Thoughtful musings on various topics by interesting people at Blithewold
Showers and flowers
April showers (and May showers and June showers) bring lots of flowers! Yes, I know it’s been a chilly spring full of rainy days and nights, but all the rain is a blessing to our … 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.
From planning to planting
I am so ready to see the sun! After the drought last summer, I didn’t think I’d ever grow tired of rain again, but here I am. It’s not so much that I don’t want … Read more.
Daffodil Dreamland
The daffodils have returned and they are spectacular! It seems that every day this week I have seen a new variety emerge. Last year, Gail did her best to take a picture of every … 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.
Spring’s Warm Embrace
After several grey days filled with rain – or the threat of it – we have emerged on the other side to find the air smelling clean, the trees budded, and the promise of many … 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.
Pink Party Dress
Marjorie Van Wickle’s Party Dress, 1903 Marjorie Van Wickle had this party dress made in Vienna when she visited in 1903 as part of her Grand Tour. It was designed and constructed by Drecoll’s, the … Read more.
Container Mixology
What’s in your potting mix? That’s the question of the day here at Blithewold as we re-examine the important components of a good potting soil. Technically speaking, most bagged soils you can find at your … Read more.