Thoughtful musings on various topics by interesting people at Blithewold
Fox Dressmaking Company
The Fox Company, Bessie Van Wickle-McKee’s favorite dressmaker, was one of the oldest and most elite dressmaking establishments in the United States. Founded by the four Fox sisters in 1885, it occupied an elegant house … Read more.
Italian Tiles & The Brokaw Clock
Italian Tiles A box of left-over tiles from the Breakfast Porch was recently discovered in the basement. They revealed that these much-admired pink poppy tiles were made in Italy sometime around the turn of the twentieth century and … Read more.
The Stickley Room
Newer members may think we have a new room at Blithewold – the small room across from Augustine’s on the second floor. Older members may reminisce and recognize that it is now exactly as it … Read more.
A Dog’s Life at Blithewold
This amusing article was written by our dear friend and colleague, Mary Philbrick, eleven years ago. It is as charming today as it was then! Blithewold’s Great Lawn is a perfect place for dogs to … Read more.
GETTYSBURG
I recently visited Gettysburg and found Pardee Field where Bessie’s brother, Ario Pardee, led his men (Pennsylvania 147th) into battle on the 3rd day of the Battle of Gettysburg, July 3rd, 1863. There is a … Read more.
Marjorie’s Wedding One Hundred Years Ago
This month we are celebrating the hundredth anniversary of Marjorie Van Wickle’s marriage to George Lyon which took place on a beautiful summer’s day at Blithewold on June 1, 1914. At 4 o’clock in the … Read more.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARJORIE LYON!!
September was traditionally a month of celebrations for Marjorie Van Wickle Lyon, beginning with Labor Day when Blithewold was the gorgeous setting for Marjorie’s annual Labor Day Party. The party gathered its own reputation and … Read more.
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
Garden Club of America Celebrates 100 Years by Margaret Whitehead and Julie Morris 2013 marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Garden Club of America. In April 1913 Mrs. J. Willis Martin and … Read more.
Costume Conservation Continues
One of the most exciting days in my tenure at Blithewold was the day Bessie Van Wickle McKee’s collection of fine gowns returned permanently to Blithewold from Boston where they had been in safe keeping … Read more.
The Costume Collection
Many of you already know about the fabulous collection of gowns and accessories belonging to Bessie Van Wickle McKee that came home to Blithewold last year. Forty-one dresses with accessories, coats, and hats, had been … Read more.