Few young men represented the excesses of the Gilded Age more than James Hazen Hyde. The heir to the Equitable Assurance Society, Hyde lived a glamorous life, attending Harvard and splitting time between his estate in the Hamptons and his home in New York.

Hyde (pictured here) was also a devoted francophile, he spoke fluent French and amassed a large collection of French artwork. Because of this, at the age of 23, he threw his grand Versaille inspired masquerade at Sherry's.

The guests, instructed to appear in fancy dress, were then captured by famous photographer Joseph Byron. Photos from the night document the party's many famous guests from Stanford White (pictured above) to the Astors and the Vanderbilts.

Few failed to take advantage of the opportunity to show off the best costumes their tailors could make in such a distinguished society.

The ballroom was decorated as if it were the palace gardens at Versailles. The second floor of Sherry's was even being sodded with real grass.

With an elaborate menu and an unending supply of champagne, the Hyde Ball cost nearly $200,000 (an incredibly hefty bill today, and an astronomical sum for the time.)

The party was a roaring success! However, it would be the last one he threw. The Equitable Assurance Board was filled with powerful men, many of whom were skeptical about Hyde and his ability to run the company.

Hyde was accused (falsely) of funding the party through the company and numerous lawsuits ensued. These, in turn, caused a brief Wall Street panic and a state investigation of corporate malfeasance into Hyde's managing of the company. Despite being scheduled to assume the presidency of Equitable in 1905, Hyde bowed to the pressure and resigned.

However, it is hard to feel too badly for Hyde. He immediately departed to France and lived there for the majority of his life. In 1930, he would have his second wedding at the actual Versailles.

However, it is hard to feel too badly for Hyde. He immediately departed to France and lived there for the majority of his life. In 1930, he would have his second wedding at the actual Versailles.