early 20th century. Harry Kendall Thaw made national headlines when he shot architect Stanford White on the rooftop of Madison Square Garden on June 25th, 1906, in what became known as “the murder of the century.” But starting long before the infamous murder trial, Harry Thaw had already drawn the eye of the press with a string of scandals. Though less explosive than the events that would later define him, these early incidents earned him a growing reputation—and a steady presence in the magazines Town Topics and The New York Times. These two publications played a key role in shaping Thaw’s public image with both different but also at times overlapping portrayals of his character.
This project explores the descriptive language used by Town Topics and The New York Times to construct Harry Thaw’s public image over time.
By analyzing and visualizing the most frequently used descriptors from each magazine, this project illustrates how language shaped the narrative around Thaw.
The descriptors are arranged in chronological order from top to bottom, from Thaw’s earliest scandals to the peak of his trial and beyond, allowing us to trace his evolving media portrayal in each magazine. Clicking on each word reveals its original source alongside a contextual comment. This highlights how Harry Thaw was perceived while showing what role the press played in shaping that perception.
Interpreting Narratives
The project’s objective is to examine historical narratives from a constructivist perspective on culture. It recognizes that stories, especially those from media sources like Town Topics and The New York Times, are not neutral records of events. Rather, they are constructions influenced by values and shaped by their social and cultural contexts.
As narrative hermeneutics emphasize, stories are not just about what happened; they are interpretative acts that reflect and reinforce the values, assumptions, and moral judgments of their authors and audiences (Meretoja, 24). Thus, the portrayal of Harry Thaw in both magazines was shaped not only by the facts of the case but also by the class-based worldviews, editorial priorities, and cultural norms of the Gilded Age elite. Likewise, this project is shaped by my own interpretive choices. While I have aimed to present characterizations as accurately and transparently as possible, reducing them to single descriptors drawn directly from the sources and clearly marked in quotation marks, the act of selection and presentation is inherently interpretive as I also extract descriptors from context.
Following Meretoja’s framework, the project acknowledges that narratives actively shape meaning and moral judgment. They reflect what was considered admirable, scandalous, or condemnable and invite us to consider how language and values evolve (Meretoja, 25).
A concluding section contextualizes these media portrayals in relation to historical records and modern understandings of Thaw’s mental health, offering a fuller picture of how narrative and reality intertwine.
Town Topics
Matchmaker
Harry Thaw had met the Earl of Yarmouth at one of his travels and when the Earl came to visit to the United States of America (USA), he stayed at the Thaw residence in Washington. Harry introduced the Earl to his sister Miss Mary Thaw and shortly after they got engaged. “The match was arranged, it is said, by Mr. ‘Harry’ Thaw, who is Miss Thaw’s full brother.” (TT, v. 49, 1903, p. 4) Although Town Topics reported that Harry did not selflessly arrange the engagement between the Earl of Yarmouth and his sister. Look at “Attention-seeking” for more information!
Lavish
Often times, Harry Thaw’s behavior is commented on when connected to his wealth. A rather vague description of him regarding the engagement of his sister Miss Mary Thaw to the Earl of Yarmouth paints a certain picture of Harry’s societal efforts: “Mr. ‘Harry’ Thaw puts frantic efforts into societal recognition in Washington. He startled Paris by his prodigal entertainments.”( TT, v. 49, 1903, p. 8)
After Harry Thaw married Evelyn Nesbit, a formal introduction was organized in Pittsburgh, PA, Harry’s hometown. Not only is his current behavior described but Town Topics referred to similar, earlier behavior. "Harry ever hovered near, the light of love beaming in his eyes and a Gargantuan roll of bills that bought everything in sight and mollified even remotely possible adverse remarks. It was like old times to see Harry scattering his wealth, though previous occasions were not always so worthy.” ( TT, v. 54, 1905, p. 9)
Attention-seeking
Apparently, Harry Thaw's motivation for arranging an engagement between his sister, Miss Mary Thaw, and the Earl of Yarmouth was driven more by his personal desire to be connected to an earl. “’Harry’ Thaw, whose ambition it is to be the brother-in-law of a future peer (Lord Yarmouth), is doing his best to bring about an amicable arrangement.” & “He [Harry Thaw] wants to make stock with the Earl of Yarmouth, because his sister Mary is said to be engaged to him.” ( TT, v. 49, 1903, p. 8)
Vulgar
Town Topics published this commentary: “The noble Marquis and his distinguished Marchioness thought the Thaws, I am told, extremely ordinary people. This is much to be regretted, because it would be pleasant to feel that those who are going to live at their ease on the money we have provided at least think well of us. But, I suppose, all parties to a transaction cannot invariably be pleased, and the ethics of vulgarity are, after all, rather a matter of geography.” ( TT, v. 49, 1903, p. 4)
”Rich”
The Thaw family was wealthy due to their connection to the coal and mining industry. Harry Thaw’s father, William Thaw, built the family's fortune through his involvement in the industry. Town Topics mentioned the Thaw’s wealth many times. “They will not be so far away that the beams of the Thaw gold may not be seen on the horizon. . . .” (TT, v. 49, 1903, p. 4) & “Mrs. Thaw, who has contributed vast sums of money to the support of churches and missionaries, appears . . .” & “The presentation took place at the Homoeopathic Hospital Fair . . . and as Mrs. Thaw, mère, is president of the Homoeopathic Hospital Board, besides being richer than most of those who (in private) elevated their . . . noses . . .” (TT, v. 54, 1905, pp. 7–9) & “Harry K. Thaw, of the Pittsburg millionaire family, the brother of the Countess of Yarmouth, waited, . . .” (TT, v. 55, 1906, p. 1)
”Festive”
In this passage, Town Topics characterizes Harry Thaw as both a lavish individual and someone who took pleasure in hosting elaborate feasts and dinner parties. “Sip pleasure while you live, nay, cram it rather down your maw, Appears to be the motto of the festive Harry Thaw; And oftentimes I wish, amid this weary mundane strife, That I could get a tithe of joy which he gets out of life.” (TT, v. 51, 1904, Vers de Société)
Spoiling
This adjective was chosen to show Harry’s interest in Evelyn Nesbit. She had to spend some time in hospital and during that stay he gave her a lot of attention. But he was not the only one who tried to woo Nesbit—Stanford White, who would be shot by Harry one year later, send her flowers too. “She will sail for Europe as soon as she is able. I hear Harry Thaw will not go with her, but will follow soon afterward. She has been the most pampered patient in the private hospital at No. 33 East Thirty-third street. A hundred dollars’ worth of flowers are sent to her daily, and the posies don’t all come from Harry K.” (TT, v. 53, 1905, p. 6)
”Proper”
After Mrs. Thaw—Harry's mother—had overcome her difficulties with her son's marriage to Evelyn Nesbit, she demanded respectable behavior from her son. In return, he was to receive a higher annual allowance. This led to him refraining from the escapades of bachelorhood which he normally enjoyed. “Harry Thaw, like many sons of the rich, has mingled much with the frivolous gaieties of life, scattering his money with a prodigality that created the widest comment, is now conducting himself in a sedate and extremely proper manner that shows the levelness of his head.” (TT, v. 54, 1905, p. 7) Look at “Playboy” for more information!
Social
Town Topics often commented on Harry Thaw’s social life, which was reportedly quite active and included throwing dinner parties. “Several young men about town, who a couple of years ago were known to be on more than speaking terms with Harry Thaw . . .” (TT, v. 56, 1906, unpaginated) & “Mr. Thaw was not interesting and his allowance was not so great as many believed. But he had a more potent attraction than either cleverness or money–the power to attach himself to stage favorites. . . . the prettiest and most interesting of the footlight beauties were always available for his feasts. That was the magnet.” (TT, v. 56, 1906, p. 4)
Playboy
Harry may have stopped living that lavish lifestyle after he and Evelyn Nesbit got married, all because of an agreement with his mother. There are quite a few comments in Town Topics about his lifestyle and treatment of women. See, for example, the quote under “Proper,” where a specific behavior of Harry is described (TT, v. 54, 1905, p. 7) & “Mrs. Thaw has, in an interview, lent further interest to the affair by declaring that on the night of the famous ‘Beauty Dinner’ in Paris, her son was with Willing Spencer, Ernest Iselin, Bradley Martin, Jr., and ‘William Burden’.” (TT, v. 56, 1906, unpaginated) This following quote implicates that Harry was interested in underage girls: “I wonder if Mr. Wadsworth will be invited to Amsterdam avenue, and if he will be accompanied by a certain high-browed bachelor of the Newport set whose mighty name has heretofore cloaked his preferences for the pretty little girls of the stage–those under eighteen particularly–and who liked Harry Thaw because Harry was very popular in that element?” (TT, v. 60, 1908, p. 4)
”Boisterous”
Continuing with the description of Harry's lavish behavior, it's clear that he does not have a friendly reputation: “Besides, places like Sherry’s did not smile favorably on Harry Thaw’s patronage. He had a reputation for being–er–slightly boisterous when the service did not please him. He kicked like a steer when de Trabadello made him pay $500 for singing two songs.” (TT, v. 56, 1906, pp. 4, 5)
”Insane”
In the issue of Town Topics published after Harry shot Stanford White on the rooftop of Madison Square Garden, there is a quote from the inspector investigating the case that openly states a plea of insanity. “The police decided the case in advance. Inspector Schmittberger said: ‘We have already plenty of proof to show premeditated murder; Thaw’s only hope is insanity.’” (TT, v. 55, 1906, p. 1)
Harry's only hope of avoiding the electric chair was to plead insanity, a strategy that was publicized extensively. “Thaw was acquitted upon the plea of insanity at the time he murdered Stanford White . . . No attempt was made to prove Thaw’s sanity on the night of the murder.” (TT, v. 59, 1908, unpaginated) & “Judge Olcott and his associates, the original counsel in the case, told Mrs. Thaw that, the murder being admitted, the only plea which could save Harry from the electric chair was hereditary insanity.” (TT, v. 62, 1909, p. 12)
Harry soon became a measure of insanity and was included in comparisons and rhetorical figures. “Is Harry Thaw any more crazy than the ex-Countess of Yarmouth . . .” (TT, v. 59, 1908, p. 6) & “Why should Jerome continue to neglect his duties here, leaving the Tombs overcrowded and the courts clogged, to go to Poughkeepsie and vent his personal spite upon Harry Thaw, who is probably as sane as a cigarette-doped District Attorney? Thaw is ready to throw dice for a dollar, the drinks and liberty, best three out of five to win, and the affair can be settled in half an hour–the loser to go to Matteawan.” (TT, v. 59, 1908, p. 10)
”Conspicuous”
This description illustrates the unusual situation of a wealthy member of high society sitting in the Tombs, Manhattan's prison at the time. “Some one [sic] put in circulation a story at Newport that Moncure Robinson is a friend of the most conspicuous prisoner in the Tombs, and that they used to go around New York together. Mr. Robinson does not know the man, at least he has not known him since the death of Stanford White.” (TT, v. 56, 1906, pp. 4, 5)
”Wilful”
Town Topics sympathized with Harry’s half-brother Benjamin Thaw, who was the financial supervisor of the family. “It is Benjamin who is the real head of the Thaw estate and it was his bright financial mind that directed investments which have earned handsome dividends and made it possible for the widow Thaw to allow her idol, the wilful [sic] Harry, the extra thousands that have been his ruination.” (TT, v. 57, 1907, p. 8)
Chivalric
Harry’s actions are portrayed as a heroic act of love and protection for his wife Evelyn Nesbit, because Stanford White is accused of sexual assaulting and raping her. “Whether it be true or false does not matter, so long as Mrs. Thaw told it to her husband and he believed it and was excited and incited to kill White“ & “The innate chivalry of manhood has been touched by the useless and vicious questions of the District Attorney as to the minutiae of unchastity.” (TT, v. 57, 1907, pp. 10, 11)
This highly problematic approach to excuse his actions is made clear by the following quote, in which reference is made to the “unwritten law”: “. . . when a woman tells a man the story of her foul wrongs he is not criminally responsible for killing the person she accuses, and that the truth or falsity of her statement is immaterial so long as he believes it and acts upon it. This has been the law–called ‘the unwritten law’–ever since men had wives and daughters. Why should the District Attorney again drag the public over the filthy details of the Thaw case when this law is so plain and has been so recently and emphatically reasserted?” (TT, v. 58, 1907, pp. 10, 11)
Furthermore, his actions are made relatable through Town Topics. “Thaw was acquitted upon the plea of insanity at the time he murdered Stanford White, and this verdict, due to the utter inefficiency of the District Attorney, puts every man in the community at the mercy of any young fellow who chooses to resent a real or imaginary insult to his ‘girl’.” (TT, v. 59, 1908, unpaginated)
”Overbearing”
His behavior as a young boy living in Pittsburgh, PA, foreshadows his later lavish behavior. “Thaw was always disliked by the only element in Pittsburg that counts for anything, and for years he hung around the public billiard-rooms, where his overbearing manner was tolerated because he was easy picking for the young bounders who, unable to get into clubs, infest such places. The older half-brothers are very much disgusted with the whole matter” (TT, v. 59, 1908, unpaginated)
Paranoid
During the second trial, experts who held senior positions in insanity clinics were brought in to examine Harry. Although the judges quoted in Town Topics are not experts and diagnosed Harry with paranoia. “Judge Mills will be unanimously indorsed by the public opinion in his decision that Harry Thaw was a paranoic when he killed Stanford White, is a paranoic now, and would be subject to paranoiacal delusions and criminalities if he were set at liberty to menace the community.” (TT, v. 62, 1909, p. 12)
Psychiatrist Dr. Allan McLane Hamilton compared Theodore Roosevelt's behavior to that of Harry Thaw and his illness and be therefore send to Matteawan State Hospital for the Criminally Insane, located in Beacon, NY.: “There is a well-known disorder, called Paranoia reformatoria, which is expressed in erratic attempts at social betterment when none are needed and in disorderly efforts falling far short of accomplishment. This is the scientific and charitable view. Roosevelt is the Harry Thaw of politics and should be sent to Matteawan.” (TT, v. 67, 1912, unpaginated)
Escapee
The Tombs prison in Manhattan was the site of a prisoner escape, about which there is no further coverage. This event is mentioned briefly in an issue, though not in any specific detail: ”Harry Thaw’s escape proved a great nuisance to the William Thaw, 3d [sic], who have rented a cottage at Southampton, L. I., and are revelling in the society of the Bohemian smart set, headed by John Drew. Much to their disgust they were continually rung up by reporters and editors asking them if Harry was with them and would they abet his escape had they the opportunity.” (TT, v. 70, 1913, pp. 6, 7)
”Sane”
After Harry's escape to New Hampshire was revealed, he was apprehended and brought before a commission there. “Harry Thaw is declared by a New Hampshire commission to be perfectly sane now, whatever he may have been when he murdered Stanford White, and not in any way a menace to the community.” (TT, v. 71, 1914, p. 10)
This opened up a certain question which is not further discussed: “How can a person be insane in one State and sane in another?” (TT, v. 71, 1914, p. 10)
Murderous
After escaping from prison, Harry was caught in New Hampshire. Since he was declared sane, the possibility of his release arose, which made three people afraid: “Thereupon Thaw professes a desire to go back to Pittsburgh and engage in business. Then we hear from three objectors. One is Evelyn Nesbit, who would lose her vaudeville advertising if Thaw’s sanity were established by his conduct. Another is an ex-District Attorney , [sic] who would lose his job. The third is Dr. Austin Flint, who has lost his head and asserts that ‘Money did it!’ These three objectors agree in predicting that Thaw, if released, will murder one or all of them.” (TT, v. 71, 1914, p. 10)
”Coward”
What was earlier described as chivalric behavior now changed to be cowardly. “But there is no law, written or unwritten, that excuses Thaw for shooting him in the back–the act of a miserable coward, not an insanely chivalric husband. Thaw’s trial, properly conducted, should have sent him to the chair or to Matteawan for life.” (TT, v. 71, 1914, pp. 10, 11)
Famous
The Town Topics advice section mentioned that people will remember Harry Thaw’s name and actions because he became famous through the murder trials. His name will always be remembered.
“Oh, Harry Thaw, and can it be The limelight shines upon your fame, And in the future we shall see Naught in the journals but your name?” (TT, v. 72, 1914, p. 12) &
“News items come, news items go, And quickly they’re forgotten, As any fleeting flake of snow Or flying bit of cotton.
From stock reports to plays by Shaw, We tire of dull or clever; But War, Rea Tanzer, and Harry Thaw, These three go on forever!” (TT, v. 77, 1917, unpaginated)
Abandoning
During Evelyn Nesbit and Harry's divorce proceedings, Harry reportedly refused to accept paternity of Evelyn's son, despite her claims that he was his. “The cute little boy whose paternity has recently been questioned in the courts by Harry Thaw–Evelyn’s child–seemed to be little concerned by his antecedents when I saw him at luncheon with his mother’s dancing partner and friend, Jack Clifford, at the Claridge last Tuesday.” (TT, v. 74, 1915, pp. 16, 17)
Avenger
Harry’s actions and descriptions of being chivalric leads to the Saunterer remembering him as the savior of Damsel in Distress. “Though no Harry Thaw may arise to avenge the wrongs of outraged maidenhood, the hook may accomplish the same end.” (TT, v. 76, 1916, unpaginated)
The New York Times
Social
The New York Times first mentioned Harry Thaw as a guest of a dinner party the evening before. “Mr. and Mrs. Symes Lehr also entertained at dinner last evening. Their guests included . . . Harry Thaw, Cutting . . .” (NYT, Jan. 29, 1902).
A year later, Harry met the Earl of Yarmouth on his travels in Europe and invited him to stay at their residence in Pittsburg, PA. “He has not been prominent in Washington society, but met Harry Thaw abroad and came to the capital as his guest after a visit to Pittsburg.” (NYT, Feb. 18, 1903)
Later, he was guest at a dinner party for the Belgian Minister and the Baroness Moncheur. “The Belgian Minister and Baroness Moncheur entertained a dinner party at their legation this evening which included Mr. and Mrs. George Lathrop Bradley, Mr. and Mrs. Cropper, Mr. and Mrs. Henley Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Walter D. Denegre, Miss Ffoulke, and Mr. Harry Thaw.” (NYT, Mar. 1, 1903)
Opposing
Town Topics reported the engagement of the Earl of Yarmouth to Harry’s sister, Mary. The New York Times reported the marriage of the Earl to Harry’s half-sister, Alice. In fact, the Earl married Alice, but neither magazine discussed the change. All members of the Thaw family opposed the match between Alice and the Earl, although Harry seemed excited about it. “Her mother, Mrs. William Thaw-[sic] she has no father living-[sic] was at first much opposed to the match, and later her brother Harry Thaw, the noted giver of magnificent banquets in Paris and New York, also opposed it.” (NYT, Aug. 21, 1904)
“Rich”
Harry's mother, who was responsible for his yearly allowance, was not in favor of his marriage to Evelyn. She threatened to reduce his allowance. But even the new amount was considered to be a lot of money at the time. “. . . his allowance will be reduced from $80,000 to $2,500 per year.” (NYT, Oct. 31, 1904)
After Harry murdered Stanford White, Reverend Charles A. Eaton, the pastor of the Euclid Avenue Baptist Church, said that the case and the subsequent trial were nothing special except for the presence of wealth. “There is nothing extraordinary about the case, except that the people had plenty of money. The whole affair goes to show that the possession of money is no guaranty of manhood.” (NYT, June 29, 1906)
During an interview following the murder, Acting District Attorney Nott discussed the influence of a wealthy individual on the trial. “‘If we hurry the case up,’ he said, ‘the office will be attacked for favoring a rich man.’” (NYT, June 30, 1906)
Smothered
At the request of Harry’s mother, the Thaw family held several meetings to discuss Harry and Evelyn’s marriage. Harry’s brother, Edward, was supposed to inform him. “There was another family conference last evening after Mrs. William Thaw, the mother, had recovered from the fatigue of her trip from St. Louis, and Edward has been instructed to find Harry in New York and tell him what the family requires of him.” (NYT, Nov. 6, 1904)
Harry was even excluded from his family's residence if he refused to concede to the family. “Friends of the family declare that Harry was told he need never darken the doors of Lyndhurst again until he had taken steps in conformity with his mother's views” (NYT, Nov. 17, 1904). Later, he stood his ground. Look at “Resolute” for more information!
Resolute
After being excluded from the residence in Lyndhurst, NJ, Harry stood his ground against his mother's views on his marriage to Evelyn. “Thaw said, before leaving here, that he never expected to be in Pittsburg again.” (NYT, Nov. 17, 1904)
Apparently, Harry promised his mother that he would be present at the family Thanksgiving dinner, which she hosted. “Harry's whereabouts when the clergymen were present at ‘Lyndhurst,’ is still a mystery, but he made good his promise to eat his Thanksgiving dinner at home. About an hour before the ministers were due, he hurried from the house, jumped into a carriage, and was driven away.” (NYT, Nov. 25, 1904)
“Rational”
In the opening remarks of the trial, Inspector Schmittberger, the officer in charge of the case, said that there was no evidence of insanity when asked about Harry’s mental state. “He walked out of the station to the patrol wagon in an orderly manner, and his deportment was that of an ordinary prisoner.” (NYT, June 27, 1906)
Captain Hodgins of the Tenderloin Station said Harry’s behavior during and after the arrest did not indicate insanity. Coroner Dooley agreed with these claims. “The Captain said that on the way downtown Thaw was asking intelligent questions regarding the location of Police Headquarters and the court, and made rational answers to all questions put to him regarding matters that had no immediate bearing on the charge against him.” & “A thing like this is likely to get on a fellow’s nerves, but beyond that Thaw impressed me as being rational” (NYT, June 27, 1906). Not long after, the claims changed. Look at “Insane” for more information!
Insane
Right after the claims that Harry could not be insane, the opposite began to happen. More and more people, ranging from doormen to close friends, reported unusual behavior. “I did not dare to leave him alone for fear he would try to do himself harm. He talked in a rambling way and seemed unable to fix his thoughts on any one subject for any length of time.” & “One of the Thaw lawyers declared that his client was ‘as mad as a March hare’ when he shot White.” & “I have been with him a great deal of late-almost every day-and he has not been himself. I believe he is crazy.” & “Thaw passed here all right yesterday. He is crazy; there is no doubt about it.” (NYT, June 27, 1906)
During the trials, more descriptions of Harry’s behavior were reported. “Stories of traits of Harry Thaw tending toward insanity continue to crop out.” (NYT, Feb. 6, 1907)
On April 13, 1907, a lengthy article was published about Thaw’s first mistrial, during which the jury voted 7 to 5 in favor of manslaughter and first-degree murder. Another trial was scheduled to begin in October. For the second trial, the defense prioritized pleading insanity. “He would no longer be compelled to bring Thaw again to Trial for his life. Instead, he might, this time with some hope of success, apply for a second Lunacy Commission which would send the young Pittsburger to Matteawan Insane Asylum.” (NYT, April 13, 1907)
On the last day of the second trial, Martin W. Littleton, Stanford White’s chief counsel, delivered a speech that lasted nearly five hours. In it, he argued that Harry was insane and that this insanity had been passed down through the Thaw family for generations. “His summing up of the case of the defense was marked by a complete disregard for the family pride of the Thaws, by a total annihilation of sane or insane ‘exaggerated ego’ of the defendant and a close adherence to the testimony he had offered which was intended to establish a clear case of insanity born in generations before him and still existing.” (NYT, Jan. 30, 1908)
Jealous
Following the murder of Stanford White, friends of Harry’s were interviewed in a series of interviews. One of them stated that Harry did not show any signs of insanity, but that he was jealous. “But he must have been insane to do a thing like this. It is my opinion he was insane with jealousy.” (NYT, June 27, 1906)
Lavish
During the interviews following the murder, Harry’s typical escapades were also discussed. “With a party of Pittsburg friends, Harry Thaw was stopping at the Harrington Hotel. The young men from Pittsburg had a lively time from the start, but the climax came one evening when Harry Thaw bought out the Hotel Harrington bar for $350. The cash register was thrown out, and the bartenders and attendants were instructed to fill all orders, but to accept no money for the drinks they served. All callers were welcomed.” (NYT, June 27, 1906)
After Harry’s father passed away, Harry was supposed to receive a certain yearly allowance. However, at some point, the amount was reduced to $7,500 per year. Apparently, that did not cover his expenses. “But that did not represent his spendings. Whatever bills there were at the end of the year that were not settled, his mother attended to.” (NYT, June 27, 1906)
His escapades were even explained in great detail. “He drank constantly, and occasionally disappeared for days at a time. During these intervals he would remain in resorts in the Tenderloin, always accompanied by a party of friends. He drank much champagne at these times, smoked cigarettes, and if the thought struck him, smoked opium. He drank some absinthe.” (NYT, June 27, 1906) & “One of his tricks, it was said, was to burn money when she took issue with him on any subject, and he would usually continue to burn up currency until the mother would yield to him. On one occasion when there was a house party at the Thaw residence the son and Mrs. William Thaw had a disagreement, and, it is said, Harry began to smoke cigarettes in the drawing room, lighting one each minute with a $5 bill.” (NYT, Feb. 6, 1907) & “On Thursday of last week Harry Thaw created a disturbance in the office of Scully, Painter & Beach, his brokers in this city, by a demand for money, which he declared he must have within fifteen minutes, as he would have to be at the Union Station to take a train to New York by that time. The brokers knew that there was no train then, and refused the money. Young Thaw became frantic with rage. He was told that the money would be given to him within a few hours, but he stalked from the office. He next entered a downtown café, where he demanded a certain brand of expensive cigarettes, and here again made an exhibition of himself, cursing the clerk. . . . Still Pittsburgers who had known him for years did not pay any attention, but merely smiled, and declared it was ‘just like Harry Thaw.’ He had been doing those things all his life, and they never attracted attention.” (NYT, June 27, 1906)
Reckless"
Harry’s late father’s will states that Harry must change his lifestyle in order to receive a better income from the estate. Apparently, Harry lived this lifestyle earlier while his father was still alive. “. . . that if at any time in the judgment of a majority of the executors of my said will he shall have shown such settled character and course of life as to indicate proper capacity, discretion, and fitness for the receipt, care, and expenditure of income or estate originally designed for him, they are authorized and empowered to carry out and perform all of the provisions of my said will” (NYT, June 28, 1906)
Chivalric
Ex-Judge Olcott visited Harry in prison and later reported what had been said. “In my dealing with him he never said that he entertained a personal grudge against White, out gave me to understand that he desired the unmasking of the architect and men like him, who, he said, made a practice of preying upon young girls." (NYT, June 30, 1906)
After her husband Harry was imprisoned, Evelyn received many letters. Some of these letters were from mothers who expressed gratitude towards Harry for killing Stanford White. “The bullet that killed Stanford White avenged more wrongs than yours. Do not worry yourself into illness. Your husband will be freed and will walk from the courtroom with blessings instead of contumely on his head.” (NYT, July 1, 1906)
Spoiled
Even in prison, Harry tried to continue living his lavish lifestyle. “His exercise over, he sent for Warden Flynn and asked if it were not possible to let him have a pair of Indian clubs or dumbells in his cell. ‘Or, perhaps,’ he suggested, ‘I could rig up a punching bag so that I could limber up in the morning. It has always been my custom to take some light exercise on arising.’” (NYT, June 30, 1906)
Harry was also meticulous and attentive in regard to his appearance in court. “Thaw was taken back to his cell without delay. Leaving the courtroom he seemed in good spirits. His dress was careful and his hair neatly parted.” (NYT, June 30, 1906)
Stalker
Rumors circulated that Harry had hired private investigators to follow Stanford White. These claims were dismissed later in the trial. “Kuhrt and Rorke went out together, and at length, over champagne which was paid for with Stanford White's money, Rorke confessed that Harry Kendall Thaw, who was, he said, a young Pittsburg millionaire, was the man who was putting up the money for shadowing the rich architect.” (NYT, July 1, 1906)
“Unpromising”
A former teacher of Harry’s was asked to testify at the trial and was asked about his behavior as a young boy. “Mrs. Stewart had young Harry Thaw for a pupil for several years, and remembers him best as a very unpromising pupil. He was sick a great deal of the time and behind in his studies.” (NYT, July 4, 1906)
Reading Between the Lines
The evolving portrayals of Harry Thaw in Town Topics and The New York Times reveal how press narratives reflect and actively construct public identities. Town Topics initially presented Harry as a romanticized playboy, later reframing him as a madman and misguided hero. In contrast, The New York Times originally provided selective trial coverage, later framing Harry primarily through the lens of mental illness. Though different in tone and purpose, both publications reinforced a core narrative of instability that ultimately aligned with his legal defense of “not guilty” by reason of insanity. The defense called experts who diagnosed Harry with manic depression, and the prosecution never presented its own experts. The case unexpectedly closed on February 1, 1908, with the verdict that Harry Thaw was not guilty by reason of insanity (Pinta, 87). The New York Times lost interest in the Thaw murder trial sooner than Town Topics, hence the shorter time frame covered.
Town Topics’ suggestive and speculative style (‘I hear…’, ‘Some say…’) functions as a form of cultural mediation, shaping values, reinforcing norms, and delineating who belongs and who does not, exactly as Meretoja describes. These narratives did not merely report on Harry Thaw; they actively shaped the public’s understanding of him and, by extension, the society that produced and consumed such stories (Meretoja, 27-29).
Press coverage of Harry Thaw reveals two narratives: it can create a sense of unity through shared stories, but it can also reinforce stigma through repeated, narrow portrayals. By examining the language used to describe him over time, this project sheds light on how the media shapes—and sometimes confines—public figures (Meretoja, 27-32).
And then?
Following the trial, Harry Thaw was committed to the State Asylum for the Criminal Insane at Matteawan, where he remained for seven years, except for an 18-month escape to Canada. After a series of sanity hearings, he was released in 1915. However, just two years later, he was arrested again for kidnapping and brutally assaulting a 19-year-old boy. Declared insane once again, he spent another seven years at the Pennsylvania Hospital for the Insane in Philadelphia, PA. He died of a heart attack in Miami, FL, on February 21, 1947, at the age of 76 (Pinta, 87-88).
By Josephine Vietze
I want to thank the anonymous reviewer and Philipp Rehbock for their helpful feedback, and Josefin Hagen for her technical support.
All content for educational purposes only.
University of Greifswald
Seminar: Editing Scandal
(Summer Semester 2025)
Instructor: Prof. Dr. Katrin Horn