Thoughtful musings on various topics by interesting people at Blithewold
A Cold December and a Warm Christmas
December 1917 in New England began with a cold spell that only got worse. Estelle Clements writes that on December 1st there was snow and high wind in Bristol. When the family returned to Boston … Read more.
Thanksgiving Poem by Marjorie Lyon, November 1959
Sixteen at the table this Thanksgiving Day! A cause for rejoicing old Auntie would say! There’s Margie whose flute in an orchestra blows And Auntie whose pictures are accepted at shows. Augustine who excels both … Read more.
The End of the Summer
Every year, when October comes around, I am reminded of a delightful, sentimental letter sent from Bessie McKee to her sister Alice Pardee Earle in October 1911. Bessie had enjoyed a wonderful summer at Blithewold, … Read more.
September 1917
One hundred years ago this month, on September 10th, 1917, Marjorie Lyon left her family in Bristol and traveled to Columbia, South Carolina. The evening before, she had celebrated her 34th birthday (three days early) … Read more.
Props
Just home from the hospital, after those “ops,” I have to admit it, I needed my “props”! (Sunglass and visor, my stool and my stick) They really were useful and helped turn the trick. … Read more.
Preparation for War
As we prepare to celebrate another Fourth of July, we may want to consider for a moment the enormous sacrifice that made the freedom of our country possible. And how it was nearly dissolved some … Read more.
Arthur B. Rae
Arthur B. Rae was among Bessie McKee’s most devoted and loyal estate staff. He came to work at Blithewold in 1906 and spent most of his adult life working for the McKee/Lyon family. His name … Read more.
Confusing Traffic Signs, May 1
CONFUSING TRAFFIC SIGNS by Marjorie Lyon February 26, 1949 As a small school girl, I was taught to read either from left to right or from top to bottom. Skipping about was not encouraged. … Read more.
Opening Exhibits, April 1
OPENING EXHIBITS, APRIL 1 by Margaret Whitehead The excitement at Blithewold is building as we prepare the Mansion for the season’s opening on April 1st. Floors have been polished, carpets cleaned; paintwork and wallpaper conservation … Read more.
Mauve Evening Dress
Marjorie Van Wickle Lyon’s Evening Dress, 1932 In the thirty years since Marjorie’s pink party dress (shown in the first exhibit case) was fabricated, styles and construction changed considerably. Trains disappeared, and punishing boned … Read more.