New York Historical Society Event
New York Historical Society Event
New York Historical Society Event
Panel Discussion: Diana Merry-Shapiro, computer programmer, visitor to Casa Susanna
Gregory Bagarozy, business developer, grandson of Maria Tonell, founder of
Casa Susanna
Betsy Wollheim, book publisher, daughter of science fiction writer and Casa
Susanna guest Donald Wollheim
The moderator for the discussion is Cameo George
Susanna
New York Historical Society Event
New York Historical Society Event
Casa Susanna was established by Tito Valenti, a court translator who went by Susanna when dressed as a woman, and his wife, Maria, who owned a wig shop in Manhattan.
Sébastien Lifshitz’s Documentary
New York Historical Society Event
Sébastien Lifshitz’s Documentary
“Casa Susanna” remembers a community of cross-dressing men and transgender women who found refuge in the Catskills in the 1950s and ’60s. The couple ran Casa Susanna until the late 1960s, but its existence came to broader awareness with the 2005 publication of a book collecting Casa Susanna snapshots that had been found in a New York flea market.
Subject: Marie
Subject: Marie
Subject: Marie
Dear Gregory, Last night I saw the documentary about Susanna and recognized Marie with wonder. I was a child with Alopecia and she made my first wig when I was 11. I've never found anyone to make a wig like the ones she crafted for me. I am 96, and have no one to reminisce with about Marie. I had no idea she was such an amazing person to
Dear Gregory, Last night I saw the documentary about Susanna and recognized Marie with wonder. I was a child with Alopecia and she made my first wig when I was 11. I've never found anyone to make a wig like the ones she crafted for me. I am 96, and have no one to reminisce with about Marie. I had no idea she was such an amazing person to a community that was mostly in the dark. I did once see a client emerge from her private booths dressed as a woman and I asked her if this person wasn't really a man. I don't remember what her answer was. I remember your mother's picture in the studio, a very pretty girl, you are pretty good-looking yourself and a welcome voice in the story. How grand to find Marie saluted in this documentary. Please note: I have had a full life, now blessed with 6 great-grandchildren, and I continue to be in good health. Warm regards, Arlene
Maria's Story
Subject: Marie
Subject: Marie
Maria was a captivating co-owner of Casa Susanna, wife of Tito and best
friend of Susanna. Born on 4/28/1901 was the owner of Marie’s of 5 th
avenue a Wig shop in New York. Known for her love of fashion and flair,
Maria had an extensive collection of wigs which she handmade for the guests
of Casa Susanna. She met Tito Arrigada (Susanna Valent
Maria was a captivating co-owner of Casa Susanna, wife of Tito and best
friend of Susanna. Born on 4/28/1901 was the owner of Marie’s of 5 th
avenue a Wig shop in New York. Known for her love of fashion and flair,
Maria had an extensive collection of wigs which she handmade for the guests
of Casa Susanna. She met Tito Arrigada (Susanna Valenti) at her wig shop
and married him in 1958.Her wigs became a signature part of the transgender
community, allowing them to express different aspects of her identity and
creativity. Each wig was carefully styled and handmade, chosen to
complement their outfits and reflect their ever-evolving sense of style. Maria's
wigs not only served as a form of self-expression but also became a symbol of
empowerment and freedom within the safe and accepting environment of
Casa Susanna. Marie and Susanna collaborated to create Chevalier D'eon a
female impersonator club in the Catskills which was on a 288-acre retreat for
the cross dressing community, as well as Casa Susanna which was a bed and
breakfast for the cross dressing community.
