Thoughtful musings on various topics by interesting people at Blithewold
Red Cross Dividends
By Marjorie Lyon April 23, 1952 Dividends are hard to explain. Sometimes you earn them and sometimes they are just thrust upon you. It seems to me that the dividends that come from Red Cross … Read more.
Along the Garden Path
The transformation from winter to spring has finally arrived at Blithewold. The entire landscape is coming more alive each day with perennials emerging, tree buds unfurling and spring flowers starting to bloom. It’s a delight … Read more.
An Open Letter to Spring
Dear Spring, We have all been anxiously awaiting your arrival. We have so enjoyed your short visits – but they have been pleasant teasers, not the same as a proper long stay. We have prepared … Read more.
Halley’s Comet, 1910
On May 26, 1910, Estelle Clements saw Halley’s Comet; she wrote in her diary, “Fine sight of comet in p.m.” It was an historic occasion to which she gave short shrift, going on to write … 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.
Blithewold’s Golf Club House
In 1895, when Augustus and Bessie Van Wickle purchased the 70 acre property on Ferry Road that became Blithewold, they had grand plans to make their ‘Country Place’ into an idyllic, restful retreat to share … Read more.
One Hundred Years Ago
JUNE 1916 As I write this in the middle of May we have the heating on in the offices. The Third Floor group just had lunch on the North Porch – a favorite spot to … Read more.
A Sad Day in Hazleton, February 1923
The Pardee Mansion, built by Ario Pardee in 1859, was once the showpiece of Hazleton, Pennsylvania. It was home to Ario and Anna Maria Pardee and their 12 children including Bessie Pardee who was born … Read more.
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