4. A marble replica of the Arc de Triomphe greets visitors

Interior of Winfield Hall.
The Arc de Triomphe honors Napoleon’s military victories. Photo courtesy of Max Spann Real Estate & Auction Company.

Woolworth believed himself to be the living reincarnation of Napoleon Bonaparte. He strove to embody the French leader in every aspect of his life. Not only was his bedroom an identical copy of Napoleon’s quarters at the Château de Malmaison, but his bed once belonged to Napoleon himself. This bed had a canopy with 14k gold decorations. He often spent time at Napoleon’s gold and red velvet throne as well.

Other than walking around in many uniforms previously owned by Napoleon, Woolworth also commissioned the construction of a marble replica of the Arc de Triomphe. The original arch, which is found is Paris, honors the victories of the French Army under Napoleon. Monica Randall, author of Winfield – Living in the Shadow of the Woolworths, lived in the home after hearing about supernatural activity within the mansion. In her book that recounts this activity, she notes movers could not find the home initially because they thought the arch she mentioned referenced McDonald’s twin arches.