The Atwater Kent Manufacturing Company and some of its specific radios have been topics of this column. While I’ve touched on the final days of the company and on the man himself, A. (for Arthur) Atwater Kent, I’ve written almost nothing about Mr. Kent’s life after he closed his business and liquidated its assets. There has been a good reason for this. That is that what little has been written about Kent’s years following 1936 have eluded me. At least until recently.

I’d read enough to tantalize me. While during his years in business Atwater Kent was known as one of those early to bed early rise types, I had read a few tantalizing references to his having become quite a “party animal” in his retirement. I instantly wanted to know more since most “nose to the grindstone types” never do learn how to loosen up and enjoy themselves. Recently, I’ve found more information about his retirement years. I hope you find it all as interesting as I did.

Atwater Kent and his family lived in Philadelphia during the years his company was a bustling enterprise there. The Kent’s were very much a part of Philadelphia Society during those years. Through his Atwater Kent Foundation he donated generously to philanthropies. The Foundation also restored the Betsy Ross house in Philadelphia. He did much to contribute to the arts. Through the Atwater Kent Auditions he for years encouraged young aspiring opera singers, awarding cash prizes. Each year’s Audition winners were privileged to perform for a committee from the Metropolitan Opera Company. The finalists competed at the Hollywood Bowl. Of each year’s winners quite a few eventually became famous. He continued the auditions until his death.

Nothing in the preceding paragraphs is very surprising. Such philanthropies are somewhat typical of many multi-millionaire business tycoons. But in Bar Harbor, Maine, Atwater Kent had a summer retreat on the ocean. Somewhere, years ago, I read of the legendary parties that he held there. Also, Mr. Kent was reputed to have the fastest motor launch in the resort’s costal area and that he delighted in giving his guests hair raising rides in it. What follows is what I’ve learned of his life after he liquidated the assets of his radio business.

I’m sure it took some time to wrap up the affairs of his business in Philadelphia after he closed it in 1936. However, history says that the factory’s sale and liquidation was largely entrusted to his son, A. Atwater Kent Jr. It was 1940 before this story opens. I’ve found little written about the years between 1936 and 1940. A few gaps can be filled in such as the fact that he divorced his wife, sold his Philadelphia mansion, Palm Beach property and his Bar Harbor property.

In 1940 Mr. Kent, A/K/A “Atty” as his new friends came to call him, bought a mansion at the top of Bel Air Road, overlooking that city and the Pacific Ocean. The Italianesque mansion had 12 terraced and landscaped acres. It was built for the previous owner, Alphonzo E. Bell, who had named this extravaganza Capo di Monte. The grounds required 6 full-time gardeners! The mansion had 32 rooms and more than enough garage space for 7 of his favorite Cadillacs! There was also an Olympic sized swimming pool at the estate.

He left his ex-wife and grown children behind in Philadelphia and moved to his new “digs” in Bel Air. Besides his cars he brought with him his English servants, his Butler of many years, Alexander Milroy and other staff. He gave his butler a check to take to the local Bank of America branch for the purpose of opening an account for “household” expenses. The check was in the amount of one half million dollars.

Atwater Kent loved automobiles. He liked fine automobiles, fast automobiles and, in fact, all automobiles. In 1946, he asked permission of Mina Diamos who worked as a hostess for him at the time, to test drive her brand new Studebaker. Permission granted, Atwater Kent, age 76, slid behind the wheel. She reports that he “expertly maneuvered” her new car down Bel Air Road to Sunset Boulevard. Then he sped down the famous Boulevard not letting up until the little Studebaker had hit 100 MPH! She felt her terror had been worth it just to see the pleasure in Atwater Kent’s face.

Atty was a small man; very quiet spoken and a gentleman always. He soon developed a guest list consisting of 800 people of celebrity or importance. This list was carefully crafted into compatible groups. These groups made up his invitation lists. Atwater Kent wore his “Mad Hatter” hat to many of these parties so that guests could find him in a crowd. He also was noted for wearing a bow tie.

His parties were lavish and flamboyant, even by Hollywood standards. He had gourmet food, orchestras, balloons and flowers plus plenty of staff to see to every whim and need of each of his guests. His bar served only the best in wine and other spirits. Through it all his parties had a dignified way about them that set his events apart from the usual celebrity affairs. His generosity towards the arts and worthy causes became legendary. He became Hollywood’s favorite party host.

He held receptions, dinners, costume and debutante balls, musicales, teas and parties for the children of the famous complete with clowns. During World War II he held many festive events for those serving their country in the military.

All these events went on week after week without a hitch. Atwater Kent and his staff managed them with the same attention to detail that had been the trademark of his well-run radio manufacturing company. His guests were largely unaware of all the behind the scenes work that went into each well-planned event. This fact was a part of the plan too.

Atwater Kent’s servants occupied a large portion of the mansion. They lived and ate like kings! Atwater Kent himself was in his seventies and frail. His personal diet would leave a bird hungry. Especially as the years passed, he became less and less an active part of the parties he sponsored. But all the celebration was definitely carried out with his blessing and encouragement.

At the age of 76, Atwater Kent died quietly in his mansion on March 4th, 1949. In his will he stipulated that no more than $50,000 was to be spent on his funeral. It was a measure of his wealth and the fortune he spent on others that he saw this then very princely sum as a modest amount! It was said that many people who should have paid their respects to Atwater Kent failed to attend his funeral. Even some who Kent remembered in his will did not attend.

Atwater Kent’s children, none of whom had ever been to Bel Air in the past, did attend. 100% of his staff and servants also attended. Atwater Kent Jr., following the instructions his father left in his will, sold his father’s California assets. Capo di Monte is gone. It was sold to a developer who destroyed it and divided the 12-acre property into many small lots. Perhaps the ghost of Atwater Kent is Rambling Through History attending the Hollywood parties he loved.

Note: The author, Mal Fuller, is now available to provide the electrical restoration of your vintage tube-type radio. Mal’s phone number is (603) 569-1946. Mal’s E-mail address is radiodoc@localnet.com.