Rebekah Harkness Spouse, a name synonymous with wealth, art, and eccentricity, led a life that was anything but ordinary. Known for her contributions to ballet, her lavish lifestyle, and her quirky antics, Harkness’s life story is a rich tapestry of personal triumphs and public spectacles. Rebekah Semple West, later known as Rebekah Harkness, was born on April 17, 1915, in St. Louis, Missouri. She grew up in an affluent family, receiving her education at prestigious institutions like John Burroughs School and Franklin Pierce College. Her early exposure to music and the arts would shape her future pursuits and passions.
Marriages and Family Life
Rebekah’s personal life was marked by a series of high-profile marriages. Her first marriage was to Dickson W. Pierce in 1939, with whom she had two children, Allen and Anne. Following their divorce in 1946, she married William Hale Harkness, an heir to the Standard Oil fortune, in 1947. This marriage significantly increased her wealth and influence, allowing her to pursue her passion for the arts more fervently.
After William died in 1954, Rebekah married two more times—first to Dr. Benjamin Harrison Kean, a professor of Tropical Medicine, and later to Niels H. Lauersen, a physician 20 years her junior. Both marriages ended in divorce, but they further highlighted her vibrant and often turbulent personal life.
Philanthropy and Contributions to the Arts
One of Harkness’s most significant contributions was her patronage of the arts, particularly ballet. In 1959, she established the Rebekah Harkness Foundation, which later became the Harkness Ballet Foundation. She was instrumental in reviving the Joffrey Ballet and founding the Harkness Ballet, providing financial support and resources to numerous dancers and choreographers. Her support extended beyond financial aid; she often paid for dancers’ medical treatments and personal needs.
Public Image and Eccentricities
Harkness was known for her eccentric behavior, which made her a favorite subject of tabloid stories. She was famously reported to have cleaned her swimming pool with Dom Pérignon champagne and dyed her neighbor’s cat green after a dispute. These stories, whether true or exaggerated, added to her enigmatic public image.
Later Years and Death
In her later years, Harkness continued to be active in the arts and philanthropy. She supported medical research and donated significant sums to various causes, including the William Hale Harkness Medical Research Building at New York Hospital. Rebekah Harkness passed away from stomach cancer on June 17, 1982, in her Manhattan home. Her ashes were placed in an urn designed by Salvador Dalí, a testament to her lifelong connection with prominent artists.
Legacy and Popular Culture
Rebekah Harkness’s legacy continues to be felt in the world of ballet and beyond. Her story inspired Taylor Swift’s song “The Last Great American Dynasty,” which draws parallels between Harkness’s life and Swift’s own experiences. Additionally, her impact on the arts is documented in various biographies and documentaries, ensuring that her contributions are not forgotten.
Conclusion
Rebekah Harkness was a woman of many talents and contradictions. Her life was a blend of artistic passion, personal drama, and philanthropic commitment. As we look back on her legacy, it’s clear that her influence on the arts and her colorful personal history make her a figure worth remembering.
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