"SPECTACULAR": Mary Pickford

When we were selecting cocktails for the "SPECTACULAR! SPECTACULAR!" event this weekend, I asked a few friends what kind of prohibition cocktails would be appropriate to serve...and fairly simple. 

And these are a few that made the top of the list...

Mary Pickford the cocktail

Although this drink is sometimes misappropriated as a 1940’s creation, it’s actually from 1920 at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba in Havana. The cocktail is variously attributed to a few different people, but the most likely creator is Eddie Woelke, who moved to Cuba during Prohibition and helmed the famed Jockey Bar in Havana. Though the Mary Pickford is not unknown, Woelke is better known as the creator of the El Presidente, a similarly rum-based tipple that has been enjoying a resurgence in popularity. The Mary Pickford is particularly interesting, as its composition is sort of proto-tiki, foreshadowing the tropical concoctions that would become all the rage in Hollywood (and elsewhere) after Prohibition.

Mary Pickford the Legend

Mary Pickford (April 8, 1892 – May 29, 1979) was one of the original 36 founders of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Known as "America's Sweetheart," "Little Mary" and "The girl with the curls,", Pickford was one of silent film's most important performers and producers, her contract demands were central to shaping the Hollywood industry. In consideration of her contributions to American cinema, the American Film Institute named Pickford 24th among the greatest female film stars of all times.
 
And here's the information about "SPECTACULAR! SPECTACULAR!":
Saturday, April 2...Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum (downstairs in the clubrooms) 680 Adams Avenue
$20 suggested donation at the door to benefit the "spectacular" work that A.P.T.A. Memphis Chapter does at the museum...Period dress or cocktail attire is encouraged.  (You might want to bring a few bills for the "Blind Pig" demonstration of the original cocktail (if you're scratching your head on this one, you'll just have to come to find out!)
 
There will be period exhibits and tutorials throughout the "speakeasy" and lots of great nibbles for your tummy, too!!

Live Television, Speakeasies, and Art

This morning Mrs. Ralston and I made our way downtown to Peabody Place.  I was the first to arrive and thought I was in the wrong place.  If you haven't been in Peabody Place lately, it's a ghost town.  Coco and Lily is the only retailer open...everything, and I mean everything is closed.  No more shops, eateries...not even water in the once beautiful wandering fountains...and the huge clock isn't even working...sad.  There were a few cameras and lights set up for the Live at 9 morning program, though.  I introduced myself and waited around for Mrs. Ralston to arrive.  After she did, we talked quietly while the live television program was being shot.  It was soon our turn to sit on the "sofa" and "talk"...not "look at the camera"..."just talk like we were having a conversation"...so, we did.  Mrs. Ralston and I had dressed to the nines in our 20's styled linen and talked up the event planned for this weekend.  It was short and sweet, then left and  headed to the museum. 

As dreary as it was  outside today, we had a few guests.  A couple from New Mexico and a couple from Illinois, they were very pleasant and we had a wonderful time talking about their travels, Memphis food, and W-F (of course).  Late in the afternoon a young lady with a camera walked into the museum.  I learned that she was involved in making a documentary about the Memphis Art school.  (Both the Goyer-Lee and Woodruff-Fontaine houses served as the original art schools of Memphis between the late forties and fifties)  I was immediately intrigued to learn this, because I am researching this particular time in Memphis history currently.  I took her all over the house for research photography then ended our tour with a partial walk through of the Goyer-Lee House, next door.  I promised that I would give her a mention on the blog so, I will include this as best as I can. 



In a nutshell, the day was a huge success!  It makes me so proud to be a part of something as grand as the Woodruff-Fontaine House and to preserve a little piece of Memphis' unique history!

Here's where you can follow her (JoAnn Self Selvidge, the lovely lady film maker):
The Art Academy...on facebook
JoAnn Self Selvidge...on facebook
Go to these pages, "like" it , and enjoy!

Textiles: Mrs. Karen Ralston

It's said that "Tuesday's child is full of grace", this is quite true indeed for our textile director.  It takes a very graceful person, to work with all of the gowns, dresses, suits, and all the other pieces from the textiles permanent collection.  Mrs. Ralston is a dedicated volunteer both with W-F (as textiles director and museum shop volunteer) and with Playhouse on the Square (working with hats and costumes).  She's extraordinary to watch undress and dress the forms...her attention to detail is without compare.  Each piece is delicate and most are fragile to the point that one small tug on a button can shatter the entire garment, thus making her work rather complex and tedious.  Mrs. Ralston has been my personal source and inspiration for textiles knowledge.  While I have been a visual merchant for many years, there's a certain level of intensity working with these pieces at W-F.  She teaches her volunteers handling and care of the garments when working in the third floor bedroom we call the "Museum Room".  Usually, the room is open for guests to see...and on occassion seeing Mrs. Ralston working her magic.  Truly, there is nothing like working with these ladies that have so much passion.  I envy each and every one of them.

Mrs. Ralston often showcases her personal collections in the museum, either on forms or in cases.  During the "Spring Awakenings" exhibit, she has graciously displayed a collection of lace in the "back porch" hall, just when you come in the back door to tour the museum.  Her lace collection will be on display through the exhibit and into the summer months.

SPECTACULAR! SPECTACULAR! Speakeasy of Southern sensibilities

Josephine says, "Come shake your shimmy with me!"

The clubrooms under the mansion will be transported back to the Memphis Prohibition Era...when the gin was cool and the jazz was hot! We'll be featuring some of our fine party dresses from the era and a few small collections from the mansion's permanent collection appropriate of the time. Please join us for a "SPECTACULAR" evening! $20 donation at the door, please make checks payable to APTA Memphis Chapter! 21 & up only. Period dress or cocktail attire.

Even Elliot Fontaine had his days...

I've missed a few days of posts, so I decided to use the same excuse Mr. Fontaine did...he "had to take a tea".  Below, are a few appropriate images.

This Royal Doulton tea set was a St. Valentine's day gift from Elliott Fontaine.  The tea set is stamped on the bottom as being sold by Julius Goodman, a popular fine gift boutique in Memphis that was in business for over 125 years!

The object of Elliott's affection was, none other than, his lovely "gal pal" Lulu Montgomery.  This portrait hangs opposite of her sister in the second floor hall.



Posting will now resume, lots to come this weekend with "SPECTACULAR! SPECTACULAR! Speakeasy of Southern sensibilities

Wedding Belle

Woodruff-Fontaine House has made weddings a tradition since 1871.  The first wedding was performed inside the formal parlor and guests were entertained inside the ballroom.  The bride was none other than our resident gentle spirit, Mollie Woodruff.  Our wedding venues today include the gardens, front porch, carriage house, and the club rooms under the mansion.   

Recently, Mahaffey Tent and Rentals partnered with Woodruff-Fontaine House to install a satellite showroom inside the carriage house.  Samples from their rental collections will be on display and will be a meeting place to plan weddings and other events.  This has been a long time coming and will, without a doubt,  prove to be a successful partnership.   

Of course, we have brought in a "secret weapon".  Michelle Williams is our premier "go to" coordinator for weddings, special events, and group tours.  She has immeasurable taste and sophistication, not to mention a savvy approach to business.  Michelle assists with many other activities at the mansion and is a welcome face to the staff and volunteers.  If you have a business meeting, luncheon, birthday, or a "dream" wedding that needs a venue don't hesitate to call Woodruff-Fontaine House (526-1469).  The staff will collect your information and deliver it to Michelle and she will set a meeting so that all the details are covered.



There will be more post including Michelle and the fine work she's doing at the museum.  Above is from the Bridal Rhapsody earlier this year.

Social Butterflys

We ALWAYS have something going on in the Victorian Village!  Last month we celebrated Mardi Gras, Memphis style.  Here is the invitation that was designed by Monty Shane from Design 500 and VVI, brilliant.



And the gang's all here (almost) !  Below are the loveliest board members and their handsome husbands on the roof of Laurel Hill.  They're dressed to the nines looking like a million bucks.  Our lovely Mrs. Ralston wore vintage pieces from the 20s or 30s, I believe.  The true detail was the embroidery at the top of the dress...it's covered by the the blouse.  A hilarious moment in the evening is when she "flashed" me to show me the detail...of course, it's not in her fashion to do this...as one can imagine, I got a good laugh.



Pictured below is your faithful blogger.  I had a costume change half-way through the night...from kimono and white masque to one of Mr. Blake's MANY costumes he had on hand.  He literally has a closet packed with an array of beautiful costumes, this one is from an opera...an was my favorite.  I was captured here by Monty Shane...yes, he's that good.



St. Valentine's weekend was a chocolate lover's paradise at Woodruff-Fontaine.  We hosted a mini fundraiser that was a huge success, raising a little over $1300.  Mahaffey Tent Co. donated beautiful linens and tables for the evening and the whole place smelled like chocolate.  We had a silent auction that went over very well...lots of goodies!

There were "themed" tables scattered around, this one is special....Elliott's fudge table.  It is recorded in Elliott Fontaine's Daily Reminder that he made his own fudge and confesses to having a sweet tooth.  I thought it would be a good idea to include his own table.  There were pieces of Fontaine china and his photograph on display.

Here are the two most popular items of the evening...the Choco Vine chocolate wine (may be purchased from Joe's Liquors on Poplar Ave, our favorite) and the peacock feathers.  One charming guest arrived with a feather in her hair, which made me really happy.

Spring Awakenings

Woodruff-Fontaine presents "Spring Awakenings" a collection of lightweight textiles, highlighting lace and floral embroidery.  A collection of French furniture and accessories from the permanent collection will be on display through the spring and summer.  The third annual "Springtime in Victorian Village Egg Hunt" will take place on Saturday, April 23!  Mr. Bunny will be available for photos and a community garden party will round out the day
(2-4PM).  The museum and museum shop will be open, too (12-4PM)!  Call the museum for more information 901-529-1469, follow us on facebook, or check http://www.woodruff-fontaine.com/.

Here are a few images from the current exhibition.  "Spring Awakenings" will be on display through May 29.

Come see what else awaits you inside the Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum!

See you soon!

Fresh Start

I've been aching to publish a blog about the Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum for a long time.  Inspired by reading one of Elliott Fontaine's personal journals, I decided to go ahead with it.  After beginning a few times, I thought it best to commit to a "fresh start" in the spring.  Well, spring has sprung and I stay true to my word. 

The content of the blog will completely rely on the goings on, the ups and downs, the ins and outs (not to mention a healthy dose of history) of the Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum.  The "WF" resides in the area of Memphis named Victorian Village and stands among ancient magnolia trees on Adams Avenue, known once as "Millionaire's Row"  The Second Empire French mansion was a home to two prominent families during the late 19th century and early 20th century, the Amos Woodruff family and the Noland Fontaine family, and an art school that grew to become what is now the Memphis College of Art.  There's plenty of time for those histories...

Today the property is a museum, under the care of APTA, Memphis Chapter (Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities).  APTA is a state wide non profit association that strives to preserve our rich Tennesse history, customs, and relics.  I serve on the board of directors here in Memphis, serve as a volunteer docent, and have taken the museum as a "second home".  The Memphis APTA is a non profit that saved the property from it's certain demise, restored the mansion and carriage houses, and have leased the property from the city for the past fifty years soley for the purpose of historic education and aesthetic enjoyment.  We are currently working to renew our lease from the City of Memphis.

It's a daily struggle and a daily gift to everyone associated with this grand home...and I call it "home" because it is.  The staff, volunteers, board members, and guests make this such a "home-like" environment.  Not to mention the residents that never left, our beloved gentle spirits that guide and entertain most of us there on a regular basis.  I truly hope that this is as rewarding and pleasing for you to read, as it is for me to compose.  I will do my best to fill this blog with the images and stories that have made me a better man, a better person for having been graced by the spirit of Woodruff-Fontaine House.  Thank you, Mr. Fontaine...for the daily inspiration and your "Daily Reminder".